Country Fried Chicken with Gravy
Crispy, golden, and smothered in rich homemade gravy, this Country Fried Chicken with Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings Southern charm right to your table. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in tangy buttermilk, coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture with a touch of paprika and cayenne for depth, and fried to crunchy perfection. The creamy gravy, made from scratch with butter, chicken broth, and a splash of milk or cream, adds a velvety richness that takes this dish to the next level. Ready in under an hour, this hearty, crowd-pleasing classic pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits for a soul-satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent gatherings, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 pieces eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 0.5 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoons salt (for gravy)
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper (for gravy)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
In a shallow bowl, add the buttermilk and submerge the chicken breasts in it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) to tenderize the chicken.
In another shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This will be your dredging mixture.
In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs with the milk to create an egg wash.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg wash, and once more into the flour mixture to coat thoroughly.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer is recommended to maintain the correct frying temperature.
Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each piece for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden-brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Keep the chicken warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven if needed while making the gravy.
To make the gravy, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually add the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then, stir in the milk or cream.
Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve the country fried chicken hot, generously topped with the creamy gravy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
11105 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1030.4 g | 1321% | |
| Saturated Fat | 173.0 g | 865% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1102 mg | 367% | |
| Sodium | 7034 mg | 306% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 255.7 g | 93% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.5 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.1 g | ||
| Protein | 286.8 g | 574% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.5 mcg | 68% | |
| Calcium | 1097 mg | 84% | |
| Iron | 22.6 mg | 126% | |
| Potassium | 3769 mg | 80% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
