This classic comfort meal features crispy, golden country-fried chicken served with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a hearty dish that’s a favorite on dinner tables everywhere!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and cubed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
- Place the chicken in a shallow dish.
- Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add hot sauce if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).
2. Cook the Mashed Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and mash the potatoes with butter, heavy cream, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a plate.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (around 350°F/175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches, 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Place cooked chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Gravy (Optional):
- Remove all but 2 tablespoons of oil from the skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly, and simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
- Plate the crispy chicken alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. Drizzle with gravy if desired. Pair with a vegetable side like green beans or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Extra Crispy Chicken: Double-dip the chicken by dredging it in flour, back into the buttermilk, and then flour again.
- Flavor Variations: Add cayenne pepper or dried herbs to the flour for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: The chicken stays crispy when reheated in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Enjoy your comforting Country Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes, a meal that never goes out of style! 🍗🥔✨