Fried Chicken Breast (Crispy and Easy Pan-Fried Recipe)

Why Make This Recipe

Fried chicken breast is a classic dish loved by many. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a favorite for dinner or lunch. This easy pan-fried recipe allows you to enjoy homemade fried chicken without much fuss. It’s perfect for meal prep or a family gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Fried Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Add the flour, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to a Ziploc bag. Close the bag and shake to combine well.
  2. Place the chicken in the bag and shake to coat.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and sauces.
  4. Remove the chicken from the Ziploc bag, dip it into the egg mixture, and then place it back into the bag to coat once again.
  5. Heat a few inches of cooking oil in a deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
  6. Add the chicken to the heated skillet and fry evenly on both sides until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
  7. Let the chicken drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

How to Serve Fried Chicken Breast

Fried chicken breast can be served in many ways. You can slice it and serve it on a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. For a twist, serve it with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.

How to Store Fried Chicken Breast

Leftover fried chicken breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Fried Chicken Breast

  • Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it to ensure a better crunch.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Add more or less garlic powder, chili powder, or paprika.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying to keep it juicy.

Variation

You can try adding different spices to the flour mix to create new flavors. For example, add cumin or onion powder for a unique twist. Alternatively, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a richer taste before coating and frying.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer to cook through.

What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great options for frying because they have a high smoke point and will result in crispy chicken.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken. Coat it as directed and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches the correct temperature.

Fried Chicken Breast

A crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside fried chicken breast that’s perfect for dinner or lunch, made with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 pieces
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the chicken
  • 3 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
For the coating
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the batter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • as needed Oil for frying Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Add the flour, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to a Ziploc bag. Close the bag and shake to combine well.
  2. Place the chicken in the bag and shake to coat.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and sauces.
  4. Remove the chicken from the Ziploc bag, dip it into the egg mixture, and then place it back into the bag to coat once again.
Cooking
  1. Heat a few inches of cooking oil in a deep-sided skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
  2. Add the chicken to the heated skillet and fry evenly on both sides until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.
  3. Let the chicken drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before coating for better crunch. Adjust spices to your taste. Allow the chicken to rest after frying to keep it juicy. Variations include adding different spices to the flour mix or marinating the chicken in buttermilk before coating.