Indulge in the ultimate comfort meal with crispy, golden-brown Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes. This classic combination brings together a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it a satisfying option for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines crispy, seasoned fried chicken with rich, buttery mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort food.
The buttermilk marinade keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to customize seasonings and sides.
Great for making ahead and reheating leftovers.
A hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Buttermilk Marinade:
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs, whisked
3 teaspoons salt
Breading:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Marinate the Chicken:
Pound each chicken breast to about ½ inch thickness for even cooking.
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, whisked eggs, and 3 teaspoons of salt.
Submerge the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Breading:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Dredge each piece in the breading mixture, pressing firmly to coat evenly.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Place the cooked chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
Add milk and butter, then mash until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder to the breading for a kick of heat.
Herb Mashed Potatoes: Stir in chopped parsley, chives, or thyme for added flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Gravy Addition: Serve with a simple chicken or cream gravy to elevate the meal.
Baked Chicken: For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken and mashed potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to regain its crispiness. Mashed potatoes can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
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FAQs
How can I ensure the chicken stays crispy?
Allow the chicken to drain on a wire rack instead of paper towels to avoid trapping steam.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are excellent choices as they have high smoke points.
Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat with a little extra milk or butter for a creamy texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
This fried chicken and mashed potatoes recipe is a timeless comfort meal that combines crispy, seasoned chicken with creamy, buttery potatoes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish never disappoints. With simple ingredients and clear directions, it’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
📖 Recipe:
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Fried Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort meal with crispy fried chicken and creamy mashed potatoes. This classic recipe combines golden-brown chicken seasoned to perfection with rich, buttery potatoes, offering a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Buttermilk Marinade:
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs, whisked
3 teaspoons salt
Breading:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
¾ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
½ cup whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness.
- Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and salt in a large bowl. Submerge chicken in marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade and coat thoroughly in the breading mixture.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
- Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until tender. Drain, return to the pot, and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
Notes
For spicier chicken, increase cayenne pepper or add chili powder to the breading.
Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley to mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Leftovers can be reheated: chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) and mashed potatoes on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 650 kcal
