Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe
There’s something magical about sitting down to a plate of golden, crispy chicken smothered in creamy gravy—that’s the heart and soul of Country Fried Chicken with Gravy. This dish is the very definition of comfort food, delivering juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a crunchy coat and topped with a decadent, peppery sauce. Whether you’re bringing back warm childhood memories or exploring Southern cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Country Fried Chicken with Gravy lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a special role in transforming a few staples into an unforgettable meal, layering on flavor, crunch, and rich, creamy goodness.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy cooking and maximum tenderness. Pound them evenly for consistent frying.
- Buttermilk: This is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken—its acidity tenderizes the meat while adding tang.
- Hot Sauce (optional): A splash blends into the marinade for a subtle, Southern heat; choose your favorite brand or skip if you prefer mild flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for that golden, crispy crust both on the chicken and in the gravy.
- Garlic Powder: Adds mellow savoriness that complements the other spices perfectly.
- Onion Powder: Lends depth and warmth to the seasoned flour coating.
- Paprika: Gives the crust a rich color and a sweet, smoky undertone.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings the savory profile to life.
- Black Pepper: A must for seasoning both the flour mixture and the creamy gravy.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who love a little kick, this adds heat to the crust.
- Egg: Helps the flour mixture stick for an extra thick, crunchy coating.
- Milk: Used both in the egg dip and the gravy; whole milk creates the richest texture and flavor.
- Vegetable Oil: An essential for frying—choose an oil with a high smoke point for even cooking.
- Butter: Start your gravy off right with butter for depth and luxurious flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (for gravy): Forms the silky base of the gravy by thickening it to perfection.
- Whole Milk (for gravy): Delivers a super creamy, luscious sauce to spoon generously over your chicken.
- Salt and Pepper (for gravy): Season at the end to taste, rounding out the smooth, homey flavor.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken with Gravy
Step 1: Pound and Marinate the Chicken
Start by laying your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and giving them a gentle pounding. This isn’t just therapeutic—it ensures even cooking and keeps every bite succulent. Mix the buttermilk and a touch of hot sauce in a bowl, then submerge the chicken. Let it soak up all those tangy flavors for at least an hour, or overnight if you want chicken that’s unbelievably tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set up your breading stations to assemble that unforgettable country crust. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. In a second bowl, beat the egg with a splash of milk—this combo helps the seasoned flour cling tightly for that classic crunch.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Now, dip each piece into the seasoned flour, ensuring it’s coated completely. Next, dip into the egg mixture, followed by another dredge in the seasoned flour for a double layer of texture. Press gently so every craggy surface catches the flour—more nooks mean more crispiness!
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about half an inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium. Once the oil shimmers (around 350°F), carefully arrange the chicken in the pan, making sure not to crowd it. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the exterior is deep golden brown and the inside is cooked through (165°F). Remove and drain on paper towels—watch as that gorgeous crust stays perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy
While the chicken rests, let’s give it the finishing touch. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for a minute until the mixture is bubbly and fragrant. Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly as the gravy thickens to a rich, smooth sauce. Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste—this homemade gravy transforms the meal into something special.
Step 6: Serve Everything Together
Arrange your crunchy chicken breasts on plates or a big platter, then generously ladle the warm, creamy gravy on top. For the final flourish, sprinkle with more black pepper or your favorite herbs, and serve right away—it’s pure Southern hospitality on a plate.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken with Gravy
Garnishes
If you want to make Country Fried Chicken with Gravy absolutely pop, finish it with a sprinkle of fresh chives, chopped parsley, or cracked black pepper. A scatter of thinly sliced green onions adds color and extra savoriness, while a little pinch of smoked paprika over the top is a nod to the dish’s Southern roots.
Side Dishes
No serving of Country Fried Chicken with Gravy would be complete without classic sides—think fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy sauce, warm flaky biscuits, or perhaps buttery corn on the cob. For something lighter, pair with green beans or a simple tossed salad—the crisp freshness balances the richness of your chicken and gravy beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Give special occasions or casual gatherings a playful twist by serving mini portions as sliders on soft rolls, or pile chicken strips over waffles for a sweet-savory brunch. For family-style comfort, nestle the chicken atop a bed of mashed potatoes in a big platter, then pour over extra gravy and let everyone help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Country Fried Chicken with Gravy are truly a treat. Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the gravy in a separate sealed container. This keeps the crust as crisp as possible and makes reheating a breeze.
Freezing
If you want to freeze for later, arrange cooked, cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Gravy can also be frozen separately in a freezer-safe container, just stir well after thawing as it may separate slightly.
Reheating
To restore the crunchy magic, reheat chicken on a baking rack set over a sheet pan in a 375°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and crisp. Microwave the gravy gently, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and piping hot. Pour the gravy over your chicken just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious—sometimes even juicier—when making Country Fried Chicken with Gravy. Simply increase frying time slightly, as dark meat takes a bit longer to cook through.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken: coat in flour, then egg, then back in flour, pressing the flour mix into the surface. Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying so the coating adheres beautifully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour, both in the coating and the gravy. Just make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Is there a dairy-free version of the gravy?
A dairy-free gravy is possible! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine and the whole milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. The consistency remains creamy, with a slightly different flavor that still pairs wonderfully with your country fried chicken.
What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral, high smoke-point oil like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These maintain their integrity at frying temperatures and won’t interfere with the savory taste of Country Fried Chicken with Gravy.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Country Fried Chicken with Gravy sits at the center of countless nostalgic meals—it’s pure, home-cooked joy on a plate. Whether you’re frying for a special Sunday supper or treating yourself to comfort food on a weeknight, this recipe delivers every time. So grab your skillet, gather your friends or family, and dive into the irresistible flavors of this Southern classic. You’ll be glad you did!
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Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this classic Southern comfort food with our delicious Country Fried Chicken with Gravy recipe. Crispy fried chicken smothered in a creamy, savory gravy – a perfect combination for a hearty meal that will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Marinate: Combine buttermilk and hot sauce, marinate chicken for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare Coating: Mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Batter Chicken: Dip chicken in flour, then egg, then flour again.
- Fry: Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Gravy: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk until thickened.
- Serve: Serve chicken topped with gravy.
Notes
- For extra crispy coating, double dip the chicken.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or biscuits.
- Use whole milk for creamier gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
