Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Fried Chicken is a comforting Southern classic featuring tender, crispy chicken smothered in creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or a special weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbs hot sauce
• Oil for frying
• 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
• 1/3 cup flour (for gravy)
• 2 cup milk
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove, a few inches deep, to 325°F (165°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to help it stick well.
5. Step 5: Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken.
6. Step 6: To make the gravy, pour 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from frying into a large pan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour until absorbed, cooking for about 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Pour the creamy gravy over each piece of chicken before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy coating, double dredge the chicken by repeating the flour and egg mixture step.
• Substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature; too hot will burn the crust, too cool will make it greasy.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven to keep it crispy, and gently warm the gravy on the stovetop, whisking to restore smoothness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thin-sliced chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust frying time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe

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Chicken Fried Chicken is a Southern classic featuring thinly sliced chicken breasts dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in buttermilk batter, and fried until golden and crispy. Served with a creamy homemade gravy, this comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal that combines tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, savory sauce.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 6–8 thin sliced chicken breasts

Breading Mixture

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Wet Mixture

• 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp hot sauce

Frying

• Oil for frying (enough for 2-3 inches depth)

Gravy

• 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stovetop to 325°F (approximately medium heat), ensuring the oil is a few inches deep for frying.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly combined.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until smooth and well combined.
4. Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally dredge again in the flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
5. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil and fry each side for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
6. Make the gravy: Pour 1/4 cup of reserved oil from the frying into a large pan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup of flour and cook, stirring continuously, for about 1 minute until absorbed and slightly toasted.
7. Finish the gravy: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve: Pour the creamy gravy over the fried chicken pieces before serving for a classic, comforting Southern-style meal.

Notes

• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to avoid greasy chicken; 325°F is ideal for frying.
• Use thin sliced chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
• Press the flour coating firmly for better adherence and a crunchier texture.
• Adjust seasoning in the gravy to your preference for salt and pepper.
• Use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute for tenderizing the chicken and enhancing flavor.

Keywords: Chicken Fried Chicken, Southern Fried Chicken, Crispy Fried Chicken, Chicken with Gravy, Comfort Food, Fried Chicken Recipe