Easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Make the classic Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe at home with crispy golden breading and rich country gravy. This Southern favorite is pure comfort food—easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Bring a taste of the South to your kitchen with this Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken recipe.

Tender chicken breasts are coated in a perfectly seasoned, crispy golden breading and smothered with rich, creamy country gravy. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate — perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or any night you’re craving true Southern comfort food.

Topped off my favorite ways are Air Fryer Waffles and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Of course, they go best together, and once you make these, you will not believe how easy they are to make, and your family will be requesting them every day!

So easy & So Good–What else is there to know?

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Crispy and Juicy: You get that perfect crunch on the outside with tender, flavorful chicken inside every bite.
• Classic Southern Comfort: It’s a homestyle favorite that brings diner-style flavor right to your table.
• Easy Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
• That Gravy Though: The creamy country gravy ties it all together — pure comfort in every spoonful.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Family-approved and guaranteed to disappear fast at dinner time.

Ingredients Needed

• Boneless Chicken Breasts – Tender cuts perfect for frying and breading.
• All-Purpose Flour – Coats the chicken for that golden crunch.
• Buttermilk – Adds tang and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Eggs – Helps the flour stick for a crisp coating.
• Salt – Enhances all the savory, comforting Southern flavors.
• Black Pepper – Adds a mild kick to the crust.
• Paprika – Brings color and subtle smoky warmth.
• Garlic Powder – Boosts flavor with a little extra bite.
• Vegetable Oil – For deep frying until perfectly golden brown.
• Butter – Used in the gravy for rich, creamy flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (for gravy) – Thickens the silky white country gravy.
• Whole Milk – Creates smooth, classic Southern-style cream gravy.
• Salt and Pepper (for gravy) – Simple seasonings to balance the richness.

How to Make Easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Set up two shallow bowls — one with flour seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and the other with beaten eggs and buttermilk.

Step 3: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour again. Press the flour on firmly to create a thick coating.

Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Pour off most of the oil, leaving about 3 tablespoons and the browned bits in the pan. Add butter, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Tips

• Pound Evenly for Perfect Cooking: Flatten the chicken breasts evenly so they cook through without burning the crust. Thick spots can lead to uneven frying.
• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For a thicker, crunchier coating, dip the chicken twice — flour, egg, then flour again. The second coat adds that golden, crispy texture you want.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding causes the coating to steam instead of crisp up.
• Keep It Warm in the Oven: Place cooked chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) to stay hot and crispy while finishing the rest.
• Make the Gravy with Pan Drippings: Don’t toss those flavorful brown bits! They’re the secret to rich, savory country gravy that ties the whole dish together.
• Choose the Right Oil: Use a neutral, high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil for the best fry results.
• Add a Pinch of Cayenne: If you like a little kick, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the flour mixture — it adds warmth without overpowering the flavor.

What To Serve With Easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken

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Easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe Recipe Faqs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy. Just make sure they’re pounded evenly before dredging.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These handle heat well and won’t alter the flavor of the chicken.

Why is my coating falling off the chicken? This usually happens if the chicken isn’t properly dried before dredging or if the oil isn’t hot enough. Pat the chicken dry and make sure the oil reaches 350°F before frying.

How do I make the gravy thicker? If your gravy feels too thin, whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I bake instead of fry this chicken? You can, but it won’t have quite the same crispy texture. To bake, spray lightly with oil and cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What sides go best with chicken fried chicken? Classic options include mashed potatoes, green beans, buttered corn, or biscuits. Don’t forget plenty of creamy country gravy on top!

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead and reheat it in the oven at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes to keep the crust crisp and the inside juicy.

More Copycat Pioneer Woman Recipes

Copycat Pioneer Woman’s Peach-Whiskey Chicken Recipe

Whiskey peach BBQ sauce

Easy Pioneer Woman’s Cheeseburger Pie

Pioneer Woman Sloppy Joes

Pioneer Woman Salmon Patties

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