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
Scale
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
