Country Fried Chicken Recipe | Crispy Buttermilk Chicken Breast with Gravy
This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket for those nights when you’re craving pure comfort food.
This Country Fried Chicken Recipe delivers everything you love about a classic Southern Fried Chicken Dinner—crispy, golden coating,
juicy chicken breasts, and incredible flavor in every bite. With a simple buttermilk marinade and perfectly seasoned breading, this Homemade Country Fried Chicken comes together with everyday ingredients and no complicated techniques.
Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes and Country Fried Chicken and Gravy, piling it onto a plate with your favorite Southern sides, or looking for new Dinner Ideas with Chicken Breast, this recipe never disappoints. It’s the kind of Old Fashioned Country Fried Chicken that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Let’s get cooking—you’ve got dinner covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Golden Every Time – Everything you want in a classic Country Fried Chicken recipe, with a crunchy coating and tender, juicy chicken inside.
- Easy Country Fried Chicken – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an easy family favorite.
- Perfect for Family Dinners – A satisfying Country Fried Chicken Dinner that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, biscuits, vegetables, and gravy.
- Packed with Southern Flavor – Inspired by traditional Southern Fried Chicken Dinner and Soul Food Fried Chicken recipes.
- Made with Chicken Breasts – A delicious Country Fried Chicken Breast recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to serve.
- Delicious with Gravy – Serve with creamy white gravy or your favorite Country Fried Chicken and Gravy for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Great for Any Occasion – Whether you’re learning How to Make Country Fried Chicken for the first time or recreating a family favorite, this recipe is always a hit.
For the Country Fried Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this recipe. Pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and creates that classic Country Fried Chicken Breast texture that’s crispy outside and juicy inside.
- Buttermilk – The secret to ultra-tender chicken. The buttermilk marinade helps break down the proteins, resulting in flavorful, moist chicken while also helping the breading stick better.
- Eggs – Combined with the buttermilk, eggs create the perfect coating base that allows the seasoned breading to cling to every bite.
- Salt – Added to the marinade to season the chicken from the inside out and enhance all the flavors.
For the Crispy Breading
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the foundation of the crispy coating and gives this Homemade Country Fried Chicken its signature crunch.
- Breadcrumbs – Add extra texture and help create an even crispier golden crust.
- Seasoned Salt – Brings savory flavor to the breading without requiring a long list of seasonings.
- Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor and contributes to that beautiful golden-brown color.
- Cayenne Pepper – Gives the chicken a gentle kick of heat without making it overly spicy.
- Black Pepper – Adds warmth and depth to balance the other seasonings.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil – Ideal for frying because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point. It helps create the crispy, golden coating that makes Old Fashioned Country Fried Chicken so irresistible.
Optional Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes – A classic pairing that turns this dish into a complete Country Fried Chicken Dinner.
- Country Gravy or White Gravy – Rich, creamy gravy takes this recipe to the next level and creates the ultimate Country Fried Chicken and Gravy experience.
- Buttermilk Biscuits – Perfect for soaking up extra gravy and completing a comforting Southern-style meal.
- Corn Casserole or Green Bean Casserole – Traditional side dishes that pair beautifully with this Southern Fried Chicken Dinner.
Country Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Buttermilk Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk]
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 3 tsp salt
Crispy Breading:
- 1 ½ cups xall-purpose flour
- ½ cup plain or Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 ½ tsp seasoned salt
- ¾ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (for a little kick!)
- 1 ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Lay each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound it to about ½ inch thick using a meat tenderizer. (No hammering needed—just a few firm taps!)
- Pat the chicken completely dry.
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and salt. Submerge the chicken in this mixture and let it soak for at least 1-2 hours (overnight is even better for ultra-tender chicken).
- Before frying, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 25-30 minutes.
Step 2: Bread & Fry
- Combine the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper in a large dish.
- Take each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Coat it thoroughly in the breading, pressing firmly to get all those crispy bits to stick. (Tip: Don’t coat all the chicken at once—do it right before frying!)
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a cast iron skillet (if you have one—it's best for even heat) to 350°F.
- Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 4-5 minutes per side. When the edges start browning, flip it gently using a thin spatula.
- Once golden and crispy on both sides, transfer the chicken to a wire rack so any extra oil drips away. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken, then serve hot with all your favorite Southern sides!
What to Serve It With
- Pair this crispy delight with:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Homemade Chicken Gravy or Brown Gravy
Roasted Carrots
Buttermilk Biscuits
Corn Casserole or Green Bean Casserole
Buttermilk Substitutes
No buttermilk? No problem! Try one of these:- ½ cup milk + 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 4 tbsp milk + enough plain yogurt to make 2 cups
- 2 tbsp white vinegar + enough milk to make 2 cups (let sit for 5-10 min)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice + enough milk to make 2 cups (let sit for 10 min, then stir!)
Nutrition
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! While this Country Fried Chicken Recipe is made with chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs work just as well and stay wonderfully juicy. Just cook them a little longer if they’re thicker.
2. Do I really need to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
If you have the time, yes! The buttermilk is what gives this Homemade Country Fried Chicken its tender, juicy texture and helps create that irresistibly crispy coating.
3. How do I keep my Country Fried Chicken crispy?
The trick is to place the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps the coating crisp and prevents your Country Fried Chicken Breast from getting soggy underneath.
4. What should I serve with Country Fried Chicken?
You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes and Country Fried Chicken and Gravy. Add biscuits, green beans, or corn casserole and you’ve got a classic Southern Fried Chicken Dinner everyone will love.
5. Can I make this Country Fried Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat them in the oven until hot and crispy. It’s a great way to enjoy an easy Country Fried Chicken Dinner on busy weeknights.
