Sourdough Fried Chicken

Learn how to make sourdough fried chicken with a flavorful and crispy outside and a tender, juicy inside. The whole family will love this amazing recipe.

Fried chicken may be one of my favorite foods, but it’s not one that we eat very often. 

It’s comfort food for a reason.

And I knew there had to be a way to make this classic dish a tad healthier. 

Lo and behold, a crispy crust made with sourdough bread crumbs, fried to perfection, was absolutely delish.

You get that crispy outside with fermented grains rather than that unfermented crust with your typical fried chicken. 

While the adults like the bone-in chicken thighs, this recipe also works great to make breaded chicken tenders for the kids.

Serve it up with some crispy potatoes, fermented carrots, and a fresh green salad with Fermented Balsamic Blueberry Vinaigrette.

Tips For Making Fried Chicken:

• If you have fresh herbs in your garden, you can get creative with adding flavor to the bread crumbs and olive oil mixture.
• Dry the chicken with a paper towel before dipping in the mixture, to really help it adhere.
• Dredging the chicken is a fun kitchen activity to involve older children in.
• Our family’s favorite dipping sauces include kefir ranch, honey mustard, and fermented ketchup.
• I love making my own homemade sourdough bread crumbs. They are super easy to make, and a great way to use up stale bread.

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Ingredients:

Large chicken breasts – Chicken thighs would also work. You could also cut the chicken thinner to turn these chicken sourdough chicken strips.

Eggs

Sourdough breadcrumbs – You can also swap out homemade bread crumbs for panko bread crumbs

Salt

Italian herb blend: optional

Lard: You could also substitute with coconut oil or avocado oil (the best oil is one that is not highly processed with a high smoke point). I would recommend against using vegetable oil, canola oil, or any kind of oil that is highly processed and unhealthy.

Tools you may need:

Large pot, dutch oven, or cast iron skillet

Slotted spoon

Tongs

Cutting board

Sharp knife

Wire rack

Measuring cups and spoons

Blender for making homemade breadcrumbs

FAQ:

How long is fried chicken good for?

This will taste best when eaten right away, while the outside is still crispy. You can save it for later in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, I recommend a conventional oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

How do you make sure fried chicken is cooked inside?

The most effective way to make sure your chicken is cooked through is with a meat thermometer. Chicken should be at least 165 degrees in the middle to be considered done and reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

Is it better to boil chicken before frying?

No. While you may think this will speed up the cooking process, the end result would not be very tasty, and the crust may have a difficult time sticking to the chicken.

Tools you may need:

Whisk

Bowl

Measuring cups and spoons

Cast iron skillet, dutch oven, a pot, or non-stick pan (like my Caraway pan)

Tongs

Meat thermometer  

How To Make Sourdough Fried Chicken

Add enough lard or oil to a pot or dutch oven for it to come up about 3/4″. Heat over medium heat. You want the oil to be 350 degrees F for frying 

To a plate or shallow bowl, whisk together bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and herbs.

Whisk together eggs in a separate bowl.

Pat chicken dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Slice the chicken in half. The thinner chicken will ensure it gets cooked all the way through while keeping the breading from getting too brown.

Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture and evenly coat both sides and then dip in the bread crumbs.

Place chicken into the hot oil and cook for about 5 minutes. Turn to the other side and cook for another 5 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the piece of chicken.

Transfer to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined baking sheet to remove excess oil. 

Allow to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy.

How To Make Sourdough Bread Crumbs:

Take a loaf of sourdough bread. 

Slice up and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Toast in the oven at 350 degrees F until dry.

Place in a blender and blend until the size of breadcrumbs desired is reached.

Storage:

Store leftover fried chicken in an air-tight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a 350 degree oven until hot.

​Serving Sourdough Fried Chicken:

• Sourdough waffles for chicken and waffles
• Over lettuce leaves to make a delicious salad.
• Turn it into a sandwich with homemade sourdough hamburger buns or ciabatta rolls.  
• Coat in buffalo sauce to make buffalo chicken.
• Serve with hot sauce (I like this fermented hot sauce) for a spicy kick.

Find More Delicious Recipes Straight From The Farmhouse:

• Sourdough Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
• Easy Artisan Sourdough Bread
• Strawberry And Cream Cheese Cobbler With Sourdough Crust
• Lemon Rosemary Chicken
• Skillet Pork Chops With Garlic Butter

If you make this recipe and love it, I would love if you gave it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone with your delicious creation.