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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
