Country Fried Chicken

 

Country Fried Chicken is a classic dish that makes everyone smile! Crispy, juicy chicken deep-fried to golden perfection. It’s comfort food at its best, and perfect for family gatherings.

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love making Country Fried Chicken because it’s simple and satisfying. The flavors are amazing, and the smell while it cooks is mouthwatering! It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table and creates lasting memories.

How to Make Country Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken cutlets
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to a large freezer bag. Pour in the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Shake the bag to mix well and coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for an hour.
2. Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be enough to cover half a cutlet at a time.
3. Prepare Breading: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
4. Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
5. Bread Chicken: One at a time, take the chicken cutlets from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off. Place the cutlet into the breading mixture and dredge it evenly and generously. Then, dredge it in the egg wash, and finally, back in the flour mixture for a final coating.
6. Fry Chicken: Carefully place the breaded cutlet into the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining cutlets.
7. Create Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Continue to whisk until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve Chicken: Serve the country fried chicken with your favorite sides and generously smothered in the gravy.

How to Serve Country Fried Chicken

Serve the Country Fried Chicken hot with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides. Don’t forget to drizzle that delicious gravy all over!

How to Store Country Fried Chicken

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven to keep it crispy.

Tips to Make Country Fried Chicken

• Let the chicken marinate for longer if you can for more flavor.
• Make sure the oil is hot before frying. This keeps the coating crispy.
• Don’t put too many cutlets in the oil at once; it will lower the temperature.

Variation

Try adding different spices to the breading mix, like Italian seasoning or lemon zest, for a fun twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets? Yes, chicken thighs work great too! Adjust cooking time as needed.

2. Is buttermilk necessary? Buttermilk adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken. You can substitute with milk and a bit of vinegar.

3. Can I bake this chicken instead of frying? Yes, you can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, but it won’t be as crispy.