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If you’re craving a true taste of Southern comfort, nothing hits quite like this Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts get coated in a crispy, seasoned crust that’s fried to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy that’s just bursting with flavor. From the first crunchy bite to the luscious drizzle of homemade gravy, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction straight to your plate. It’s an unforgettable home-cooked meal that’s perfect for any day you want to feel a little extra cozy and indulge in classic comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and that inviting golden color. From the tender chicken breasts to the blend of spices that make the crust irresistible, every element shines and plays a vital role in creating this memorable meal.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Butterflied for a thinner, tender bite that cooks quickly and evenly.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for chicken): Basic seasonings that enhance the natural chicken flavor.
- â…” cup vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to get that crispy, crunchy exterior.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness to both the fry and the gravy.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading): Creates the classic crispy coating that is the hallmark of country fried chicken.
- 2 teaspoons salt: A key seasoning for depth of flavor in both the breading and gravy.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness to the crust.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Contributes a smoky color and subtle warmth.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A flavorful boost that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning: Complex blend that elevates the overall taste with herbs and spices.
- 1 cup milk: Used in the breading process to help the coating adhere beautifully.
- 1 large egg: Works with milk to bind the flour coating to the chicken.
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil: The key fat left after frying, used to start the rich gravy.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy): Builds the creamy roux base for the gravy.
- 3 cups milk (for gravy): Creates the luscious texture of the gravy that ties the dish together.
- Salt and pepper (for gravy): Final seasoning to balance and enhance the gravy’s flavor.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by butterflying your chicken breasts lengthwise. This makes them thinner, so they cook faster and stay juicy inside. Then season them evenly with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. This simple seasoning lays the perfect foundation for that savory, comforting flavor we all love in country fried chicken.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and the salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning—this is your flavor-packed breading mixture that forms the crust. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and egg together to create a wet dip. This system helps the coating stick just right, ensuring every bite is crispy and flavorful.
Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and milk mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture for a double coating that crisps up beautifully. Heat your vegetable oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest on paper towels to drain excess oil while keeping that crisp texture.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Carefully pour off all but ⅓ cup of the frying oil from your skillet—that flavorful fat leftover is key for the gravy. Whisk in ⅓ cup of flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually add 3 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy gravy. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste—this gravy is what brings the dish home with silky richness.
Step 5: Plate and Pour
Arrange your crispy fried chicken on a serving plate and generously ladle the creamy gravy over each piece. The contrast of crunchy coating with velvety gravy is irresistible and beautifully satisfying.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of green and a hint of brightness to balance the richness of the gravy. A sprinkle of paprika on top also adds a lovely warm color and slight smoky aroma. Garnishes aren’t just about looks—they subtly elevate the overall eating experience.
Side Dishes
The ultimate comfort food meal deserves equally comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing as they soak up all that delicious gravy. But don’t stop there—collard greens, buttered corn, or crispy fried okra bring wonderful texture contrasts and round out the plate with Southern charm.
Creative Ways to Present
You can transform this Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe into a hearty sandwich by stacking slices of chicken on soft but sturdy buns and dousing them in gravy as a special sauce. For brunch, serve it atop warm biscuits with a sunny-side-up egg for an indulgent twist on your morning meal. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for anytime you want a comforting crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover country fried chicken and gravy separate for best results. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gravy can be stored in a separate container. This keeps the coating from getting soggy and allows you to reheat each element just right.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and gravy separately. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Pour the cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container. Both can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. Combine them just before serving for that fresh-from-the-kitchen feel any day of the week.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have a richer flavor, which makes them a delicious alternative. Just adjust the frying time to ensure they cook through evenly.
What can I substitute if I don’t have steak seasoning?
You can easily mix together some salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic the flavors of steak seasoning.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free seasonings. The texture might be slightly different, but the delicious flavor will still shine through.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?
Make sure to double dredge the chicken—flour, then egg mixture, then flour again. Also, frying in hot oil (around 350°F) helps create a crust that stays intact.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
If you do, store it separately in the fridge. Reheat slowly with a little extra milk to loosen the gravy before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that warms not only your belly but your heart as well. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, sharing the love with family and friends around your table. So don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients, get frying, and bring a taste of classic comfort to your kitchen tonight!
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Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Country Fried Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts dredged in a flavorful seasoned flour and egg mixture, fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy homemade milk gravy. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this comforting Southern-style meal is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your craving for traditional comfort food.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste (for chicken seasoning)
- â…” cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Gravy
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy roux)
- 3 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for gravy seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Butterfly chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Mix Breading Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons each of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk and 1 large egg until fully blended.
- Bread Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the milk and egg mixture, and finally coat again in the flour mixture to create a thick, crunchy crust.
- Fry Chicken: Heat ⅔ cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Gravy: Pour off excess oil from the skillet, reserving â…“ cup of the frying oil. Add â…“ cup flour to the reserved oil and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and continue to cook, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried chicken and generously pour the creamy gravy over the top. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken helps it cook evenly and faster.
- Ensure oil temperature is medium-high for a crispy crust without burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify that chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- The reserved frying oil contains flavorful bits that enhance the gravy’s taste.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy as needed to balance richness and flavor.
- Leftover fried chicken and gravy can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently on the stovetop.
