Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

This Fried Chicken Breast Recipe is a delightful dish that promises crispy perfection and a burst of flavor. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or even casual gatherings, this recipe showcases tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy exterior, topped with fresh arugula and shaved parmesan, all drizzled with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Enjoy this meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The combination of panko bread crumbs and flour creates an irresistible crunch that enhances the chicken’s tenderness.
• Flavorful Marinade: Soaking the chicken in buttermilk ensures it remains juicy while infusing a rich flavor that complements the seasoning.
• Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish, slice it on salads, or enjoy it as a sandwich—it’s delicious any way you choose!
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this dish is not only tasty but also provides essential nutrients.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering fried chicken breast, you’ll need some essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispy texture on your chicken.
• Mixing bowls: These are essential for marinating your chicken in buttermilk and for mixing dry ingredients without mess.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee the right balance of flavors in your breading mixture.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken while frying, ensuring it cooks evenly without losing any coating.

Ingredients

This crispy fried chicken breast recipe is topped with arugula, shaved parmesan cheese, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette!

For the Chicken:

• 4 thin chicken breasts
• 1 pint buttermilk
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon pepper

For the Salad:

• 4 cups baby arugula (loosely packed)
• 4 tablespoons shaved parmesan cheese

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by placing the thin chicken breasts in a mixing bowl. Pour in the buttermilk until they are fully submerged. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

In one bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. Finally, place the panko bread crumbs in a third bowl. This setup will make breading easier.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove each piece of marinated chicken from the buttermilk. First, dip it into the seasoned flour mixture to coat evenly. Then dip it into the beaten egg before finally rolling it in panko bread crumbs. Ensure each piece is well coated for maximum crunch.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add breaded chicken breasts to the skillet without overcrowding them. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Assemble Your Dish

Once cooked, remove the fried chicken from the skillet and let it rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil. In a large serving platter or individual plates, layer arugula on top of each piece of fried chicken. Sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Make Lemon Vinaigrette

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until combined. Drizzle this dressing over your assembled dish just before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy fried chicken breast!

How to Serve Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

Fried chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the fried chicken breast on a bed of freshly tossed salad greens for a crunchy contrast.

With Lemon Vinaigrette Drizzle

• Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the chicken for a zesty flavor that complements the crispy texture.

Sandwiched in a Bun

• Create a delicious fried chicken sandwich by placing the breast in a soft bun with arugula and shaved parmesan.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch to enhance the flavor experience.

Served with Grains

• Pair the chicken with quinoa or rice for a wholesome and filling meal option.

How to Perfect Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

To achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful fried chicken breast, follow these handy tips.

• Marinate well: Allow the chicken breasts to soak in buttermilk for at least an hour. This step ensures tenderness and adds moisture.

• Use panko breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, coat your chicken with panko bread crumbs which provide better texture than regular breadcrumbs.

• Maintain oil temperature: Ensure your frying oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that golden-brown crust without being greasy.

• Do not overcrowd the pan: Frying in batches allows even cooking and prevents lowering the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken.

• Let it rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

Fried chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some top choices:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish that balances well with crispy chicken.

2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, providing a perfect contrast to the richness of fried chicken.

3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender enhances your plate’s color and nutrition.

4. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful balance to savory fried chicken, making them an ideal pairing.

5. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a classic side that brings comfort and indulgence alongside fried chicken.

6. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and fiber while complementing the savory notes of the dish.

7. Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds provide crunch and freshness to your meal.

8. Potato Salad: A chilled potato salad dressed in herbs offers refreshing coolness against warm fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes that can affect the outcome of their fried chicken breast recipe. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the Buttermilk Soak: Skipping the buttermilk soak can lead to dry chicken. Ensure you marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes for maximum moisture and flavor.

• Not Preheating the Oil: Failing to preheat your oil can result in soggy chicken. Use a thermometer to check that your oil is around 350°F before adding the chicken.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many pieces of chicken in the pan at once lowers the oil temperature, making it difficult to achieve a crispy coating. Fry in batches if necessary.

• Using Low-Quality Oil: Using oils with low smoke points can alter the flavor and texture of your fried chicken. Opt for high smoke point oils like vegetable or canola oil.

• Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season both the flour and chicken can result in bland fried chicken. Season each layer generously with salt and spices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fried chicken breast in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

• To freeze, place cooked fried chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fried Chicken Breast Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, taking care not to overcook.

• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to ensure my Fried Chicken Breast Recipe is crispy?

To achieve crispy results, always fry your chicken at the right temperature (around 350°F) and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless thighs; they will remain juicy and flavorful while providing a different texture compared to breasts.

How do I know when my fried chicken is done cooking?

Use a meat thermometer; your fried chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

What sides pair well with this Fried Chicken Breast Recipe?

Popular side dishes include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad which complements the flavors of fried chicken beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This fried chicken breast recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it by adding various spices or serving it with different sauces. Whether it’s for dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. Try it today!