Crispy, golden, and delicious, Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy is a Southern comfort food classic. Perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, this dish is topped with a creamy, homemade gravy that will leave you wanting seconds. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The double-dredge coating ensures an extra crunchy texture.
- Comfort Food Classic: Brings Southern comfort to your table with a homemade touch.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for both the chicken and gravy.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning to your taste or add your favorite spices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 6-8 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- Oil for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 325°F, ensuring it’s a few inches deep.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce, whisking until smooth.
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour. Press the flour onto the chicken firmly for a thick, crunchy coating.
- Fry chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For the gravy, heat 1/4 cup reserved frying oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Stir in flour, cooking until absorbed, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until the gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve chicken hot with gravy poured over the top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour for a spicy kick.
- Healthier Option: Use an air fryer instead of deep frying.
- Gravy Options: Substitute bacon grease or butter for the oil in the gravy.
- Protein Swap: Use turkey or pork cutlets instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave for a softer texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy after frying.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
3. How do I ensure the coating stays on the chicken?
Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken during dredging for better adhesion.
4. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk to mimic buttermilk.
5. What oil is best for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or peanut oil.
6. How do I prevent the chicken from overcooking?
Keep the oil temperature steady at 325°F and monitor cooking times carefully.
7. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens.
8. What side dishes go well with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, or cornbread are perfect accompaniments.
9. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
While it won’t be as crispy, you can bake it at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until cooked through.
10. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
Conclusion
Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy is a hearty, satisfying dish that delivers a perfect combination of crispy, golden chicken and creamy, flavorful gravy. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with your favorite Southern sides for a complete meal that brings comfort to the table.
Print
Chicken Fried Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern , American
Description
Try this ultimate Southern comfort with this Chicken Fried Chicken recipe, featuring tender, crispy fried chicken topped with rich, homemade gravy. Perfect for family dinners or weeknight indulgence, this dish brings classic Southern flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 6–8 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying
Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan (about 2–3 inches deep) to 325°F.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry chicken in batches, cooking for 3–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- To make gravy, heat 1/4 cup reserved frying oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve chicken topped with gravy.
Notes
- Thin-sliced chicken cuts cooking time and ensures even frying.
- For gravy, bacon grease or butter can be substituted for frying oil.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference for both the chicken and gravy.
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