What is chicken fried chicken

Spring semester of my senior year in high school, when my friends and I were feeling daring we’d occasionally leave school for lunch. We only had 45 minutes so it had to be quick, and my school was in a remote area so there weren’t many dining options nearby. Though there was one restaurant that appealed to everyone—the local Grandy’s, which was only a short ride away. Easy and delicious this Chicken Fried Chicken is a quick and flavorful dinnertime recipe that brings the whole family to the table, with minimal ingredients it’s a simple and comforting meal.

Remember a day in college when a Texan friend of mine was trying to teach me the basics of Texas cuisine. There were a few things, she said, that I had to get right. Barbecued brisket. A good Texas-style barbecue sauce (none of that sweet Kansas City stuff, thank you). Real Texas-style chili (walk away from the beans and tomatoes). And, of course, chicken-fried steak, and its cousin, chicken-fried chicken. By the latter, she meant thin chicken cutlets marinated in a buttermilk-based brine, dredged in seasoned flour, deep-fried until golden and crisp, and served with a peppery white gravy. Chicken-fried chicken may not get as much love and attention as its close cousin, chicken-fried steak, but we’re here to tell you it’s essential Southern eating. And indeed, Southern it is. Chicken-fried chicken likely originated in Texas.

What size should my chicken breasts be? 

I usually purchase 2 pounds of chicken which is roughly 4 chicken breasts. If the chicken breasts are super big and thick, I will slice the chicken breast in half lengthwise then pound it out to ½ inch thickness. A standard, boneless, skinless chicken breast for a single serving should be approximately 3-4 ounces (85-113 grams), which is roughly the size of a deck of playing cards. It’s recommended to use a digital food thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What goes good with fried chicken? 

Mashed Potatoes is the obvious choice because it is perfect for that cream gravy! We always like to also serve it with a vegetable side like fried okra, peas, carrots, corn or beans. Fried chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, both classic and unique. Common pairings include mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, mac and cheese, and biscuits.

How do I keep the coating from falling off? 

Make sure the meat is dry before dipping in any batter. The chicken must be placed in flour first before it is dipped in the eggs and finally the coating mixture. To prevent breading from falling off, ensure the chicken is dry, use a three-step breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs), and let it rest before cooking. Additionally, maintaining proper oil temperature and avoiding overcrowding are crucial.

Can you make chicken fried chicken in the air fryer? 

Yes. Preheat air fryer to 370F degrees. Spray basket with nonstick olive oil spray. Place the chicken in the basket (making sure to leave room in between chicken breasts so you may have to cook in batches). Cook for about 15 minutes, flip the chicken, spray again, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F degrees.

How do I store leftovers? 

This can be stored in an airtight container where it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The gravy can be stored separately in another container. This can also be place your cooledchicken in a freezer container and it will keep for up to 4 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven for best results, as microwaving may make the crust soft rather than crispy.

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