Church’s Texas Chicken has been a beloved staple of Southern comfort food since 1952. Known for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken, the chain has expanded to over 1000 restaurants across 35 countries. While nothing beats the convenience of takeout, there’s something special about recreating these iconic flavors in your own kitchen.
With a few key ingredients and techniques, you can bring the taste of Church’s Texas Chicken to your home. This article explores seven recipes inspired by Church’s menu items, allowing you to satisfy your cravings without leaving the house. From the classic fried chicken to sides and desserts, these recipes capture the essence of this popular fast-food chain.
1) Spicy Chicken Sandwich
Church’s Texas Chicken is renowned for its flavorful spicy chicken sandwich. This popular menu item combines crispy, spicy breading with juicy chicken breast.
To recreate this sandwich at home, start by marinating chicken breasts in a mixture of buttermilk and pickle juice. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with tangy flavor.
Next, prepare a seasoned flour mixture. Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. These spices give the chicken its signature kick.
Dip the marinated chicken into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s well-coated. For extra crispiness, some home cooks double-dip the chicken.
Fry the coated chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. The ideal internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Serve the spicy chicken on a toasted bun with pickles and mayonnaise. Some variations include lettuce and tomato for added freshness.
2) Honey-Butter Biscuits
Church’s Texas Chicken’s Honey-Butter Biscuits are a beloved menu item that can be recreated at home. These drop biscuits are formed by hand, eliminating the need for a biscuit cutter.
The recipe typically calls for flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and buttermilk. Some home cooks prefer using baking soda instead of baking powder for a more traditional biscuit texture.
To achieve the signature honey-butter flavor, a mixture of melted butter and honey is often brushed on the biscuits before baking. For best results, use a ratio of 4 tablespoons of butter to a scant 1/4 cup of honey.
Baking the biscuits at a high temperature, around 450°F, helps create a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft interior. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat is ideal for even cooking.
These homemade honey-butter biscuits pair well with fried chicken, making them a perfect addition to a Church’s Texas Chicken-inspired meal. With practice, home cooks can master this recipe and enjoy these sweet, buttery biscuits anytime.
3) Jalapeño Bombers
Church’s Texas Chicken’s Jalapeño Bombers are a spicy and cheesy delight that can be recreated at home. These crispy appetizers feature jalapeño peppers stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture, wrapped in seasoned chicken, and deep-fried to perfection.
To make Jalapeño Bombers, start by preparing fresh jalapeños and removing the seeds for a milder heat. Mix cream cheese with shredded cheddar and minced garlic for the filling.
Wrap seasoned ground chicken around each stuffed jalapeño, ensuring the pepper is fully enclosed. For the coating, dip each bomber in beaten eggs and roll in a mixture of flour, salt, and black pepper.
Deep-fry the bombers in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier option.
Serve these homemade Jalapeño Bombers hot with a side of ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They make an excellent appetizer or game day snack, bringing the bold flavors of Church’s Texas Chicken to your kitchen.
4) Classic Fried Chicken
Church’s Texas Chicken is renowned for its crispy, golden-brown fried chicken. To recreate this classic dish at home, start with fresh chicken pieces and soak them in buttermilk for several hours or overnight.
In a separate bowl, mix flour with a blend of herbs and spices, including paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Drain the chicken and coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is crispy and golden. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a wire rack.
For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture before frying. Serve hot with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for an authentic Church’s Texas Chicken experience at home.
5) Tender Strips
Church’s Texas Chicken is renowned for its crispy, flavorful tender strips. These golden-brown delights are a favorite among chicken lovers. To recreate them at home, start with fresh chicken tenderloins.
Marinate the tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 2 hours. This step enhances the tenderness and adds a subtle tangy flavor. Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
Dredge each marinated tenderloin in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring even coating. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Carefully place the coated tenderloins into the hot oil.
Fry for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove from oil and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Serve these homemade tender strips hot with your favorite dipping sauce. They pair well with classic sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a complete Church’s-inspired meal at home.
6) Cajun Spiced Gravy
Cajun spiced gravy adds a flavorful twist to Church’s Texas Chicken. This rich sauce combines traditional gravy elements with bold Cajun seasonings.
Start by melting butter in a saucepan. Add minced celery, onion, and red bell pepper, sautéing until soft. Incorporate flour to create a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Slowly whisk in broth, choosing chicken or turkey stock for the best flavor pairing. As the mixture thickens, add Cajun seasoning blend, which typically includes paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Simmer the gravy until it reaches the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the gravy’s spice level should complement rather than overpower the chicken.
This versatile gravy pairs excellently with Church’s-style fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. It can also be used to smother chicken for a more indulgent dish.
7) Southern Style Corn
Church’s Texas Chicken is known for its delicious side dishes, and their Southern Style Corn is no exception. This flavorful corn on the cob perfectly complements their famous fried chicken.
To recreate this dish at home, start with fresh ears of corn. Grill them over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
While the corn is grilling, prepare a special butter mixture. Combine melted butter with mayonnaise, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Once the corn is cooked and slightly charred, brush it generously with the seasoned butter mixture. The combination of spices and creamy butter elevates the natural sweetness of the corn.
For an extra touch of Southern flair, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered corn. This adds a savory element that balances the sweetness and spice.
Serve the Southern Style Corn hot alongside your homemade Church’s Texas Chicken for a complete and satisfying meal. This simple yet flavorful side dish captures the essence of Southern comfort food.
Key Ingredients and Techniques
Church’s Texas Chicken is renowned for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken. The secret lies in the careful selection of ingredients and mastery of specific cooking techniques.
Essential Spices and Marinades
The foundation of Church’s Texas Chicken flavor profile begins with a well-crafted marinade. A blend of buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and paprika forms the base. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth, while a touch of cayenne pepper provides subtle heat.
For authentic taste, marinate chicken pieces for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This process tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
Some recipes incorporate herbs like thyme or oregano for added complexity. Experimenting with these additions can yield unique variations on the classic taste.
Breading and Frying Methods
The signature crunch of Church’s Texas Chicken comes from its breading technique. A mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and the same spices used in the marinade creates the coating.
To achieve the perfect crust:
- Dredge marinated chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip by returning the coated chicken to the marinade, then re-dredging in flour.
Fry the chicken in vegetable oil heated to 350°F (175°C). Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For best results, use a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with at least 2 inches of oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Church’s Texas Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality Church’s Texas Chicken at home requires attention to detail and proper technique. These expert tips will help you master the art of crispy, flavorful fried chicken.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for authentic Church’s Texas Chicken flavor. Thighs, drumsticks, and wings work best, as they remain juicy during frying. Look for fresh, high-quality chicken with no signs of discoloration or off-odors.
Trim excess fat and remove any remaining feathers. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a crispy exterior.
Consider brining the chicken for 4-6 hours before cooking. A simple brine of water, salt, and sugar can enhance flavor and juiciness.
Maintaining Oil Temperature
Proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy, golden-brown chicken. Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) throughout the cooking process.
Heat the oil slowly to prevent overheating. Add chicken pieces carefully to avoid splashing. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding and temperature drops.
Allow the oil to return to 350°F between batches. Adjust heat as needed to maintain consistent temperature. Remove any floating debris between batches to prevent burning.
Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows excess oil to drain and the internal temperature to stabilize.