Get ready to indulge in the crispiest, juiciest, and most mouthwatering Southern-style chicken fried chicken recipes! From classic buttermilk batters to spicy Cajun seasonings and sweet honey glazes, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a Southern native or just a lover of comfort food, these 18 crispy chicken fried chicken recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Dixie.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the South’s most beloved flavors and cooking techniques. From tender buttermilk chicken fried chicken with creamy gravy to spicy Sriracha-infused tenders, each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver that perfect balance of crunch and flavor. So grab your apron, preheat your skillet, and get ready to dive into the world of crispy chicken fried chicken like never before!
Buttermilk Chicken Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy
This recipe combines the crispiest fried chicken with a rich and creamy gravy, perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. The buttermilk adds a tangy twist to the classic Southern dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. For the cream gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Serve the fried chicken with warm cream gravy.
Cooking Time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Spicy Cajun Chicken Fried Chicken
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and spicy twist on classic fried chicken! This recipe combines the crunch of Southern-style breading with the heat of Cajun spices, creating a dish that’s sure to please even the most adventurous eaters.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dip floured chicken in buttermilk, making sure it’s fully coated.
5. Dredge chicken again in flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Fry chicken for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Fried Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this crispy and savory recipe that combines the richness of parmesan cheese, the pungency of garlic, and the crunch of chicken fried goodness.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Sprinkle garlic and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Honey Butter Glazed Chicken Fried Chicken
This recipe combines the classic comfort of fried chicken with a sweet and sticky honey butter glaze, resulting in a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breast or thighs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, mix together honey and softened butter.
7. Brush the glaze onto the fried chicken during the last minute of cooking.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Southern Fried Chicken with Biscuits and Gravy
This recipe combines the crispiest fried chicken with creamy biscuits and rich, savory gravy for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
– 4 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
For the biscuits:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
For the gravy:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the chicken by mixing the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture.
3. Fry the chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the biscuits by mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly, then add buttermilk to form a dough.
5. Bake the biscuits at 425°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Make the gravy by whisking together the oil, flour, and chicken broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes total, depending on cooking method and number of servings.
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken Tenders
Elevate your chicken tender game with this crispy and juicy recipe! Crunchy breading and tender meat make for a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Optional: your favorite seasonings (e.g., cayenne pepper, chili powder)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
5. Fry chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Chicken
Elevate your comfort food game with this crispy and flavorful herb-crusted chicken fried chicken recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in eggs, then coat in herb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Dredge coated chicken in panko breadcrumbs, shaking off excess.
5. Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer fried chicken to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until crispy and cooked to your liking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Glazed Chicken Fried Chicken
Elevate your comfort food game with this sweet and savory twist on classic chicken fried chicken. The rich flavor of maple syrup pairs perfectly with crispy, juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken breast in the mixture, coating both sides evenly.
3. Dip coated chicken breasts in buttermilk, then coat again in the flour mixture.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup and 1 tablespoon water.
7. Brush the maple glaze all over the fried chicken during the last minute of cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Chicken Fried Chicken with Bacon
Elevate your chicken game with this indulgent recipe that combines crispy fried chicken, smoky bacon, and melted cheese for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Dredge in egg wash, then coat with crumbled bacon.
5. Fry chicken in hot oil (350°F) for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. Place fried chicken breasts on a baking sheet and top each with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Lemon Pepper Chicken Fried Chicken
Brighten up your week with this zesty and flavorful chicken fried chicken recipe infused with the citrusy goodness of lemon pepper. This classic Southern dish gets a refreshing twist, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breast or tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp lemon zest
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with lemon zest and juice.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoky BBQ Chicken Fried Chicken
Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time with this mouthwatering Smoky BBQ Chicken Fried Chicken recipe! Tender and juicy chicken breasts are coated in a spicy cornflake crust, then smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce infused with the deep flavors of smoked paprika.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Smoky BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk, then coat in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently.
4. Fry the coated chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve hot with a drizzle of Smoky BBQ sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Style Chicken Fried Chicken
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this twist on the classic fried chicken recipe. This spicy take adds a bold and tangy buffalo sauce kick that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs chicken breast or tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot and butter)
• Chopped celery leaves and blue cheese crumbles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes).
5. Remove from oil and toss with buffalo sauce.
6. Serve hot with chopped celery leaves and blue cheese crumbles (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Classic Buttermilk Chicken Fried Chicken
Classic Buttermilk Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe
A Southern staple, this classic recipe yields crispy, juicy chicken with a tangy buttermilk twist. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place on a plate or tray.
4. Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
5. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total
Golden Fried Chicken with Country Gravy
Satisfy your cravings with this classic Southern comfort food – tender, juicy fried chicken smothered in a rich and creamy country gravy. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, then coat in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side.
5. Remove fried chicken from oil and place on paper towels to drain.
6. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
7. Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and creamy.
8. Serve country gravy over fried chicken.
Cooking Time: About 30-40 minutes.
Spicy Sriracha Chicken Fried Chicken
Add a kick to your classic fried chicken with this spicy twist! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and infused with the bold flavor of sriracha.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breasts or tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup sriracha sauce
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk, then coat in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry coated chicken for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. In a small bowl, mix together sriracha sauce and 1 tablespoon water.
7. Toss fried chicken with sriracha mixture while still warm.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Herb Chicken Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your comfort food game with this flavorful recipe that combines crispy chicken, savory mashed potatoes, and a hint of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 cup butter, softened
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Dip chicken breasts in the mixture, coating evenly.
4. Dredge in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
6. While chicken is baking, boil potatoes until tender.
7. Mash with butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
8. Serve hot with crispy garlic herb chicken.
Cooking Time: approximately 45-50 minutes
Sweet Tea Brined Chicken Fried Chicken
This Southern-style classic gets a twist with a sweet tea brine that adds depth and complexity to the crispiest, most tender fried chicken you’ve ever had.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)
– 1 quart buttermilk
– 1 cup strong brewed sweet tea
– 1/4 cup kosher salt
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
– All-purpose flour for dredging
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sweet tea, kosher salt, brown sugar, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces to the brine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
4. Remove chicken from brine and dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
5. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Panko-Crusted Chicken Fried Chicken
This Japanese-inspired twist on traditional chicken fried chicken uses panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crisper coating, resulting in a deliciously juicy and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken breast in the buttermilk mixture, coating completely, then roll in panko breadcrumbs to coat.
3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Fry the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
5. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the crispiest, most flavorful Southern-style chicken fried chicken recipes! From classic buttermilk and cream gravy to spicy Cajun and smoky BBQ, we’ve got 18 mouth-watering dishes that will satisfy your cravings. Try the Honey Butter Glazed Chicken Fried Chicken for a sweet twist or go bold with the Spicy Sriracha Chicken Fried Chicken. With a range of flavors and toppings from parmesan to bacon, there’s something for everyone in this collection of crispy chicken fried chicken recipes.
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