Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 35 mins Difficulty: Intermediate
Southern-Style Crispy Chicken with Rich, Creamy Gravy
Country Fried Chicken covered in creamy gravy served over mashed potatoes with corn seeds and rolls. pinit

Make crispy, golden, creamy country fried chicken and gravy recipe. This easy recipe delivers a classic Southern comfort food favorite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • Chicken breasts (slice in half lengthwise) – I pound
  • Some salt, pepper, and garlic powder for seasoning
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp each: salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2/3 cup oil (canola or vegetable are best)
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Gravy

  • ⅓ cup oil from frying, reserved
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions To Make Country Fried Chicken And Gravy:

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces.
  • Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor.
Sliced raw chicken breast on a wooden cutting board with a chef’s knife, surrounded by eggs, spices, and rosemary sprigs.
Thin slices of raw chicken breast neatly arranged on a wooden cutting board, accompanied by spices, eggs, and a chef’s knife.

2. Set Up Dredging Stations

  • Mix 1 cup of flour with 2 teaspoons each of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning in one shallow bowl.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the milk and egg.
Two shallow bowls on a wooden countertop, one with a spiced flour mixture and the other with a whisked milk and egg mixture.
A cozy kitchen scene featuring bowls of spiced flour and whisked egg mixture, perfect for prepping homemade recipes.

3. Bread the Chicken

  • Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.
  • Dip it into the milk-egg mixture.
  • Finally, return it to the flour mixture for a second coating. Shake off any excess.
Step-by-step process of breading chicken with flour, milk, and eggs, ending with golden baked chicken on a tray.
Visual guide showing the process of breading chicken with flour, milk, and eggs, leading to perfectly baked golden chicken.

4. Fry the Chicken

  • Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until hot.
  • Add the chicken pieces carefully. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  • Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the oil.
A hand using tongs to fry a breaded chicken fillet in sizzling oil with butter in the background.
A hand gently frying a crispy breaded chicken fillet in hot oil with butter, creating a golden, crispy texture.

5. Make the Gravy

  • Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1/3 cup and any browned bits.
  • For a roux, stir in the flour and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Whisk in milk gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Continue to cook until the gravy begins to thicken, and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Pouring milk into a hot skillet with flour, stirred with a wooden spoon, creating a creamy sauce.
Milk being poured into a skillet with flour and stirred, showcasing the first step in creating a creamy, savory sauce.

6. Serve and Enjoy

  • Place the country-fried chicken on a serving platter and generously drizzle it with the gravy.
  • Serve with your favorite Southern sides for a meal that will make everyone smile.
Delicious country fried chicken with creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, and herbs served on a rustic wooden table with warm lighting.
A hearty plate of crispy fried chicken with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, and herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.

Tips for Variations and Substitutions

Spicy Version

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.

Herby Flavor

Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the flour for a fragrant twist.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute gluten-free flour blends for the chicken coating and the gravy.

What to Serve with Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Pair this dish with classic Southern sides for a complete meal:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy.
  • Fresh green beans or collard greens for a nutritious touch.
  • Warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits to round out the plate.

You can go right with sweet tea or a refreshing lemonade for beverages.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warm.

Tools for Eating

  • Cutlery: A fork and knife are perfect for slicing through the chicken and scooping up the gravy.

Plates: Use plates with a slight rim to keep the gravy contained and your presentation clean.

Country Fried Chicken covered in creamy gravy served over mashed potatoes with corn seeds and rolls. pinit
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Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 35 mins
Servings: 4 Calories: 450
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Country fried chicken and gravy always reminds me of comfort family foods. The best southern meals are fried chicken, gravy, and mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

For the Gravy

Directions

    • Prepare the Chicken
        • Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make thinner pieces.
        • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    • Set Up Dredging Stations
        • In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning.
        • In another bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
    • Bread the Chicken
        • Coat each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.
        • Dip into the milk-egg mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture. Shake off excess.
    • Fry the Chicken
        • Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
        • Fry chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F).
        • Drain on paper towels.
    • Make the Gravy
        • Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving ⅓ cup and any browned bits.
        • Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
        • Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Serve and Enjoy
      • Arrange fried chicken on a platter and drizzle generously with gravy.
      • Serve with Southern sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Sodium 800mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Chicken Recipes, Country Fried Chicken, Family Dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.

2. How can I make the gravy thicker?

Let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours before frying.

5. What's the best oil for frying?

Neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, work best.

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