Easy, delicious, and packed with classic Southern comfort, this Chicken Fried Chicken is a family-favorite dinner that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Crispy fried chicken cutlets smothered in homemade country gravy—served over mashed potatoes—makes the ultimate cozy meal everyone will love.

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Why We Love This Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken is a staple in our home, and this Chicken Fried Chicken has become one of our top-requested weeknight meals. It takes everything we adore about Chicken Fried Steak and swaps in thin-cut chicken breasts for a faster, easier, and equally delicious version.

The result?
Perfectly seasoned, crunchy golden chicken coated in a rich, savory gravy—comfort food at its finest.

✔ Minimal Ingredients

Made with pantry staples, it’s quick to whip up even on busy nights.

✔ Thin-Cut Chicken = Faster Cooking

Using thinly sliced chicken helps it fry evenly without the need to trim or pound them.

✔ Flavorful Homemade Country Gravy

Using the seasoned frying oil adds incredible depth and authentic Southern flavor.

This recipe checks every box for an easy, comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner!

How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Below is a simple step-by-step guide for frying crispy, golden chicken at home.

1. Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Mix the Wet Batter

In another dish, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth and well combined.

3. Dredge the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip into the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in flour—pressing firmly to help the breading adhere.

4. Fry Until Golden

Heat oil to 325°F in a deep skillet or deep fryer. Fry each piece for 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.

Crispy golden chicken pieces resting on a plate after frying.

How to Make Country Gravy

Homemade gravy is essential for Chicken Fried Chicken—and it’s so simple!

Add ¼ cup of the reserved frying oil to a skillet over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth and thickened.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Don’t want to use frying oil? Use butter or bacon grease instead—it’s still delicious.

What to Serve with Chicken Fried Chicken

This dish pairs perfectly with classic comfort sides such as:

Mashed potatoes (a must!)
Mac and cheese
Cheddar biscuits
Green beans
Corn on the cob
Coleslaw

Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests, these sides help create a full Southern-style meal.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Fried Chicken

A deep fryer works great if you don’t want to pan-fry.
Use thin-cut chicken breasts for even frying.
Adjust seasonings to taste—make it spicier or milder.
Use butter or bacon grease for the gravy if preferred.
Make sure to press the flour coating onto the chicken for crispier crust.

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Chicken:

6–8 thin-sliced chicken breasts
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 egg
1 tbsp hot sauce
Oil for frying

Country Gravy:

¼ cup reserved frying oil
⅓ cup flour
2 cups milk
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 325°F.
Prepare the flour mixture by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip in the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in the flour—pressing firmly.
Fry each piece for 3–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
To make the gravy: heat ¼ cup of the used frying oil in a pan, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute, then slowly add milk. Stir until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

Serve chicken topped with warm gravy.

Notes

Deep fryer or skillet both work well for this recipe.
Substitute butter or bacon grease for gravy if preferred.
Slice regular chicken breasts in half if you don’t have thin-cut.
Flavor levels can be adjusted in both breading and gravy.