Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Cracker-Crusted Chicken Breasts

This crispy, golden chicken is coated in a flavorful cracker and seasoning mix, creating the perfect crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy interior. Ideal for a family meal or a quick dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

  • 30 saltine crackers
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons dry potato flakes
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 egg
  • 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying

Directions

  1. Place the crackers in a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and crush the crackers using a rolling pin until they form coarse crumbs.
  2. Add the all-purpose flour, dry potato flakes, seasoned salt, and black pepper to the bag. Seal the bag again and shake to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  3. In a shallow dish or bowl, beat the egg. Dredge each chicken breast piece in the egg, making sure it's fully coated.
  4. Place the egg-coated chicken pieces into the bag with the cracker crumb mixture. Seal the bag and shake to coat the chicken evenly with the crumb mixture.
  5. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350F (175C). Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan.
  6. Fry the chicken, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy cracker-crusted chicken breasts!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 887
Total Fat 80g
Saturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 103mg
Sodium 389mg
Total Carbohydrates 14g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 29g
Vitamin C 1mg
Calcium 32mg
Iron 2mg
Potassium 272mg

Note: The nutrition data is based on the full amount of breading ingredients, but the actual amount of breading consumed may vary. The nutritional value of oil for frying has been estimated based on a 10% retention value after cooking. Exact figures can differ depending on cooking time, temperature, and the specific oil used.

Chicken Fried Chicken

History of Chicken Fried Chicken

Chicken Fried Chicken is a quintessential dish that hails from the Southern United States. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century when fried foods became a staple of Southern cooking. The dish was inspired by the traditional fried chicken, but instead of using whole chicken pieces, boneless chicken breasts are breaded and fried to perfection. While it may seem like a twist on fried chicken, Chicken Fried Chicken is often served as a main course, typically accompanied by gravy, making it a beloved comfort food.

Regional Features

Chicken Fried Chicken is most commonly associated with the Southern United States, especially Texas and the Deep South. While variations exist, the hallmark of this dish is its crispy, golden breading, which is made from crushed saltine crackers and dry potato flakes, adding a unique texture and flavor. Southern kitchens are known for their emphasis on flavorful, hearty meals, and Chicken Fried Chicken fits right into this tradition. The dish is often served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or biscuits, making it a perfect example of Southern hospitality and comfort food.

What Makes it Different from Similar Dishes?

Although Chicken Fried Chicken may resemble fried chicken, there are notable differences. In traditional fried chicken, pieces of chicken with the skin on are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried. In contrast, Chicken Fried Chicken uses boneless chicken breasts, which are breaded and fried in a way that results in a tender and juicy inside with a crispy, flavorful coating. Additionally, Chicken Fried Chicken is often served with creamy white gravy, a feature not typically associated with fried chicken. This distinction makes Chicken Fried Chicken a comforting and indulgent meal that stands apart from its more traditional cousin.

Where is it Typically Served?

Chicken Fried Chicken is a popular choice in Southern diners, comfort food restaurants, and family-style eateries across the United States. It is especially common in Texas and other Southern states, where the dish is often featured on the dinner menu. You can also find it in many home kitchens, where it is prepared for Sunday family meals, special occasions, or any time a hearty meal is desired. Its a favorite for feeding a crowd, making it a staple for gatherings, celebrations, and holiday dinners in Southern households.

Fun Facts

  • The use of potato flakes in the breading is a unique twist that gives Chicken Fried Chicken its signature crispy texture.
  • Chicken Fried Chicken is often mistaken for Chicken Fried Steak, another popular Southern dish. The primary difference is that Chicken Fried Steak uses a beef cut, while Chicken Fried Chicken uses chicken.
  • The phrase "chicken fried" refers to the method of cooking rather than the chicken itself. Its a Southern style of frying that involves breading and deep frying meat, similar to how chicken is fried in the region.
  • Chicken Fried Chicken has become a comfort food favorite beyond the South, with many restaurants in the U.S. offering their own variations of the dish.

FAQ about Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

To store leftover chicken fried chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be eaten within 3-4 days for best freshness and taste. Reheat in the oven or skillet to maintain crispiness.

Yes, you can freeze chicken fried chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, eat within 2-3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat chicken fried chicken and keep it crispy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet, leaving space between the pieces. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and the coating becomes crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet on medium heat with a little oil.

Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken such as thighs, tenders, or bone-in pieces. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut. Bone-in pieces will need a longer frying time, and tenders will cook faster than breasts.

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of saltine crackers. Make sure the flour and any other ingredients are also gluten-free.

If you don't have potato flakes, you can use crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or panko as a substitute. The texture may vary slightly, but these alternatives will still give a crispy coating.

Chicken fried chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, collard greens, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with your favorite dipping sauce, such as gravy or hot sauce.

Yes, you can bake chicken fried chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken should also be golden brown and the juices should run clear when pierced.

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options for frying chicken fried chicken. These oils have a high smoke point, which helps achieve a crispy coating without burning the oil.

Comments

lonnarific

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Fabulous! I can't stand it when people complain about "lacking flavor" with recipes such as this; common sense would tell me that not everyone's idea of "flavor" is the same and if it's "lacking flavor" then do something about it... salt, pepper, hot sauce, etc. I don't think it's right to give something a low rating just because it isn't EXACTLY how one person expects it to be... sorry, I just HAD to finally say something! LOL. I used all the ingredients called for and as per one user's suggestion about NOT turning frequently, I took their advice and let the chicken cook for a full 5 or 6 minutes before turning over. I then flipped the chicken and cooked for another 5 or 6 minutes and then continued to flip the chicken over for another 3 minutes on each side. The end result was juicy and evenly coated chicken that turned out to be the best tasting chicken I've ever had. My entire family is now in love with the taste and I definitely look forward to making time and time again! Aside from the great taste, I thoroughly enjoyed the mess-free factor of using the ziploc bag to do all the coating and the crackers of course were so much easier to deal with than just a basic flour coating. I think at some point in the future I will perhaps try adding a bit of a ranch powder packet in with the rest of the coating mix. This is definitely a 5 star recipe that I highly recommend trying! **Note, I used thinly sliced chicken tender type slices**

carla

09/17/2006 06:59:12 PM

I like the flavor of the coating! I do have one suggestion. I tried applying the coating the way the recipe calls for (just dip in egg then coating), and also the way I learned in culinary school (dip in flour, then egg, then coating). The latter method was much better the chicken was crispier and much juicier. I will probably make again - thanks!

Carla Skidmore

08/24/2021 09:18:32 PM

That was a great recipe for those who are not Gluten Intolerant. My husband cannot eat anything with wheat, oats, or barley. Thus, I used GF bread crumbs, after I spread some mayo onto the chicken breasts. I baked them at 400 degrees in my countertop oven until they reached 180 degrees. The chicken breasts were tender and juicy.

Rosa

10/20/2021 03:20:20 AM

Wow, this was absolutely delicious! Crispy, tender and very flavorful. We pounded the chicken breasts (made it melt in mouth tender), added extra seasonings from other reviewers suggestions (1 tbl seasoned salt, 1 tbl garlic powder, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp paprika). Also added 4 tbl potato flakes. We seasoned the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder before dredging in flour. Then egg wash and cracker coating. Also, pressing the cracker coating into the chicken helped keep it on when frying. Next time I'll use 2 sleeves of crackers and double the seasonings etc. as we ran out of the cracker mixture. Wonderful, easy and delicious! This will definitely go into our dinner rotation. Thanks CASSJW!

Jenny Lawrence

03/16/2018 08:15:24 AM

Delicious! I made some changes: 1. Always brine chicken beforehand at least 30 min. 2. Added buttermilk (I made my own with apple cider vinegar and milk) and hot sauce to egg for better coating and flavor. 3. Hand coated the breading instead of shaking it. Much better coating though messier! 4. Added adobo seasoning and garlic powder to coating mix. 5. Baked chicken once heated to 160 degrees in oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees to ensure doneness. 6. Used legs and thighs with bone and skin. My family loved this chicken! My husband ate four pieces and it was juicy thanks to the brine!

stephanie55

04/21/2023 01:54:44 PM

I've been making this recipe for YEARS. Back in 2004 I started adding more spices and that sent this dish to the stars for tastiness. I add: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, a dash of red pepper flakes. It's delicious with mashed potatoes and collards.

Harriet Gould

06/06/2019 08:07:49 PM

Made this and loved it!! I used boneless skinless chicken breasts and followed another's suggestion about baking it in the oven. WOW!! I also added 1/2 stick melted butter after 35 minutes and allowed the breasts to cook another 5 minutes. Baked at 400 degrees. Deliciousness and crispy!! Will make again!! Had a little left over and ate it for lunch today. Very yummy cold too.

KindZest8507

07/09/2024 06:12:52 PM

I enjoyed making this recipe, I did switch the order of prep, by seasoning the chicken first with Adobo, and Sazon for some deep flavor. I floured the chicken first, egg dip second then the crumbs last. It made a much more crispier chicken.

cmcondon77

01/08/2019 03:37:19 AM

Excellent!!!! I pounded the chicken to an even thickness and gave each piece a shake of salt, pepper and garlic powder before i soaked them in buttermilk for a few hours. Other than that I followed the recipe and my family loved it!

Louise Mussienko

05/12/2019 02:45:35 PM

My fiancé is on a low fod map diet so I used gluten-free flour blend and rice crispies ground up about 1 1/2 cups each, Salt, pepper, Cayenne pepper, and a dash of thyme. I used chicken tenderloin strips and dipped them in an egg wash of one egg and almond milk then tossed them in the coating. I fried them in sunflower olive oil combination with just a little bit of bacon fat. THEY WERE GREAT. The potato flakes I think made them wonderful! He is a picky eater and he loves them. THEY were VERY moist. I served with salad and jasmine rice with butter. Thanks for this recipe, chef!! The oil is conquistador brand olive oil combination, it’s a terrific oil and I bought it at a Mexican shopping center!

Jennifer Design

12/26/2018 10:53:59 PM

WE ALL LOVED THIS! Okay, so very few changes per our taste and cooking style and it was fantastic. Using cut-up boneless breast, wash then pat dry. Next: We added salt & pepper to the flour, then drench chicken pieces in that first. THEN dip in egg - flour first, then egg. Next, you go to the cracker mix after the egg. We also added salt, pepper, marjoram, and dill seasonings to the cracker mix and I think that helped because it was a hit. Very flavorful and I was asked the same week to make it again. Thank you, CASSJW, this is a keeper! Update - made it again for some guests and everyone loved it!

Danielle Hallinan

04/29/2025 01:12:05 AM

The taste is phenomenal. My daughter said they taste like my homemade Flick-chil-a nuggets. But they were so much easier to make. I gave it 4 stars because I tweaked it - I did flour, egg, then cracker/flake/flour mixture as suggested by another reviewer. A+++ from the family so I will be making them again!

FizzyMalt3234

04/17/2025 08:23:10 PM

I love it just right but i add some other type of seasonings to mine everything else is great

Bryan Fleischer

03/28/2025 03:20:30 PM

It could use a little more seasoning. It was delicious!

Ashley Davis

01/09/2025 05:02:07 PM

Quick, easy, and no stress — love it!

Nancy Moore

12/19/2024 03:12:28 PM

This will definitely be a repeat in my kitchen.

Brandon Parker

07/20/2024 06:16:01 PM

This recipe is straight-up gold.

CurvyRoe2506

05/08/2024 10:28:03 PM

I made this except I used cheese crackers, (like Cheezits), and the family loved it. Its the most frequent chicken request I get for supper now.

Gregory Clark

04/17/2024 04:11:00 PM

Lowkey feeling like a pro.

Scott Turner

03/27/2024 10:34:54 AM

This recipe is pure madlad energy.