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Crispy, Juicy Country Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Recipe for Perfectly Tender Fried Chicken

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Learn how to make crispy, juicy country fried chicken with this easy, step-by-step recipe for perfect fried chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cupsvegetable oil
  • For the Buttermilk Marinade:
  • 2 cupsbuttermilk (see substitutions below)
  • 2large eggs, whisked
  • 3 teaspoonssalt
  • For the Breading:
  • 1 ½ cupsall-purpose flour
  • ½ cupbreadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
  • 2 ½ teaspoonsseasoned salt
  • ¾ teaspoonpaprika
  • ½ teaspooncayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoonsblack pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep Work:
  2. Place the chicken breasts on a sheet of plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer to flatten them to about ½ inch thick.
  3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  4. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, salt, and buttermilk. Add the chicken to this mixture and marinate for 1 to 2 hours (or overnight). The longer it marinates, the more tender it will be.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes before frying.
  6. Cooking Instructions:
  7. Prepare the breading mix by combining flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
  8. Take each piece of marinated chicken and dip it into the breading mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated.
  9. Tip: Coat each piece right before frying, not all at once.
  10. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat to about 350°F (use enough oil to cover the chicken halfway). A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even frying.
  11. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the coating turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken carefully using a thin spatula.
  12. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and keep the bottom crispy.
  13. Repeat the frying process for the remaining chicken breasts.
  14. Serve with your favorite sides like cornbread, mashed potatoes, and gravy!
  15. Notes: Buttermilk Substitutes:
  16. ½ cup milk + 1 ½ cups sour cream
  17. 4 tablespoons milk + enough plain yogurt to make 2 cups
  18. 2 tablespoons white vinegar + enough milk to make 2 cups (let sit for 5-10 minutes)
  19. 2 tablespoons lemon juice + enough milk to make 2 cups (let sit for 10 minutes, stir after it curdles)
  20. Enjoy your crispy, tender chicken!

Find it online: https://www.kitchensara.com/crispy-juicy-country-fried-chicken-the-ultimate-re/