If you’re craving something comfort food heaven, you absolutely need to make this Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside with its golden, crunchy exterior and tender, juicy chicken beneath, all smothered in the creamiest, most flavorful homemade gravy imaginable. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of crispy texture and rich, savory goodness that hits all the right spots. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and an instant classic for your weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to this dish’s irresistible flavor and texture lies in using simple yet vital ingredients that work beautifully together. Each plays a key role, from creating that perfect crispy crust to making the silky homemade gravy that ties everything together.
- Thin sliced chicken breasts: Use 6-8 pieces for quick cooking and maximum crispiness without drying out.
- Flour: 2 cups for dredging to build that crunchy crust, plus extra for the gravy roux.
- Baking powder and baking soda: 2 tsp and 1 tsp respectively, to lighten up the coating and ensure perfect crunch.
- Salt and pepper: 1 tsp each to season both the flour and the gravy, enhancing flavor throughout.
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp adds a subtle depth with a hint of savory goodness.
- Buttermilk: 1 1/2 cups, the star that tenderizes chicken and adds a slight tang to balance flavors.
- Egg: 1 large, helps the coating adhere beautifully to the chicken.
- Hot sauce: 1 tablespoon, giving a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- Oil for frying: Enough to submerge chicken pieces for an even golden color.
- Milk: 2 cups for creamy gravy that finishes the dish with velvety smoothness.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil
Begin by heating your oil in a deep fryer or a large, heavy pan to 325°F. The moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook through evenly while developing a crunchy golden crust, so a thermometer really helps nail this step.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In one bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This mixture is your crispy coating, packed with seasoning that will shine through after frying.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while the egg and hot sauce add flavor and help the flour stick for that perfect crust.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Coat each chicken breast first in the dry flour mix, then dip into the wet buttermilk mixture, and finally, dredge once more in the dry mixture. This double coating creates extra crunch and locks in moisture while frying.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Carefully fry each chicken piece for about 3-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil and keep the crust light and crunchy.
Step 6: Make the Homemade Gravy
Reserve about 1/4 cup of the oil from frying and heat it gently in a pan. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook to form a roux, then slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk. Season well with salt and pepper and let it thicken to luscious homemade gravy perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your crispy chicken and pour that creamy, dreamy homemade gravy over the top. This final step turns simple fried chicken into an unforgettable comfort meal.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the gravy add a burst of color and a subtle fresh flavor that lifts the dish beautifully. For a finishing touch, a few cracked black peppercorns on top can add a bit of contrast.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are the natural partner for this recipe, soaking up every bit of the luscious gravy. Green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp coleslaw add great texture and balance to this hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the crispy chicken atop fluffy buttermilk biscuits and drizzle the homemade gravy over both. Alternatively, slice the chicken and layer it over a bed of creamy white rice or inside a toasted sandwich bun for a fantastic chicken biscuit sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover crispy chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them separate helps maintain the chicken’s crunchy coating without it getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken fried chicken pieces after frying but before adding gravy. Wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the gravy in a separate airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F to keep it crispy, about 10-15 minutes. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until hot and smooth. This way, you get almost freshly made texture and flavor all over again.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of thin sliced breasts?
You can, but bone-in chicken pieces take longer to cook through. You’ll want to adjust frying time and temperature to ensure the meat is fully cooked without burning the crust. Thin sliced breasts are ideal for quick, even cooking.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A quick substitute is to mix 1 1/2 cups milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using. The acidity helps tenderize the chicken just like buttermilk.
How spicy is this Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe?
The hot sauce adds a gentle kick but is completely adjustable. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the hot sauce. The dish remains deliciously flavorful regardless.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
While frying gives that unbeatable crispy crust, you can bake the coated chicken at 425°F on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway. It won’t be quite as crunchy but still tasty and lighter.
How long does the homemade gravy keep in the fridge?
Gravy stored in an airtight container lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always reheat it gently and stir well before serving to maintain its smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe is truly a gem that brings comfort, crunch, and creamy goodness all on one plate. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again—it’s that good and that satisfying. Don’t hesitate to give it a whirl and share the joy of this indulgent Southern-style classic with your loved ones!
Print
Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Chicken Fried Chicken with a creamy homemade gravy, perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. This classic Southern-style dish features tender chicken breasts breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with a smooth, savory gravy made from the pan drippings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 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 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 Tbs hot sauce
- Oil for frying (enough to fill fryer or pan to required depth)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large frying pan to 325°F (163°C) to ensure proper frying temperature for crispy chicken.
- Prepare Dry Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create the seasoned flour coating.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce, whisking until smooth to create a flavorful egg wash for the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each thinly sliced chicken breast first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and finally dredge again in the flour mixture ensuring an even and thorough coating.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil for 3-5 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Gravy: Reserve 1/4 cup of the frying oil and heat in a pan. Stir in 1/3 cup flour to form a roux, cooking until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk, stirring continuously until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried chicken and generously pour the creamy gravy over the top, serving immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use thin sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking and tender texture.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 325°F to prevent greasy chicken and ensure crispiness.
- Let the gravy simmer gently to avoid lumps; whisk continuously for smooth consistency.
- You can adjust hot sauce quantity in the egg mixture to control the level of spice.
- Drain fried chicken on paper towels to reduce oiliness before serving.
