Description
This classic Country Fried Chicken and Gravy recipe features crispy, golden-brown fried chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned breading, served with a rich and creamy homemade milk gravy. Perfect for a comforting Southern-style meal, this dish combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a smooth, savory gravy to drizzle over or dip into.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- â…” cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons steak seasoning
For the Batter:
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
For the Gravy:
- â…“ cup reserved frying oil (from cooking chicken)
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- 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 1 large egg until well blended to create the wet batter.
- Bread and Fry Chicken: First dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture coating all sides. Next, dip the floured chicken into the milk and egg batter, then return them to the flour mixture for a final coating. Heat ⅔ cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the fried chicken and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Gravy: Carefully pour off all but â…“ cup of the hot frying oil from the skillet. Add â…“ cup all-purpose flour to the reserved oil, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk while continuing to stir until the mixture thickens into a smooth gravy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy fried chicken and generously pour the creamy gravy over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy this hearty Southern comfort meal warm.
Notes
- Butterflying the chicken helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safe consumption.
- Adjust seasoning in the breading and gravy according to your taste preferences.
- Use fresh oil if you prefer a lighter gravy, but the reserved oil adds great flavor.
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, green beans, or biscuits.
