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Crispy country-fried chicken without buttermilk served on a plate with a golden, crunchy coating
Vicky Sharma

Country Fried Chicken Recipe Without Buttermilk

This country-fried chicken recipe without buttermilk delivers crispy, golden chicken with a juicy interior using simple pantry ingredients. The seasoned flour coating and egg mixture create a crunchy Southern-style crust, making it an easy alternative when you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Flour Coating
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Mixture
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
For Frying
  • 2 cups vegetable oil or peanut oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Meat mallet
  • Wire rack
  • Tongs

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
  1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently to about ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
    pounding chicken breast for country fried chicken recipe
Step 2 – Prepare the Seasoned Flour
  1. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
    mixing seasoned flour for country-fried chicken coating
Step 3 – Make the Egg Mixture
  1. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
    Whisking egg and milk mixture for fried chicken coating
Step 4 – Coat the Chicken
  1. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour. Dip it into the egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture to create a thicker crust.
Step 5 – Rest the Coated Chicken
  1. Place the coated chicken on a plate or rack and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes so the coating sticks well.
Step 6 – Heat the Oil
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
Step 7 – Fry the Chicken
  1. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 4–5 minutes per side until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 8 – Check for Doneness
  1. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Step 9 – Drain and Serve
  1. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
    crispy country fried chicken draining on a rack

Notes

  • Let the coated chicken rest before frying so the breading sticks better.
  • Keep the oil temperature around 350°F to avoid burning the crust.
  • For extra crispiness, add 1 tablespoon oil to the flour mixture and mix lightly.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.