If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little bit of Southern comfort right into your kitchen, this Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts breaded in a flavorful, crispy coating, fried to golden perfection, and then smothered in a creamy, perfectly seasoned gravy that just melts in your mouth. It’s that heartwarmingly satisfying kind of meal that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy weekends, or whenever you want to impress with a classic dish that never goes out of style. Ready to dive into the joy of crispy, saucy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together to create the magic of crispy texture, rich flavor, and that comforting, homemade appeal that makes this dish so special. Each plays an important role, whether it’s seasoning the chicken or thickening the gravy to silky smooth perfection.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts, butterflied for even cooking and the perfect crispy bite.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for chicken): These basic seasonings penetrate the meat for savory depth.
- â…” cup vegetable oil: Ideal for frying to achieve a golden crust without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness to both frying and the gravy’s roux base.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading): Essential for creating that crisp, golden exterior.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances and enhances the overall seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a sharp, aromatic kick.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Gives the crust a subtle smoky warmth and lovely color.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices to elevate the taste complexity.
- 1 cup milk: Mixed with egg to create a batter that helps the breading stick and stay moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds the breading layers and adds moisture for a tender finish.
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken): Used for the gravy base to carry all those toasted flavors.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy): The key to thickening the gravy perfectly.
- 3 cups milk (for gravy): Makes the gravy creamy and smooth.
- Salt and pepper (for gravy): To season the gravy just right.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Start by butterflying your chicken breasts lengthwise so they’re thinner and cook evenly. This step is crucial because it ensures each bite is tender without drying out. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken itself.
Step 2: Make Breading and Batter
In one shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. This flavorful flour blend will cradle your chicken in a crispy, well-seasoned jacket. In another dish, whisk together the milk and egg to create a luscious batter that helps the flour stick to the chicken perfectly and keeps it moist inside.
Step 3: Bread and Fry Chicken
Now for the fun part. Dredge each piece of chicken first in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and back into the flour again for a double coating that guarantees a crunch you’ll love. Heat the vegetable oil and one tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat, then fry your chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through inside—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels so it stays crisp and not greasy.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Don’t put away that skillet yet! Pour off all but about ⅓ cup of the leftover oil to capture that wonderful fried flavor. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux—a thick base that will hold your gravy together beautifully. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and keep stirring as it thickens into a velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is the perfect soulful partner for your crispy chicken.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh note against the rich, creamy gravy. You can also add a dash of paprika on top to echo the spice in the breading.
Side Dishes
This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up all the gravy, buttery corn on the cob, or green beans cooked with a hint of garlic. For a hearty meal, creamy macaroni and cheese is a total winner as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unexpected twist, serve the chicken and gravy over a flaky buttermilk biscuit or even atop a bed of steamed rice to keep things cozy and filling. You might also add a sunny-side-up egg on top for a brunch-style spin that adds richness and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place the chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps maintain the crispness of the chicken when reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze both the fried chicken and the gravy, but be sure to wrap the chicken well in plastic wrap or foil and put it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. The gravy freezes best in a sealed container. They’ll keep for about 1 to 2 months in the freezer without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven to help maintain the crunchy crust, rather than microwaving which can make it soggy. Warm the gravy gently on the stove, stirring frequently until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add even more juiciness and flavor to the dish, though they may need a slightly longer cooking time. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for best results.
What can I substitute for steak seasoning?
If you don’t have steak seasoning handy, a mix of smoked paprika, onion powder, ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can replicate that robust, slightly spicy depth perfectly.
Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) on a greased rack for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, though the texture won’t be quite as crisp as frying. It’s a lighter option that still tastes great.
Can I make the gravy dairy-free?
For a dairy-free gravy, substitute the milk with an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Use dairy-free butter or oil instead of butter, and the result will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to ensure the meat is opaque and juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, the perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken and rich, creamy gravy is bound to become a new favorite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Country Fried Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts, breaded and fried to a golden crisp, then smothered in a creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for a comforting Southern-style meal that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste (for chicken)
- Pepper, to taste (for chicken)
- Garlic powder, to taste (for chicken)
- â…” cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
Batter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Gravy
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor directly into the meat.
- Make Breading and Batter: In one shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour with 2 teaspoons each of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk and 1 large egg until combined to create the batter.
- Bread and Fry Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the milk and egg batter, and again coat with the flour mixture to form a thick crust. Heat ⅔ cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken in batches until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make Gravy: Pour off all but â…“ cup of the frying oil from the skillet and return to medium heat. Stir in â…“ cup flour to the oil to form a roux; cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens smoothly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried chicken and generously spoon the creamy gravy over the top for a classic Southern comfort dish.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender result.
- Maintain medium-high heat during frying to achieve a crispy crust without burning.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Reserve some frying oil before discarding excess to add flavor to the gravy.
- If gravy is too thick, whisk in a little extra milk to reach desired consistency.
