The Mixed Chicken Meal from Church's Chicken features tender, juicy fried chicken pieces paired with golden, crispy fries and warm, buttery biscuits, offering a satisfying combination of savory flavors and comforting textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Food thermometer
- Sheet trays
- Cooling rack
- Basting brush
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving trays
Ingredients
- Fried Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Crispy Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Buttery Biscuits:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
When preparing the Mixed Chicken Meal from Church's Chicken, ensure you use fresh, high-quality chicken to achieve the best flavor and texture. The buttermilk marinade is essential for tenderizing the chicken, so don't skip soaking the pieces overnight if possible. For crispy fries, select large russet potatoes and soak them in cold water before frying to remove excess starch. Use cold unsalted butter in the biscuit dough to create flaky layers, and brush with melted butter after baking for a rich finish. Your copycat Mixed Chicken Meal from Church's Chicken will closely match the original's savory taste and comforting textures when these ingredient tips are followed.
Instructions
- Instructions Needed:
- Cut the whole chicken into pieces.
- Whisk together eggs and buttermilk in a mixing bowl.
- Combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in another bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk mixture, then dredge in seasoned flour.
- Place coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Place fried chicken on a cooling rack over a sheet tray.
- Peel and cut russet potatoes into fries.
- Soak fries in cold water, then drain and pat dry.
- Preheat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry potatoes in batches until golden and crispy.
- Drain fries on a cooling rack or paper towels, sprinkle with salt.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) for biscuits.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add milk; mix until just combined.
- Turn dough onto floured surface; gently knead a few times.
- Pat dough to 3/4-inch thickness and cut into rounds.
- Place biscuits on a baking sheet.
- Bake biscuits for 10-12 minutes, until golden.
- Brush hot biscuits with melted butter.
- Arrange fried chicken, fries, and biscuits on serving trays.
Substitution
The Mixed Chicken Meal from Church's Chicken copycat menu delivers a harmonious blend of crispy fried chicken, golden fries, and soft, buttery biscuits that mirror the original's rich flavors and textures. If buttermilk is unavailable for marinating the chicken, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve similar tenderness. When deep frying, maintaining the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF ensures juicy chicken without greasiness. Russet potatoes are ideal for fries because of their high starch content, but Yukon Gold potatoes can be used for a slightly creamier texture. Your cooking process benefits from using a food thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption.
Tips
Ensure your oil maintains a steady temperature of 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve perfectly crispy chicken and fries without absorbing excess oil. Use a food thermometer to verify the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water before frying removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. When mixing biscuit dough, avoid overworking it to keep the biscuits tender and flaky.
Nutritions
The Mixed Chicken Meal from Church's Chicken provides a balanced intake of protein from the tender fried chicken pieces, which also contribute essential vitamins like B6 and minerals such as phosphorus. Golden crispy fries offer carbohydrates and potassium due to the use of russet potatoes, though they are fried in vegetable oil, contributing additional fats. The buttery biscuits add calories from both carbohydrates and saturated fats, thanks to ingredients like flour, milk, and unsalted butter. You can enjoy this meal as an indulgent source of energy, but it's important to balance it with nutrient-dense foods throughout your day.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken, fries, and biscuits in separate airtight containers to maintain their texture and flavor. Refrigerate your Mixed Chicken Meal promptly within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Reheat the chicken and fries in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) until crispy, while warming biscuits wrapped in foil to preserve their softness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the fried chicken by marinating it overnight in a mixture of buttermilk, hot sauce, and garlic to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Substitute sweet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes for russets to create fries with a different texture and sweetness profile. To add a savory twist to the biscuits, fold in chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or chives before baking, or substitute half the milk with sour cream for a richer dough. Using a food thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165degF, providing perfectly cooked, juicy pieces every time.
Allergies
The Mixed Chicken Meal from Church's Chicken contains common allergens such as wheat (gluten) in the flour used for frying chicken and baking biscuits, and dairy present in the buttermilk, butter, and whole milk components. The eggs in the fried chicken batter can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. You should exercise caution if you have allergies to gluten, dairy, or eggs when consuming this meal.
Why this recipe?
Church's Chicken Mixed Chicken Meal features crispy, juicy chicken pieces that deliver a perfect balance of bold spices and tender texture, making it a favorite among fans of Southern-style fried chicken. The meal often comes with signature sides like mashed potatoes and honey-butter biscuits, enhancing the overall dining experience with classic comfort food flavors. Your copycat version allows you to recreate this well-loved combination, customizing seasoning and sides to match personal taste preferences. Trying the recipe at home also offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the iconic meal anytime.