If you have been craving that perfect Southern comfort food that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with rich, creamy goodness, you are in for a treat. This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a seasoned breading and fried to golden perfection, all topped off with a luscious homemade gravy. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special weekend meal that everyone will remember.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — with a handful of basic pantry staples, you create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the chicken is the star, the seasonings add depth and warmth, and the combination of flour, milk, and butter bring that silky gravy magic to life.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook, perfect for even breading and frying.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder: Classic seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- â…” cup vegetable oil: For frying, provides a crispy, golden crust without overpowering the taste.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect browning.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading): The foundation for the crunchy coating.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Intensifies flavors throughout the recipe.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balance.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Brings a warm, slightly smoky depth and beautiful color.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: A fragrant punch that harmonizes with the paprika and pepper.
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning: A special blend that elevates the overall taste experience.
- 1 cup milk: Used in the batter to keep the breading moist and tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds the milk and flour, creating a perfect crust.
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken): Base for making the gravy with fantastic flavor.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy): Thickens the gravy to a smooth, velvety texture.
- 3 cups milk (for gravy): Makes the gravy creamy and luscious.
- Salt and pepper (for gravy): Adjusted to taste to round out the flavors.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Start by butterflying your chicken breasts lengthwise so they become thinner and cook more evenly—this also helps the crispy coating cling beautifully. Then, generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder to infuse them with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Make Breading and Batter
In two separate shallow dishes, prepare your breading and batter. Combine the flour with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning—that mix brings that irresistible Southern flair. In the other dish, whisk together the milk and egg; this wet mixture helps the flour fully adhere to the chicken, giving that perfect crispy crunch when fried.
Step 3: Bread and Fry Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Dip each chicken piece first into the seasoned flour, then into the milk-egg mixture, and back into the flour to double coat. This double-dip technique ensures maximum crunch. Heat your vegetable oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer to paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Step 4: Make Gravy
After frying, pour off all but about â…“ cup of the flavorful oil from the skillet. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, and continue whisking as the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This homemade gravy is the perfect creamy companion to your crunchy fried chicken.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the crispy fried chicken and generously ladle the warm gravy over the top. This is the moment where the magic truly happens—every bite combines crunch, tenderness, and creamy goodness into a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
How to Serve Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, subtle flavor contrast to the rich dish. For a hint of brightness, a few thin lemon wedges on the side can be a fantastic addition to balance the hearty flavors.
Side Dishes
Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that delicious gravy. For some freshness and crunch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. Cornbread or flaky biscuits are also classic Southern companions that complement the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style picnic or casual gathering, serve the chicken pieces in a large rustic dish with gravy in a generous bowl for dipping. For a more elegant presentation, arrange chicken on a plate atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with gravy delicately drizzled and garnished with herbs, turning this home-cooked favorite into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken maintains its flavor for up to three days, but be mindful that the crispy texture softens slightly—it’s still just as tasty when reheated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze the fried chicken and gravy separately for best results. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in a freezer bag for up to two months. Pour the gravy into a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftover chicken back to life, reheat it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to retain some crispiness. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep it smooth. Avoid microwaving for crispness, but it works fine for quick reheating if in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
While bone-in chicken can be used, this recipe works best with boneless breasts for even cooking and easier breading. Bone-in pieces may require longer frying times to cook through safely.
What can I substitute for steak seasoning?
If you don’t have steak seasoning on hand, a mix of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary with a pinch of onion powder and paprika can create a flavorful substitute.
Is it necessary to double dip the chicken in flour and batter?
Double dipping ensures a thicker, crispier crust that holds up well under the gravy. It’s worth the extra step for that authentic texture and flavor balance.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour blends for both the breading and the gravy roux. Just make sure your seasoning mixes don’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be smooth and pourable, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not so thick that it clumps. Adjust with a little more milk or flour as needed during cooking to get the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a true celebration of homestyle Southern comfort food. It’s a dish that fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your heart with warmth. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress friends with a hearty meal, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite classic.
Print
Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, buttery chicken breasts breaded with a flavorful seasoning blend and fried to a golden crisp. Paired with a rich and creamy homemade gravy made from the pan drippings, this southern classic makes for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste (for chicken seasoning)
- â…” cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Breading
- 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
Batter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Gravy
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 3 cups milk (for gravy)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for gravy)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse the meat with basic but essential flavors for the chicken.
- Make Breading and Batter: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 1 large egg to create the wet batter.
- Bread and Fry Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the milk and egg batter, and once again coat in the flour mixture to ensure a crispy exterior. Heat ⅔ cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked. Remove chicken and let drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make Gravy: Pour off all but â…“ cup of the frying oil from the skillet. Add â…“ cup flour to the remaining oil and cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens into a creamy gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy fried chicken and generously pour the creamy homemade gravy over the top for a comforting, southern-style meal that is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken ensures even cooking and a tender bite.
- Using the same skillet oil for the gravy enhances flavor with those delicious browned bits.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is safely cooked.
- Adjust seasoning in the gravy to your preference for saltiness and pepperiness.
