Country Fried Chicken: A Classic Southern Comfort Dish

When it comes to classic Southern comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as Country Fried Chicken. This recipe offers perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken with a tender, juicy interior, seasoned to perfection. Whether you’re making a family dinner or hosting a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to bring smiles to the table. Paired with sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, and gravy, it’s a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

Buttermilk Marinade:

• 2 cups buttermilk (see notes for substitutions)
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 3 teaspoons salt

Breading:

• 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
• 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¾ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prep Work

Tenderize the Chicken

Start by covering each chicken breast with plastic wrap. Use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken flat, aiming for about 1/2 inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and makes the chicken extra tender.

Marinate the Chicken

Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the whisked eggs, salt, and buttermilk to create the marinade. Submerge the chicken in the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight if possible, for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.

Before frying, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

2. Prepare the Breading Mix

In a shallow dish, prepare the breading mix by combining flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This blend of spices gives the chicken its signature flavor and crispy coating.

3. Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess drip off. Dredge each chicken breast in the breading mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. It’s important to bread the chicken just before frying to maintain the crispiness.

4. Fry the Chicken

In a cast iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F. The oil should be deep enough to cover the chicken halfway. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.

Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a thin spatula to flip the chicken when the edges start to brown. This method ensures even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior.

5. Drain and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, transfer it to a wire cooling rack. This allows excess oil to drain off, preventing the chicken from becoming soggy.

Serve the fried chicken hot with classic Southern sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, and either chicken or brown gravy. This meal is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: 600 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Tips for Perfect Country Fried Chicken

• Marinate Overnight: For the most tender and flavorful chicken, marinate the breasts overnight. The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and delicious.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet holds heat well and distributes it evenly, which is key to achieving a perfect, crispy crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in soggy chicken.

Conclusion

Country Fried Chicken is a timeless dish that brings the comfort of Southern cooking to your kitchen. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and flavorful seasoning, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fried chicken. Serve it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

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