Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe
This classic Chicken Fried Chicken recipe features tender, thin-sliced chicken breasts double-coated in a seasoned flour and buttermilk batter, then fried to crispy, golden perfection. Topped with a rich homemade white gravy, this Southern-inspired dish is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 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 (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove to 325°F (approximately 165°C), ensuring the oil is a few inches deep for proper frying.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create the seasoned flour mixture.
- Prepare wet mixture: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully combined.
- Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well for a thick, crispy crust.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat for all pieces.
- Make the gravy: In a large pan, heat 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from frying over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to absorb the fat and become slightly toasted.
- Finish the gravy: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring continuously to blend and prevent lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the creamy white gravy over each piece of fried chicken and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 325°F to avoid greasy chicken or burnt crust.
- Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for faster cooking and better breading adherence.
- Double dredging the chicken ensures a crispy exterior.
- The reserved oil adds authentic flavor to the gravy, but you can substitute with butter if preferred.
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or coleslaw for a traditional Southern meal.
Keywords: chicken fried chicken, fried chicken recipe, southern fried chicken, chicken with gravy, comfort food, crispy fried chicken, homemade gravy
