If you’re craving a dish that combines that nostalgic Southern charm with crispy, flavorful chicken smothered in rich, creamy goodness, you’ve come to the right place. This Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe is a comforting classic that never fails to warm the soul and delight the taste buds. The perfect balance of crunchy coating and tender chicken paired with a luscious homemade gravy creates an irresistible meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug from the South.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients pack a punch in this dish, each playing a vital role in creating that signature crispy crust, juicy chicken, and velvety smooth gravy. You probably already have most of these essentials in your kitchen, which makes this recipe as practical as it is delicious.
- 1 lb chicken breast: The star of the meal; using breasts ensures lean, tender meat perfect for frying.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for chicken): A classic seasoning trio that brings out the chicken’s natural flavor with a subtle kick.
- 2/3 cup of oil: For that perfect, golden-seared crust; choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
- 2 TBSP of butter: Adds richness and helps develop a beautifully browned coating during frying.
- 1 cup of flour: The cornerstone for the crispy exterior, combining texture and flavor when seasoned properly.
- 2 tsp each of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning: These spices elevate the flour, infusing the crust with layers of warm, savory notes.
- 1 cup of milk: Helps the egg mixture coat the chicken smoothly and tenderizes the meat.
- 1 egg: Acts as a glue between the flour layers, ensuring the coating sticks during frying.
- 1/3 cup of grease from frying chicken: Essential for making the gravy rich and flavorful.
- 1/3 cup of flour (for gravy): Used to thicken the gravy into a luscious, creamy sauce.
- 3 cups of milk (for gravy): The base for the gravy, creating that smooth texture that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy): To season your gravy perfectly and balance the flavors.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise. This creates thinner pieces that cook evenly and absorb more seasoning. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Warm a large skillet over medium heat, pouring in the oil and adding butter. The combination of oil and butter not only raises the smoke point but also lends a rich depth to the frying process, resulting in a gloriously crisp crust.
Step 3: Season and Mix the Flour
Mix together the flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning in a wide bowl. This seasoning blend is where the magic begins—offering a perfect balance of spice complexity and savory undertones for the coating.
Step 4: Create the Perfect Dredging Station
Whisk together the milk and egg in a separate bowl. To ensure that perfectly crunchy coating, dredge each seasoned chicken piece first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the milk and egg combo, and finally coat again with the flour. This triple-layer technique traps moisture and locks in flavor wonderfully.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place your coated chicken into the heated skillet. Fry each side until the coating turns a glorious golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. The aroma filling your kitchen now is the promise of a spectacular meal!
Step 6: Make the Gravy
After frying, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest. Into the skillet, pour the 1/3 cup of grease leftover from frying and sprinkle the 1/3 cup of flour. Cook this roux over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a lovely golden hue. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk, adding salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens to that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 7: Plate and Pour
Place the crispy country fried chicken on plates and generously ladle the warm, creamy gravy over the top. This step is where the comfort escalates—a perfect sauce coats every crumb and every bite becomes divine.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant green that brightens the look and adds a fresh herbal twist to your rich dish. You can also scatter some cracked black pepper on top for a little extra spice and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Country Fried Chicken with Gravy shines alongside classic Southern sides such as buttery mashed potatoes (the gravy’s perfect match), creamy coleslaw, or green beans with bacon. Cornbread or biscuits are also fantastic to soak up every luscious drop of gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your country fried chicken over a bed of creamy grits to mix textures and flavors. Or assemble a hearty open-faced sandwich using thick slices of bread underneath the chicken and gravy, topping it with pickles for tang and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick reheat meal that tastes just as good.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe even longer, freezing is a great option. Pack the fried chicken and gravy separately into freezer-safe containers or bags. Chicken can last up to 3 months frozen, while gravy is best used within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen items overnight in the fridge. Warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until crispy again, usually 10-15 minutes. Heat the gravy gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture before pouring over the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thighs or drumsticks work wonderfully and even add extra juiciness, just be sure to adjust cooking time so the meat is fully cooked and tender.
Is it necessary to double dredge the chicken?
While not mandatory, double dredging with flour and egg mixture ensures an extra-crispy and thicker crust that better holds up under the gravy, enhancing texture and moisture retention.
Can I make the gravy gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Just mix the cornstarch with cold milk before adding it to avoid lumps.
What’s the best oil to fry the chicken?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. They help achieve a crispy crust without imparting unwanted flavors.
How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?
Place fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels after frying to avoid sogginess and allow any excess oil to drain, keeping that crust perfectly crisp until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like coming home. It’s comfort food at its absolute finest with crispy, tender chicken and creamy gravy that never fails to satisfy. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try making it yourself—whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and smiles to the table every time.
Print
Country Fried Chicken with Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Country Fried Chicken with Gravy recipe brings classic Southern comfort food to your table. Crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken breasts are paired with a rich, creamy homemade gravy, making an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder for seasoning chicken (to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp steak seasoning
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Frying
- 2/3 cup oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp butter
Gravy
- 1/3 cup grease from frying chicken
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add oil and butter. Allow both to heat until hot and butter is melted, creating a perfect frying base.
- Mix Seasoned Flour: In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. This will be used to coat the chicken and give it a flavorful crust.
- Prepare Wet Mixture and Dredge Chicken: Whisk together milk and egg. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the milk and egg mixture, and again coat with the seasoned flour to create a double-layered crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot skillet. Fry on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Make the Gravy: Remove the chicken and reserve about 1/3 cup of the frying grease. In the same skillet, whisk in 1/3 cup flour with the grease to make a roux. Slowly stir in 3 cups of milk, continuously whisking. Cook over medium heat until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the creamy gravy over the fried chicken and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safety.
- For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the skillet while frying.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
