Fried Chicken Breast – Juicy, tender, and perfectly golden, this Fried Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort food with a crispy, flavorful crust, and a moist interior, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate for a family dinner.
Why Fried Chicken Breast is a Classic Favorite
Fried chicken breast is beloved for its golden, crunchy coating and the succulent meat inside. While some worry that chicken breast can be dry, the right technique locks in moisture while achieving that signature crispiness. Plus, it’s a lean protein option, making it a lighter alternative to other fried cuts like thighs or drumsticks.
Whether served with mashed potatoes, on a sandwich, or simply with a side salad, fried chicken breast is endlessly adaptable.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Fried Chicken Breast
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
- Double Dip for Extra Crispiness: The flour-egg-flour method guarantees a thick, crunchy crust.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Rack: Avoid soggy bottoms by letting fried chicken rest on a rack instead of paper towels.
- Choose the Right Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke points, like peanut or canola oil, are ideal for frying.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a fiery kick.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the flour for a flavorful twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or almond flour.
How to Serve Fried Chicken Breast
- Classic Pairings: Serve with coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a traditional meal.
- On a Sandwich: Layer on a brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and mayo for an irresistible fried chicken sandwich.
- As a Salad Topper: Slice and add to a bed of greens with honey mustard dressing.
How to Store and Reheat Fried Chicken Breast
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Why is my fried chicken not crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough (350°F). Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature and results in greasy chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Can I fry chicken without buttermilk?
Yes! Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry before dredging, and press the coating firmly during breading.
Fried Chicken Breast
Fried Chicken Breast - Juicy, tender, and perfectly golden, this Fried Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort food with a crispy, flavorful crust, and a moist interior, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 3 Tbsp sour cream (optional)
- Kosher salt & black pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Lay shiny side down on a cutting board, cut off chicken tenders, and set aside.
- Lightly score the breasts in a crisscross pattern (without cutting all the way through). Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper. Mix sour cream and Dijon mustard in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the chicken, getting into the scored grooves. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Whisk the egg in a bowl. Spread the flour on a plate.
- Heat a skillet with enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then the flour, shaking off excess.
- Fry in batches over medium-high heat, 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Cook tenders in the second batch.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides or use the fried chicken to create a delicious sandwich!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 323Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 154mgSodium 222mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 41g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
The Final Word
Fried chicken breast is a culinary classic that’s easy to make once you master the basics. With this guide, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy and juicy results every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this versatile dish is sure to impress.
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