Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern-style dish that typically involves a boneless chicken breast that’s pounded thin, coated in seasoned flour, and then fried until golden and crispy. It’s similar to traditional Chicken Fried Steak but uses chicken instead of beef. After frying, it’s often served with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and sometimes vegetables. It’s a hearty and flavorful comfort food dish popular in the Southern United States.

Here’s a basic recipe for Chicken Fried Chicken:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).
2. Seasoning and Coating:
   • In a shallow bowl or dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
   • In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
3. Dredge and Coat:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, enough to cover about 1/2 inch of the skillet.
   • Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk-egg mixture, and again dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
5. Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and your favorite vegetables.

Enjoy your Chicken Fried Chicken!