Crunchy, golden, and irresistibly comforting, Chicken Fried Chicken is a playful twist on classic fried chicken that’s perfect for family cooking nights.
Crunchy, golden, and irresistibly comforting, Chicken Fried Chicken is a playful twist on classic fried chicken that’s perfect for family cooking nights. Instead of traditional breadcrumbs, this recipe uses crushed saltine crackers to create a light yet ultra-crispy coating that fries up beautifully.
It’s forgiving, flexible, and fun especially for kids who love helping crush the crackers and shake the bag.
This dish doesn’t demand precision. A little extra cracker here or seasoning there only adds to its rustic charm. The result is juicy chicken wrapped in a crunchy, savory crust that tastes like pure comfort food.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 servings
Why This Recipe Works
- Kid-friendly & fun: No exact measurements required—perfect for little helpers.
- Crispy without breadcrumbs: Saltine crackers deliver a unique crunch.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Nothing fancy, just classic comfort.
- Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 30 saltine crackers
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dry potato flakes
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Step by Step Instructions
1. Make the Cracker Coating
Place the saltine crackers into a large resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and crush the crackers using a rolling pin until you have coarse, uneven crumbs (not powder—texture is good).
Add the flour, dry potato flakes, seasoned salt, and black pepper directly into the bag. Seal again and shake well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and beat lightly until smooth.
Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, coating both sides completely.
3. Coat the Chicken
Transfer the egg-coated chicken into the bag with the cracker mixture. Seal the bag and shake gently until the chicken is fully coated. Press lightly through the bag to help the crumbs stick.
Repeat with all chicken pieces.
4. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy saucepan. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be hot enough to sizzle immediately when the chicken is added.
5. Fry Until Golden
Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is deep golden brown and the juices run clear.
Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.
6. Drain & Serve
Remove the chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic comfort meal
- Serve alongside coleslaw or corn on the cob
- Add biscuits or dinner rolls for a full Southern-style spread
- Drizzle with country gravy or honey for extra indulgence
Helpful Tips
- Uneven crumbs are good: They create extra crunch.
- Don’t rush the oil: Proper temperature ensures crisp chicken without greasiness.
- Customize seasoning: Add garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Make it lighter: Pan-fry with less oil, turning frequently.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 887
- Fat: 80g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 29g
Chicken Fried Garlic recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Crunchy, juicy, and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone into the kitchen—and keeps them coming back for seconds.
Chicken Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Crush crackers into coarse crumbs.
- Mix crumbs with flour, potato flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat with crumb mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry chicken 15–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
