Country Fried Chicken Recipe
This comforting Country Fried Chicken recipe features tender, crispy fried chicken paired with creamy roasted garlic mashed potatoes infused with fresh herbs. The perfectly seasoned dish is ideal for a hearty family meal, combining classic Southern-style fried chicken with rich, buttery sides that bring warmth and flavor to your table.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
For the Country Fried Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 1 head garlic, small
- 6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- Salt to taste
- 50ml (1/4 cup) whole milk, hot
- 100g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
- 1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, wrap it in aluminum foil, and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cloves are very soft. Remove from oven and cool.
- Boil Potatoes: Place the peeled and quartered potatoes in salted water and boil until very tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain thoroughly and steam dry to remove excess moisture.
- Mash Potatoes with Garlic: Squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their peels and mash in a small bowl with a fork. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and add hot milk. Begin mashing until mostly smooth, then add butter and continue mashing.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in half of the mashed roasted garlic initially, then add more according to taste. Mash until smooth with minimal lumps. Season with salt to taste. Fold in chopped fresh parsley and dill using a spatula. Keep warm until serving.
- Prepare Fried Chicken Breading: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 12-15 minutes depending on size. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot alongside the roasted garlic mashed potatoes, optionally adding a pat of butter on the potatoes.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and adds sweetness, enhancing the mashed potatoes.
- You can adjust the amount of fresh herbs to your preference for more or less herbaceous notes.
- Rest the fried chicken on a wire rack if available to keep the crust crispy.
- Use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for creamy mashed potatoes.
Keywords: country fried chicken, southern fried chicken, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, comfort food, fried chicken recipe