If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, look no further than Classic Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Batter. This Southern classic is all about tender chicken with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating. It’s comfort food at its best, and it’s a meal that brings family and friends together around the table.

Whether you grew up in the South or are just discovering this iconic dish, the first bite will take you back to simpler times. The satisfying crunch, the savory seasoning, and the tender, juicy chicken are what make this recipe a beloved favorite across generations.

Let’s get cooking and bring a little piece of the South to your kitchen!

What is Chicken Fried Chicken?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a dish that combines the best parts of Southern fried chicken and country cooking. Unlike bone-in fried chicken, this recipe uses boneless chicken breasts, flattened and fried to perfection. It’s coated in a buttermilk batter that ensures the meat stays tender and juicy while the outside gets beautifully golden and crispy.

You can serve it with creamy country gravy, mashed potatoes, or your favorite Southern sides for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients for Classic Southern Chicken Fried Chicken

Here’s everything you need to recreate this Southern masterpiece:

For the Chicken

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	4 pieces
Salt	1 tsp
Black Pepper	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp
Garlic Powder	1 tsp
Onion Powder	1 tsp

For the Buttermilk Batter

Ingredient	Quantity
Buttermilk	2 cups
Eggs	2 large
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups
Baking Powder	1 tsp
Salt	1 tsp
Black Pepper	1 tsp
Paprika	1 tsp

For Frying

Ingredient	Quantity
Vegetable Oil (for frying)	2-3 cups (as needed)

Why Use Buttermilk for Fried Chicken?

Buttermilk is the secret weapon for this recipe. Here’s why it works so well:

• Tenderizes the Chicken: The acidity in buttermilk breaks down the proteins, making the chicken tender.
• Adds Flavor: Buttermilk infuses the chicken with a subtle tangy flavor.
• Helps the Batter Stick: The thick consistency of buttermilk makes the coating cling to the chicken, creating the perfect crust.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and it’s ready to use.

How to Make Classic Southern Chicken Fried Chicken

Follow these simple steps to make crispy, golden chicken fried chicken that’s full of Southern charm.

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Place the boneless chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
• Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.

2. Make the Buttermilk Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and return it to the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.

Tip: Double-dipping in the flour creates a thicker, crunchier crust.

3. Heat the Oil

• Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or cast-iron pan, filling it about 1 inch deep.
• Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.

4. Fry the Chicken

• Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Safety Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as it lowers the oil temperature and affects the crispiness.

5. Serve Hot and Enjoy

• Serve your Classic Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Batter hot, with your favorite sides and a generous drizzle of country gravy.

The Perfect Sides for Chicken Fried Chicken

Pair your crispy chicken with these classic Southern sides:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort food pairing.
• Green Beans: A light and healthy side that balances the richness of the chicken.
• Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are a Southern staple.
• Coleslaw: Tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch.
• Mac and Cheese: A creamy, cheesy companion to your crispy chicken.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	18 g
Sodium	850 mg

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Fried Chicken

1. Flatten the Chicken: Even thickness means even cooking.
2. Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at 350°F for crispy, golden chicken.
3. Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Season every step—chicken, batter, and flour.
4. Use Buttermilk: It’s the key to tender, flavorful chicken.
5. Let it Rest: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to keep it crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between fried chicken and chicken fried chicken?
Chicken fried chicken uses boneless, flattened chicken breasts, while traditional fried chicken often uses bone-in pieces.

2. Can I bake instead of fry chicken fried chicken?
Yes, but the texture won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, peanut oil or canola oil are excellent choices for frying because of their high smoke points.

4. How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Place the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.

6. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the coating crispy.

The Southern Tradition on Your Plate

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of Classic Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Batter. It’s crispy, juicy, and full of rich, Southern flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special family dinner or just because you’re craving some comfort food, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

Now, it’s your turn to bring this Southern classic to life. Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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