This dish is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect balance of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken paired with velvety mashed potatoes. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour mixture, and fried to perfection. The mashed potatoes are rich, buttery, and creamy, making them the ideal companion to the crunchy chicken. Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or a special occasion, this meal is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
Preparing the Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing down to ensure full coverage.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat.
- Fry the Chicken: Cook each piece for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and Rest: Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Making the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add butter, milk, and sour cream (if using). Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference.
Serving Suggestions:
- Plate the crispy fried chicken on top of a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve with gravy or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Add a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Additional Tips:
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For even more flavor, try using bone-in chicken pieces.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Enhance the Potatoes: For extra richness, mix in shredded cheese or roasted garlic.
This meal is a classic for a reason—it’s indulgent, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Enjoy your homemade crispy fried chicken with creamy mashed potatoes! 🍗🥔
You can find more inspiration here.