Name: Crispy Country Fried Chicken and Gravy You’ll Crave Every Time
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts (butterflied); 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating); 2 teaspoons salt (adds flavor); 2 teaspoons black pepper (adds heat); 2 teaspoons paprika (for color and smokiness); 2 teaspoons garlic powder (for flavor); 2 teaspoons steak seasoning (for depth of flavor); 1 cup milk (for wet batter); 1 large egg (for binding); ⅓ cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tablespoon butter (for flavor); ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening); 3 cups milk (for creamy base); salt and pepper (to taste)

The smell of sizzling chicken fills the air, wrapping around me like a warm embrace as I recall sunny afternoons spent with my family in the kitchen. This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy is not just a meal; it’s a tradition that brings comfort and togetherness, making it a must-try for any home chef. With its golden, crispy exterior and creamy gravy that could make anyone forget about fast food, this dish offers a delightful escape into Southern American cuisine. The best part? It’s quick to prepare, coming together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a little soul-soothing comfort. Are you ready to fry up a delicious masterpiece that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive in!

Why Crave Country Fried Chicken and Gravy?

Nostalgic Comfort: This dish evokes sweet memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners, making it a heartwarming addition to any table.
Golden Crispy Goodness: The perfectly fried exterior gives every bite a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
Decadent Gravy Delight: The rich, creamy gravy adds a luscious layer of flavor that elevates the dish to comfort food royalty.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Southern cuisine right in your home.
Everyone's Favorite: Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Enjoy the joy of cooking and serving a dish that is a beloved classic in Southern American cuisine!

Ingredients

Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Ingredients

For the Chicken
• 4 chicken breasts – make sure they're boneless for easy frying.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – this coats the chicken for a perfect crispy texture.
• 2 teaspoons salt – enhances flavor and draws moisture from the chicken.
• 2 teaspoons black pepper – adds a subtle heat that pairs well with the other spices.
• 2 teaspoons paprika – gives a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness to the crust.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder – infuses a delicious garlic flavor in every bite.
• 2 teaspoons steak seasoning – adds a robust depth of flavor that complements the chicken.
• 1 cup milk – used for the wet batter, yielding tender chicken.
• 1 large egg – binds the milk and flour together for a better coating.

For Frying
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil – ensures even frying and a crispy texture.
• 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness and flavor to the fried chicken.

For the Gravy
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour – thickens the gravy to a creamy consistency.
• 3 cups milk – provides a smooth, creamy base for the gravy.
• Salt and pepper (to taste) – season to bring the gravy to life.

Enjoy creating this delicious Country Fried Chicken and Gravy that’s bound to become a family favorite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by butterflying the four chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook more evenly. This ensures a quicker frying time while keeping the meat juicy. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat as you prepare the breading mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Breading
In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons each of salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, as well as 2 teaspoons of steak seasoning. This seasoned flour will create a tasty, crispy coating for your Country Fried Chicken. Whisk together until well blended for even flavor distribution.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk with 1 large egg until smooth. This milk and egg mixture will act as a binding agent, helping the seasoned flour adhere to the chicken during frying. Set up your stations with the chicken, flour mixture, and wet mixture for easy dredging.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
One by one, take each seasoned chicken piece and first coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the milk and egg bath. Finally, return it to the flour mixture, making sure to fully coat each piece. This double-dipping technique creates that famous crispy exterior that makes Country Fried Chicken irresistible.

Step 5: Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat ⅓ cup of vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering but not smoking (around 350°F or 175°C), it's time to start frying. This ensures that your chicken will fry evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Gently place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for about 6–8 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain the cooked chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping it crispy and delicious.

Step 7: Make the Gravy
Once the chicken is fried, pour off all but ⅓ cup of oil from the skillet, leaving drippings for flavor. Add ⅓ cup of flour to the remaining oil and cook for about a minute to create a roux, stirring constantly until it's lightly browned. This will serve as the base for your creamy gravy.

Step 8: Whisk in the Milk
Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk into the roux, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the gravy over medium heat, allowing it to simmer and thicken for about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for the perfect creamy texture that complements the fried chicken.

Step 9: Serve the Dish
Serve your crispy Country Fried Chicken warm, generously topped with the rich, creamy gravy. This hearty Southern American dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Ensure everyone gets a piece of chicken and a good ladle of gravy for that classic experience!

Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Variations

Feel free to get creative with this dish, bringing your personal touch to a beloved classic and delighting your senses!

Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour for a zesty flavor that packs a punch. This will elevate your fried chicken experience with a delightful heat!
Herb-Infused: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour for a fragrant twist. These herbs will bring an aromatic freshness to every bite.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs without compromising on taste. Enjoy the crispy goodness guilt-free!
Buttermilk Brine: Soak the chicken in buttermilk for 1-2 hours before cooking for extra tenderness and flavor. This step guarantees juicy chicken that melts in your mouth.
Creamy Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding flour for a rich, earthy twist to your gravy. The mushrooms will infuse a depth of flavor that elevates your Southern classic.
Crispy Oven-Baked: For a healthier option, coat the chicken and bake it at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes for crispy perfection without frying. This method still delivers all the flavors you crave!
Cheesy Delight: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a cheesy crust. Adding cheese creates an irresistible richness in every bite.
Sweet and Savory Glaze: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the fried chicken before serving for a delightful sweet contrast to the savory gravy. This unexpected twist will surprise and delight your diners!

Expert Tips for Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Chicken Thickness Matters: Ensure your chicken is evenly butterflied for consistent cooking. Thin pieces cook more thoroughly and remain juicy, preventing overcooked edges.
Double-Dip Dilemma: Don't skip the double-dipping process! It creates that irresistible crispy layer. Ensure each piece is fully coated during both stages for maximum crunch.
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). Too hot will burn the coating; too cold will leave you with greasy chicken.
Gravy Consistency: If your gravy seems too thick, whisk in a little more milk gradually until the perfect creamy consistency is achieved. Don’t rush this step; patience pays off!
Season Well: Taste your gravy and adjust seasoning before serving. Using salt and pepper to taste elevates the flavor profile of the rich, creamy sauce for that true Southern comfort vibe.

How to Store and Freeze Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Fridge: Store leftover Country Fried Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to the gravy if needed.

Freezer: To freeze, separate the chicken and gravy into individual airtight containers. Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, while gravy is best used within 1–2 months.

Reheating: For best results, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Reheat gravy on the stove, stirring often, until warmed through.

Make Ahead Options

These Country Fried Chicken and Gravy options are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can prep the chicken breasts by butterflying and seasoning them up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. The seasoned flour mixture can also be prepared and kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making it easy to dredge later. For the gravy, consider making it fresh just before serving to maintain its creamy consistency, but if you need to save time, you can whisk together the roux and keep it refrigerated. When ready to fry, just follow the cooking steps, and savor that comforting, homemade Country Fried Chicken and Gravy effortlessly!

What to Serve with Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

To create a truly comforting meal that satisfies every craving, consider these delightful pairings!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly buttery and fluffy, they soak up the gravy beautifully for a dreamy experience.
A quintessential Southern comfort food, mashed potatoes add a velvety texture that enhances every drool-worthy bite of chicken.
Collard Greens: Tender, earthy greens complement the richness of the fried chicken.
Sautéing them with a bit of garlic and bacon elevates their flavor, making them a classic Southern side that balances indulgence.
Cornbread: This sweet and savory treat adds a warm, comforting element alongside your meal.
Moist, fluffy cornbread with a hint of honey will transport you to a warm Southern kitchen with every mouthful.
Biscuit Sandwiches: Imagining a fluffy biscuit with a piece of crispy chicken? Yes, please!
Layering the chicken between warm biscuits drizzled with gravy creates a fun, feeder-friendly twist on the classic.
Southern Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw brings freshness that contrasts beautifully with the fried chicken's richness.
Its bright flavor not only refreshes the palate but also adds that perfect crunch for textural balance.
Sweet Tea: Naturally refreshing, this Southern staple is the ideal thirst-quencher to complement your meal.
Sipping on this sweet brew brings a nostalgic feeling of sipping on the porch, adding a touch of home to your dining experience.
Peach Cobbler: Cap off this comfort feast with a slice of sweet, warm peach cobbler.
Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the sweetest way to close the evening and celebrate Southern tradition.

Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my chicken is ripe and ready for cooking?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken, look for breasts that are plump and have a pinkish hue without any dark spots or an off smell. Fresh chicken should feel slightly moist but not slimy.

How should I store leftover Country Fried Chicken and Gravy?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the chicken and gravy cool down before sealing them away to maintain texture. For quick reheating, try adding a splash of milk to the gravy before warming it on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze Country Fried Chicken and Gravy?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, place the chicken and gravy into separate airtight containers. The chicken can be stored for up to 3 months, while the gravy is best used within 1–2 months for optimal flavor and consistency. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What should I do if my gravy is too thick?
If your gravy is too thick, don't worry—this is an easy fix! Simply whisk in additional milk, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Also, remember to keep cooking at medium heat and stir continuously to ensure a smooth texture without lumps.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! For those with gluten allergies, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken coating and the gravy. If you're cooking for pets, remember that seasoning and gravy is not suitable for them. Always check for individual ingredient allergies as well!