Fried Chicken Breast
Crispy fried chicken breasts coated in a flavorful pancake and buttermilk mixture, then pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for comfort food lovers, it offers a tender interior with a crunchy exterior, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into small strips.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and egg.
- Dip chicken strips into the buttermilk and egg mixture.
- Pour pancake mix into a shallow dish.
- Coat the dipped chicken strips with pancake mix.
- In a pan, heat oil and butter over medium heat.
- Place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil and butter mixture.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from pan and drain on paper towels.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in the buttermilk and egg mixture for a couple of hours or overnight. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. You can also use seasoned flour instead of pancake mix for a different coating texture. Adjust the pepper to your taste, and consider adding spices like paprika for more depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried chicken breast strips with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Ten Minute Vegetable Soup for a comforting dinner. Consider offering a dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard, to enhance the flavor. Enjoy them as a main dish or in a sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken strips on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the crispiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Chicken Breast contains roughly 896 calories, with 9g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2163mg per serving (94% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. The skin will add extra flavor and crunch. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
What can I do to make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can bake the coated chicken strips instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Additionally, you can use whole wheat pancake mix for added fiber.
Can I freeze the fried chicken strips?
Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken strips. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
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).