Best Ever Sunday Chicken
Juicy, flavorful Sunday chicken features a crispy seasoned coating and tender meat, perfect for family dinners or special occasions, combining classic spices with a crispy fry.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, paprika, and dried thyme in a plastic bag; shake to mix and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine beaten eggs, milk, and lemon juice; stir well.
- Skin chicken, if desired.
- Place 2 or 3 pieces of chicken in the flour mixture; shake well to coat.
- Dip the coated chicken in the egg mixture, then return it to the flour bag and shake again to coat thoroughly.
- Repeat with remaining chicken pieces.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet to a depth of 3/4-inch and heat over medium-high heat.
- Fry 4 to 5 chicken pieces at a time in hot oil at 350°F until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and spices for a few hours before coating. If you prefer a healthier option, try baking the chicken instead of frying; just ensure it's well-coated in the flour mixture for a crispy texture. You can substitute the paprika with smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting meal. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken Casserole for a hearty family dinner. Consider a fresh salad on the side to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This will help retain its crispiness compared to microwaving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Sunday Chicken contains roughly 2446 calories, with 5g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 268g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time since boneless pieces cook faster. Aim for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
What oil is best for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or peanut oil. These oils will help achieve that crispy texture without burning during frying.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This will give you a similar coating while keeping the dish gluten-free. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).