A Southern icon, chicken-fried chicken is a close cousin to German schnitzel.

And indeed, Southern it is.

Chicken-fried chicken likely originated in Texas.

Southern Living Chicken Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s easy to see the direct lines between schnitzel brought to the area by Germans and Austrians.

Save leftovers to serve as chicken strips over a salad with creamyblue cheeseorranch dressing.

What’s the Difference Between Chicken Fried Chicken and Fried Chicken?

ingredients for chicken fried chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Classic fried chicken is typically bone-in pieces of meat that are brined, then battered, and deep fried.

Ingredients for Chicken-Fried Chicken

Gather these ingredients for this dinner.

A full list with measurements is at the bottom of the page.

Southern Living chicken-fried chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Chicken Fried Chicken

Making chicken fried chicken is very simple.

It’s much faster than fried chicken anyway.

Here’s a brief outline for this recipe, with the full recipe further below.

chicken between plastic wrap

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Serving Suggestions

Chicken-Fried Chicken is a great weeknight meal toserve with any sides.

Ingredients

8(6-oz.)

Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper evenly over chicken.

seasoning chicken with pepper and salt

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In another bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups milk and eggs.

Fry chicken, in batches, 10 minutes, adding oil as needed.

Turn and fry 4 to 5 more minutes or until golden brown.

flour mixture

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Remove to a wire rack in a jellyroll pan.

Keep chicken warm in a 225F oven.

Carefully drain hot oil, reserving cooked bits and 2 tablespoons drippings in skillet.

egg and milk for breading chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Serve gravy with chicken.

chicken piece coated in breading

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

chicken fried chicken on wire rack

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

cream gravy for chicken-fried chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox