Country Fried Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you crave old-fashioned comfort food with crispy, golden chicken and creamy, peppery gravy, then Country Fried Chicken and Gravy belongs at the very top of your must-make list! This classic dish wraps you up in a warm hug of Southern flavor—each bite is crunchy, juicy, and finished with luscious homemade gravy.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of kitchen staples come together to create the magic of Country Fried Chicken and Gravy! Each ingredient brings its own must-have punch—juicy chicken, a seasoned flour crust, and that rich, creamy gravy.

• Chicken breast (1 lb): Slicing the breasts thin means quick, even frying and extra-tender results—don’t skip the seasoning!
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for chicken): These are classic, simple flavors that let the chicken really shine.
• Oil (2/3 cup): Choose a high-heat oil, like vegetable or canola, for crisping the chicken perfectly without smoking.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Just a touch, added to the oil, creates that golden, deep flavor in both the chicken and the gravy.
• Flour (1 cup for dredging + 1/3 cup for gravy): All-purpose flour makes the base of your crispy coating and the gravy’s roux—simple but crucial for texture.
• Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, steak seasoning (2 tsp each, for flour mixture): This bold blend delivers layers of savory, peppery flavor throughout the crust.
• Milk (1 cup for dredging + 3 cups for gravy): Keeps the chicken moist inside, and creates dreamy, creamy gravy.
• Egg (1): Thickens the crust and helps it cling—essential for that fantastic crunch.
• Grease from frying chicken (1/3 cup): The star secret for true “country” flavor in your homemade gravy.
• Salt and pepper (to taste, for gravy): Don’t be shy here—the gravy loves a generous hand with the seasoning!

Variations

There are so many simple ways to tweak Country Fried Chicken and Gravy to match your mood or pantry! Don’t be afraid to get creative—adjust the seasonings, swap the protein, or make it gluten- and dairy-free.

• Use Chicken Thighs: For extra-juicy results, try swapping in boneless, skinless thighs—just pound them to an even thickness first.
• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mixture to spice things up.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose and dredging flour—it fries up beautifully!
• Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative—the gravy will still be creamy and dreamy.

How to Make Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they’re thinner—this helps them cook evenly and keeps them super juicy. Give each piece a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides for real down-home flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Get the Skillet Ready

Heat a large skillet over medium. Add your oil and butter—together, they’re flavor magic! Let them melt and mingle while you mix up your dredging station.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredge and Dip

In one bowl, whisk your flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning for that bold, classic crust. In a second bowl, beat together the egg with 1 cup of milk. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, then the egg wash, then back in the flour—this double dip is the key to an ultra-crispy crust!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Once your oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken. Fry for a few minutes per side, turning once golden and crisp—watch for a juicy, 165°F center. Set each piece on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any extra oil.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

Pour out all but about 1/3 cup of the oil from your skillet (keep those tasty browned bits in the pan!). Stir in 1/3 cup flour to make a savory roux, and let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk, scraping up all the delicious bits, and season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Keep stirring until your gravy thickens up and becomes irresistibly creamy—then serve it generously over your beautiful Country Fried Chicken.

How to Serve Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

Scatter freshly chopped parsley or chives right over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra cracked black pepper right before serving takes the savory factor over the top!

Side Dishes

This Country Fried Chicken and Gravy loves good company—think classic mashed potatoes (for soaking up extra gravy), buttery corn on the cob, green beans, coleslaw, or a basket of fluffy buttermilk biscuits. The key is simplicity and plenty of “gravy vehicles!”

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your chicken on a big platter with the gravy in a rustic pitcher on the side for family-style charm. Or, serve individual plates with a swirl of gravy under the chicken, a sprinkle of herbs on top, and a wedge of lemon for a fresh twist—Instagram-worthy, but still down-home comforting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Country Fried Chicken and Gravy in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep its best texture for up to two days, while the gravy can last three to four days—just give it a whisk before serving again!

Freezing

The fried chicken freezes beautifully—simply lay out cooled pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Gravy can be frozen too, though it may separate a bit upon thawing; a quick whisk over low heat will bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven (preferably on a rack) for 10-15 minutes to revive its crispiness. Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of milk if needed to loosen it up—then pour it on and enjoy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as soul-warming as a plate of homemade Country Fried Chicken and Gravy, and I can’t wait for you to taste it fresh and golden from your own kitchen. Try it tonight—your family will be talking about this delicious, homestyle meal for days to come!

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