easy fried chicken breast recipe

The Best easy fried chicken breast recipe

I’ve been making this easy fried chicken breast recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I first discovered it in a cookbook from the Southern United States, where fried chicken is a staple.

The recipe is surprisingly simple, yet it yields incredibly tender and juicy chicken with a crispy exterior. I love that it’s quick to make, too – just marinate the chicken in buttermilk, dredge it in flour, and fry it up in a skillet.

My kids devour it in seconds, and I’m happy to oblige their requests for seconds (and thirds, and fourths…) This recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just want a tasty weeknight meal.

And as an added bonus, it’s relatively healthy compared to some other fried chicken recipes out there. The key to this recipe is using buttermilk to marinate the chicken, which adds moisture and tenderness without making the dish too greasy.

Plus, the crunchy coating on the outside is addictive – I could eat it all day long. I’ve even started experimenting with different seasonings and spices to give the chicken an extra kick of flavor.

My favorite variation so far is adding some smoked paprika and garlic powder to the coating mixture. It gives the chicken a deep, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the buttermilk perfectly.

Easy Fried Chicken Breast

Easy Fried Chicken Breast

4.6 from 570 votes

This recipe delivers crispy, golden fried chicken breasts with a perfectly seasoned coating. It uses a simple buttermilk soak to keep the meat juicy and tender.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time27 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
2This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
3In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
4Add the chicken breasts, turning to coat.
5Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
6In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
7Mix well with a fork.
8Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
9Dredge each breast in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres.
10Shake off any excess and place on a plate.
11Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers (350°F).
12Carefully place two chicken breasts in the hot oil without crowding.
13Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
14The coating should be crispy and deep golden.
15Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
16Repeat with remaining chicken, adding more oil if needed.
17Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
18Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Shallow dish
Whisk
Tongs
Large skillet or deep fryer
Paper towels
Plate

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 38g

📝Notes

For extra crunch, let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before frying. You can also use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the flour for a lighter texture.

Watch Video Of How Easy Fried Chicken Breast Works

This easy fried chicken breast recipe has become a staple in our household – we love how easy it is to make and how deliciously flavorful it turns out every time.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we’ve used it for everything from family dinners to picnics and even as a quick lunch on-the-go.

And because it’s relatively healthy compared to other fried chicken recipes out there, I feel good about serving it up to my family whenever they request it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fried Chicken Breast

Q: What type of flour do I use for this recipe?

You can use all-purpose flour or self-raising flour for this recipe – either one will work well.

Q: Can I use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil if you prefer – just be aware that it may not add quite the same depth of flavor to the chicken.

Q: How long do I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours – the longer you let it sit, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

Q: Can I bake this recipe instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake this recipe instead of frying if you prefer – just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken for about 20-25 minutes.

Q: What’s the secret to getting crispy coating on my fried chicken?

The secret is to make sure your coating mixture is nice and dry before dredging your chicken pieces in it – if your mixture is too wet, it won’t adhere properly and you’ll end up with a sad, soggy mess.

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