Q1: What’s the difference between chicken fried chicken and country fried chicken?

Country fried chicken is typically pan-fried and served with brown gravy. Chicken fried chicken often mimics steak style with a thicker crust and white gravy.

Q2: Can I use thighs or tenders instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and work well. Just adjust the cook time slightly—thighs take a bit longer.

Q3: How do I make country fried chicken gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend and substitute crushed rice cereal or almond flour for the breadcrumbs.

Q4: What oil is best for deep frying this recipe?

Stick to oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These heat well and don’t overpower the flavor.

Country Fried Chicken – Ultimate Guide with Tips & Variations

Name: Country Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 large eggs, whisked; 3 teaspoons salt; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs; 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt; ¾ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Description

This Southern-style country fried chicken is juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and full of flavor. Perfect for comfort food lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs, whisked
3 teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
Pat chicken dry and marinate in buttermilk, eggs, and salt for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Let chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying.
Mix flour, breadcrumbs, and spices in a separate bowl.
Remove chicken from marinade and coat well in breading mixture.
Heat oil in a cast iron skillet to 350°F.
Fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain and stay crisp.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For buttermilk substitute, mix 2 tbsp lemon juice with milk to make 2 cups and let sit for 10 minutes.
Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F.
Do not overcrowd the pan—fry in batches.
Air fryer version: Spray with oil and cook at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping once.
Serve with mashed potatoes, gravy, or biscuits for a full Southern meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 348
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 555mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 82mg