Country Fried Chicken That’s Crispy, Juicy, and Easy

What Is Country Fried Chicken?

Crispy, golden, and full of Southern soul, country fried chicken is comfort food at its best. It starts with juicy, boneless chicken breasts that soak in a tangy buttermilk bath. Then they get coated in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs before sizzling in hot oil until perfectly crisp. The inside stays tender. The outside? Crunchy and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe keeps things simple. Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and keeps each bite juicy. The buttermilk adds flavor and makes the breading stick like a dream. And frying it just right gives you that craveable crunch without any sogginess. It’s reliable, easy to prep, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight, this chicken always hits the spot.

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ cups vegetable oil for frying

For the Buttermilk Marinade

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, whisked
• 3 teaspoons salt

For the Breading

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
• 2½ teaspoons seasoned salt
• ¾ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper

Buttermilk Substitutes

No buttermilk? Try one of these easy swaps:

• ½ cup milk plus 1½ cups sour cream
• 4 tablespoons milk, then fill with plain yogurt to make 2 cups
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar plus milk to make 2 cups (let sit 5–10 minutes)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus milk to make 2 cups (let sit 10 minutes)

How to Make Country Fried Chicken

Step 1: Pound and Prep the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound it to about ½ inch thick. This makes every piece tender and helps it cook evenly. Pat each one dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk Mixture

Whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and salt. Add the chicken and marinate for 1 to 2 hours, or overnight if you have time. Let it sit at room temperature for 25 to 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating cook evenly.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Combine the flour, breadcrumbs, and spices in a shallow bowl. Take each piece of chicken from the marinade and coat it in the flour mixture. Bread each one right before frying so the coating stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet or heavy pan to 350°F. Add enough oil to go halfway up the chicken. Fry each piece for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Flip gently with a thin spatula once the edges look golden. Don’t crowd the pan work in batches if needed.

Step 5: Drain and Rest

Transfer the chicken to a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps it crispy as it drains. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Crispy Chicken

• Always bread the chicken right before frying
• Let the chicken come to room temp before cooking
• Use a thermometer to check your oil stays at 350°F
• A wire rack keeps it crispy after frying

What to Serve With Country Fried Chicken

Make it a full comfort meal. Serve it with mashed potatoes and either brown or white gravy. Add buttery biscuits, green bean casserole, or cornbread on the side. Roasted veggies work great too.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm and crisp again skip the microwave to keep that crunch.

Recommended Tools

A few tools make this recipe easier:

• Meat tenderizer to pound the chicken
• Cast iron skillet for even heat
• Oil thermometer to keep temp steady
• Wire rack to drain and keep chicken crispy

Country Fried Chicken Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

If you love cozy chicken dinners, you’ll also enjoy this creamy ranch chicken skillet dinner, or try this cheesy mozzarella chicken bake for a family-friendly twist. For something extra easy, the crock pot chicken pot pie is always a win.

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