If you have been on the lookout for that perfect comfort food that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavor, then this Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe is just what you need. It combines perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried chicken with a silky-smooth, peppery gravy that brings everything together in the most delicious way. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to satisfy your craving for hearty, soul-soothing food that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the familiar pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the spices that give the chicken its irresistible crust to the combination of butter and milk that create the rich gravy you’ll want to spoon by the bowlful.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfectly lean and tender for frying.
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste for chicken): Basic but essential seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil: The ideal frying medium for crispy, golden chicken.
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for breading): Creates the crispy coating that’s signature to country fried chicken.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Balances flavors and seasons the breading perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Gives the coating a subtle smoky sweetness and lovely color.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Deepens the savory notes in the crust.
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning: A blend that boosts overall flavor with herbs and spices.
- 1 cup milk: Used in the wet batter to keep the coating light and sticky.
- 1 large egg: Binds the flour and milk mixture for the perfect batter.
- ⅓ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken): Base for making the flavorful gravy.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for gravy): Thickens the gravy to creamy perfection.
- 3 cups milk (for gravy): Adds creaminess to the gravy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste for gravy): Essential seasonings to finish the gravy just right.
How to Make Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by butterflying the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner, more even pieces for frying. This ensures a quicker, more even cook while helping achieve that signature crispy crust. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor right at the start.
Step 2: Make the Breading and Batter
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. This is your flavorful dry mixture that will coat the chicken beautifully. In another bowl, whisk the milk and egg together until smooth; this wet mixture helps the flour stick and creates that irresistible crispy finish.
Step 3: Bread and Fry the Chicken
First, dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Next, dip it into the milk and egg batter. Then, give it another coating of the flour mixture to double-dip for maximum crunch and flavor. Heat the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels to keep them crisp.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Save about ⅓ cup of the flavorful frying oil in your skillet, discarding the rest. Add the ⅓ cup flour to this oil and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux — this is the base of your smooth gravy. Slowly whisk in the 3 cups of milk, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Cook on medium heat until the gravy thickens to a luscious consistency, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a rich gravy that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
Step 5: Serve
Pour the warm gravy over your fried chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, this combination creates a soul-satisfying Southern classic that’s sure to delight everyone at your table.
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 bit of fresh contrast to the rich and hearty flavors. A few red pepper flakes can also add just the right hint of heat, if you want to spice things up a bit.
Side Dishes
This plate of Southern comfort food shines when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits, which help soak up every last bit of that incredible gravy. A crisp green salad or some sautéed green beans offer a refreshing balance with their lightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this classic into a fun crowd-pleaser by serving the chicken and gravy over flaky buttermilk biscuits for an indulgent breakfast or brunch twist. Or try layering sliced country fried chicken with gravy inside a sandwich with pickles and shredded lettuce for a crunchy, savory treat that’s perfect on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover fried chicken and gravy in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the gravy separate from the chicken helps maintain the crispness of the coating.
Freezing
Both the fried chicken and gravy freeze well, though for best texture, freeze them separately. Wrap the fried chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze gravy in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Use within 1-2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Warm the gravy gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving fried chicken because it can become soggy quickly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking time, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have steak seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic that savory, herby profile.
How do I get the gravy really smooth without lumps?
Making a proper roux by stirring the flour in the hot oil for a full minute before adding milk helps prevent lumps. Slowly whisking the milk in while stirring constantly also ensures a silky gravy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour blends suitable for frying and gravy, and ensure any seasonings you use don’t contain gluten.
Is the chicken crispy when reheated?
Reheating in the oven helps retain crispiness better than the microwave. For best results, avoid covering the chicken while reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the perfect Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe, and it’s a dish that never fails to bring joy to the table. With its crispy crust, flavorful seasoning, and that dreamy homemade gravy, it’s a recipe worth making again and again. So grab your skillet, don’t be shy with the spices, and treat yourself to a plate of pure comfort tonight!
Print
Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Country Fried Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, crispy chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour batter and pan-fried to golden perfection. Served with a creamy, homemade milk gravy, this Southern-inspired dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a family meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, to taste (for chicken seasoning)
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 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
- ⅓ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts lengthwise to make them thinner for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Make Breading and Batter: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons each of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk and the large egg until fully combined.
- Bread and Fry Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the milk and egg batter, and again coat with the seasoned flour mixture. Heat 2/3 cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Make Gravy: Carefully pour off all but 1/3 cup of the frying oil from the skillet, retaining the flavorful drippings. Add 1/3 cup flour to the oil and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and keep stirring until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the fried chicken and generously pour the creamy gravy over the top. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture paired with rich gravy.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and a crispier crust.
- Use a thermometer to check the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- If gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a little extra milk.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breading mix.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and gently reheated on stovetop with a bit of milk to loosen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
