Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Chicken

🕒 Prep: 2 hours
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking to elevate your classic fried chicken, this Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Chicken might just be your new favorite. With a fragrant blend of dried herbs and a perfectly crispy crust, this dish is both comforting and a little bit fancy.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Chicken

The marinade starts with buttermilk, which tenderizes the chicken beautifully. We add dried rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic touch. The garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika bring depth and warmth to the flavor profile. As for the coating, all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs give the chicken its satisfying crunch. A touch of black pepper and salt rounds everything out.

Tips & Tricks

  • Let the chicken rest for a minute or two after frying to lock in the juices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • For an even crispier crust, refrigerate the breaded chicken for 30 minutes before frying.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some buttery mashed potatoes. If you're feeling indulgent, a side of mac and cheese never hurts. A light, citrusy vinaigrette can also complement the dish beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Just remember that fresh herbs have a more intense flavor, so you might want to use a bit less.
Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake it at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, but it won't be as crispy as frying.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil works well due to its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.

Herb-Crusted Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. This is your chance to release some stress by gently pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. Next, grab a large bowl and mix together the buttermilk, dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken, making sure it's well submerged in this flavorful bath, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Trust me, the longer, the better if you have the time.

When you're ready to cook, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and coat each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot but not smoking, place the chicken in the skillet. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. When they're done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Herb-infused buttermilk marinade brings moisture and flavor.
  • Crispy, golden brown crust every time.
  • Simple ingredients, big payoff.
  • Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp dried rosemary
1 tbsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried sage
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
2. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. In a shallow dish, mix flour and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge in the flour and panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Fry the chicken breasts in the hot oil for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels before serving.

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