Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you crave the ultimate Southern comfort food, you need to try Country Fried Chicken and Gravy. This crispy, golden chicken paired with creamy homemade gravy is the definition of heartwarming, soul-soothing fare—the kind of meal that conjures up family dinners, laughter, and generous seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Country Fried Chicken and Gravy is how uncomplicated the ingredients are—each one plays a vital role. From the chicken’s tender juiciness to the savory depth of homemade gravy, every item adds to the irresistible Southern magic of this dish.

• Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless breasts for easy slicing and quick cooking; cutting them in half creates the perfect thickness for juicy meat and lots of crispy crust.
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder: These seasonings are sprinkled on the chicken to create layers of flavor that shine through the crust and gravy.
• Oil and butter: Frying in a mix of oil and butter gives the chicken beautiful color and rich flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Used for both dredging and the gravy roux; it creates the crisp coating and silky gravy base.
• Paprika and steak seasoning: These spices in the flour mixture boost color, smokiness, and an extra punch of savory flavor.
• Milk: Essential for both the dredge and creamy gravy, adding moisture and making the coating puff up just right.
• Egg: Helps the flour coating adhere and gives the chicken a tender bite beneath the crunch.
• Gravy seasonings (salt, pepper): Taste as you go; a good gravy needs plenty of black pepper and just the right touch of salt.

Variations

One of the beauties of Country Fried Chicken and Gravy is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re working with what you have, catering to allergies, or simply craving a twist, these variations ensure there’s a perfect version for everyone at the table.

• Swap the protein: Try tenderized chicken thighs or pork cutlets for an even juicier, richer bite.
• Spicy kick: Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the flour mix for a hint of heat that pops under all that creamy gravy.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute a good all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for both breading and gravy—no one will even notice the swap.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter if you need to keep it dairy free—the results are still crave-worthy!

How to Make Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half horizontally—this gives you thinner cutlets that cook quickly and stay super juicy. Season both sides liberally with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This little bit of early seasoning works magic, making every bite flavorful all the way through.

Step 2: Create the Dredge Stations

Set up two shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. In the second, beat the egg with the milk until smooth. This double-dip process guarantees your Country Fried Chicken and Gravy gets that classic Southern style crunch.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

First, dredge each seasoned piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat. Dip it straight into the milk and egg mixture, then back into the flour—make sure every inch is coated for maximum crispiness. This double coating is what makes the crust so satisfying!

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat the oil and butter in your skillet over medium heat. When the mixture sizzles gently, add the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry for several minutes per side until gloriously golden and the internal temperature is 165°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to keep things crispy.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

Pour off all but about 1/3 cup of the frying oil, keeping those tasty browned bits in the pan. Stir in 1/3 cup flour to make a roux, letting it bubble for a minute for flavor. Gradually whisk in the milk, scraping up every speck of flavor, and cook until thickened. Season generously with salt and black pepper—that’s what makes the gravy sing!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the creamy gravy piping hot over your crispy chicken. Don’t be shy—gravy is half the fun! Get ready for that first glorious bite where crunchy chicken and smooth gravy mingle in true comfort food bliss.

How to Serve Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or chives brings color and a gentle herbal pop that beautifully balances the richness of Country Fried Chicken and Gravy. For extra crunch and a peppery bite, scatter on some freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish practically begs for classic sides—think creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for extra gravy), buttery corn, or a pile of tangy coleslaw. Big Southern-style biscuits or a heap of fluffy rice will also help soak up every drop of that incredible gravy.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Country Fried Chicken and Gravy by serving individually plated portions over a swirl of mashed potatoes with gravy poured artistically on top, or go family-style with a platter of chicken and a generous gravy boat. For a fun brunch twist, sandwich the chicken and gravy in a split biscuit or pile onto waffles for true Southern decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftover chicken and gravy into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Keep the gravy and chicken separate so the coating stays as crisp as possible until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

Fried chicken freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. The gravy is best made fresh, but if needed, you can freeze it separately—just allow for extra whisking when reheating.

Reheating

To get that signature crunch back, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes until hot and crispy. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk if needed, stirring frequently until smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your home as it does to mine. Country Fried Chicken and Gravy is pure Southern magic—a true crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you think. Gather your loved ones, dive in with plenty of gravy on the side, and make some wonderful, delicious memories!

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