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
Scale
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.
