Fried Chicken Breast Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long should you fry chicken breast? ›

Pan-fried chicken breast recipe

2. Heat the oil in a frying pan then add the chicken breasts (skin-side down, if they have skin) and cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned. Then turn over, cover and cook on the other side for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through.

Brining is especially great for frying chicken. It gives you crispier skin while keeping the meat juicy on the inside.

You should always start with a layer of flour. This helps absorb moisture on the surface of the chicken, which would keep the breading from sticking and make a mess in the hot oil. The flour also gives the egg something to cling to—otherwise it would slide right off the chicken.

Tenderness: The lactic acid in milk helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a tender and moist texture. Flavor Infusion: Milk can act as a carrier for other flavors, such as herbs and spices, allowing them to penetrate the chicken and create a delicious taste profile.

Fry chicken pieces until done, about 20-30 minutes, turning pieces so they brown evenly. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 180°F and should no longer be pink at the bone, juices should run clear. Cooking time will vary by size of pieces. Larger pieces will take longer to cook.

Mistake: Not Covering Your Pan While Frying

As the chicken cooks, cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat. This helps render the fat and water from the chicken for a crisp crust and evenly cooked meat.

There are three key tricks: tenderize, marinate, and controlled cooking time. When you use all three of these methods, you will have succulent, moist chicken every time, and you can apply these strategies to other cuts of meat as well.

Dip the flour-coated chicken into a bowl of beaten eggs. (If you prefer, you can also use buttermilk or add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few drops of hot sauce to the mixture for a little kick.) You want the eggs to coat the flour thoroughly.

Coating the Chicken

Press the flour mixture into the chicken pieces and set aside (for at least 10 minutes) while you prepare the oil for frying.

The standard breading technique involves first dredging the item with flour, dipping it in egg wash, and then finally coating it with breadcrumbs. This works because the flour sticks to the food, the egg sticks to the flour, and the breadcrumbs stick to the egg.

What if I use regular milk instead of buttermilk? ›

It's important to know that you can't simply use regular milk as a buttermilk substitute. This is especially true in baking since buttermilk's acidity works with the baking soda in the recipe to leaven.

Soak the chicken in the milk mixture for 5 to 10 minutes. Roll the chicken in flour, being sure to completely cover each piece. Set aside to dry. In a large cast-iron skillet melt lard over medium heat.

This usually equates to around 10 minutes for wings and 12 minutes for breasts, thighs and legs. For the best tasting fried chicken with a beautifully even golden crumb, turn your chicken pieces with tongs (being careful not to splash yourself with hot oil) every 1 – 2 minutes.

Cook chicken in oil, skin sides down, about 10 minutes or until light brown; reduce heat to low. Turn chicken skin sides up. Cook uncovered about 20 minutes, without turning, until juice of chicken is clear when thickest pieces are cut to bone (at least 165°F).

On medium-high heat, your chicken breasts will likely need about 5-7 minutes per side.