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Classic Country Fried Chicken

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 38 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 349
The ultimate comfort food that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner—just add some mashed potatoes and gravy, and you’re all set!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Buttermilk Marinade:

  • 2 cups buttermilk]
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 3 tsp salt

Crispy Breading:

  • 1 ½ cups xall-purpose flour
  • ½ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
  • 2 ½ tsp seasoned salt
  • ¾ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (for a little kick!)
  • 1 ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Lay each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound it to about ½ inch thick using a meat tenderizer. (No hammering needed—just a few firm taps!)
  • Pat the chicken completely dry.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and salt. Submerge the chicken in this mixture and let it soak for at least 1-2 hours (overnight is even better for ultra-tender chicken).
  • Before frying, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Bread & Fry

  • Combine the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in a large dish.
  • Take each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Coat it thoroughly in the breading, pressing firmly to get all those crispy bits to stick. (Tip: Don’t coat all the chicken at once—do it right before frying!)
  • Heat about ½ inch of oil in a cast iron skillet (if you have one—it's best for even heat) to 350°F.
  • Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side. When the edges start browning, flip it gently using a thin spatula.
  • Once golden and crispy on both sides, transfer the chicken to a wire rack so any extra oil drips away. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
  • Repeat with the remaining chicken, then serve hot with all your favorite Southern sides!

Notes

What to Serve It With

Pair this crispy delight with:
🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes
🍗 Homemade Chicken Gravy or Brown Gravy
🥕 Roasted Carrots
🍞 Buttermilk Biscuits
🌽 Corn Casserole or Green Bean Casserole

Buttermilk Substitutes (Easy Fix! 🥛)

No buttermilk? No problem! Try one of these:
  • ½ cup milk + 1 ½ cups sour cream
  • 4 tbsp milk + enough plain yogurt to make 2 cups
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar + enough milk to make 2 cups (let sit for 5-10 min)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice + enough milk to make 2 cups (let sit for 10 min, then stir!)
Calories: 349kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Country Fried Chicken