If you’re looking for a comforting meal that brings everyone together, you’re in the right place! This Fried Chicken with Sides recipe is an all-time favorite in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, or for family gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy. The crispy chicken tenders paired with creamy coleslaw and a tangy honey mustard sauce make it a meal that balances rich textures with bright, zesty flavors. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time.
- Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike love the crunchy chicken and tasty slaw—it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
- Make-ahead convenience: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time or even prep the slaw earlier in the day.
- Delicious flavor: Each bite is packed with savory goodness and a hint of sweetness from the honey mustard.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. They come together to create a meal that’s not only comforting but also bursting with flavor.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper for slaw
- Ketchup and honey mustard sauce for serving
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your own taste preferences.
- Swap the protein: Use chicken thighs or even turkey for a different flavor profile.
- Change up the spices: Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun or Italian seasonings to add your personal touch.
- Make it spicy: Add more cayenne pepper or toss in some hot sauce to kick up the heat!
- Try different sides: Serve with sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad instead of coleslaw for a new twist.
How to Make Fried Chicken with Sides
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken strips in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the meat and infuses flavor. Plus, it helps create that lovely crispy coating later on!
Step 2: Dredge and Coat
Once your chicken has soaked up all that goodness, it’s time to dredge! First, coat each strip in seasoned flour, then dip it back into the buttermilk before coating it again with flour. Letting them rest for about ten minutes helps ensure that crunchy crust sticks during frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
While the chicken rests, heat your vegetable oil in a heavy pot to around 350°F (175°C). Having your oil at the right temperature is key; too hot and you’ll burn those beautiful tenders before they’re cooked through!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Fry your chicken strips in batches for about four to six minutes until they are golden brown. Make sure their internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This step is where all that deliciousness happens—watch them turn crispy and golden!
Step 5: Prepare the Coleslaw
While the chicken fries away, mix together your coleslaw ingredients. Combine shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Chill it in the fridge while you finish frying up all that delicious chicken.
Now you’re ready to plate everything up! Serve your crispy fried chicken alongside creamy coleslaw and some tasty dipping sauces like ketchup and honey mustard. Enjoy every bite!
Pro Tips for Making Fried Chicken with Sides
Making the perfect fried chicken can be a delightful experience, especially when you follow some tried-and-true tips!
- Use fresh buttermilk: Fresh buttermilk not only enhances the flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and moist.
- Let the chicken rest: Allowing the coated chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before frying helps the breading adhere better, leading to a crunchier texture.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) is crucial. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool, and you’ll end up with soggy chicken.
- Batch fry: Frying in smaller batches ensures that the temperature of the oil remains consistent, resulting in evenly cooked, golden-brown pieces.
- Season your flour: Don’t skip seasoning your flour! It adds an extra layer of flavor to your fried chicken that makes all the difference.
How to Serve Fried Chicken with Sides
Serving fried chicken is all about presentation and balancing flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal both appealing and satisfying.
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkling chopped parsley or cilantro over your fried chicken adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
- Lemon wedges: Including lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a zesty squeeze that complements the richness of the chicken perfectly.
Side Dishes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that provides comfort alongside crispy chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob brings a delightful crunch and sweetness that balances out savory flavors beautifully.
- Baked Beans: A hearty side of baked beans adds depth with its smoky-sweet profile, making it a fantastic complement to fried chicken.
- Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with garlic offer a vibrant, crunchy contrast that brightens up each bite of your meal.
With these tips and serving suggestions, your plate of fried chicken with sides will not only taste amazing but also look irresistible! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Make Ahead and Storage
This fried chicken with sides recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can enjoy the delicious flavors throughout the week without compromising on taste or quality. Here’s how to store and prepare your leftovers for future meals.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep coleslaw in a separate airtight container to maintain its crunchiness.
- Ensure everything is cooled to room temperature before sealing containers.
Freezing
- For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken strips. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Coleslaw doesn’t freeze well due to its creamy base, so it’s best made fresh just before serving.
Reheating
- To reheat chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- An air fryer is also a great option; simply heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
You might have some questions about making this delicious fried chicken with sides. Here are some common queries answered.
Can I make the Fried Chicken with Sides gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that your mayonnaise is gluten-free too.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the fried chicken?
You can easily control the heat by adjusting or omitting the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix. For milder flavor, consider using sweet paprika instead of regular paprika.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Fried Chicken with Sides?
While this recipe includes coleslaw, you can also serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even corn on the cob for a complete comfort meal!
How long does it take to prepare Fried Chicken with Sides?
The total time for this recipe is about 50 minutes, which includes marinating and cooking. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes! While this recipe calls for chicken breasts cut into strips, you could use thighs or drumsticks as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this crispy fried chicken with sides! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors that will surely bring joy to your table. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or a gathering with friends, I’m sure it will be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!
Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Coleslaw
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, golden-brown fried chicken tenders served with creamy coleslaw and a drizzle of tangy honey mustard create a comforting meal that balances rich textures with bright, zesty flavors.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper for slaw
- Ketchup and honey mustard sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, dip back in buttermilk, and coat again in flour; rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy pot.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4-6 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Mix coleslaw ingredients and refrigerate; serve chicken with slaw and dips.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Keywords: Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.