Craving the ultimate comfort food? This Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken delivers the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a flavorful, golden crust with a side of creamy, homemade gravy. This dish is perfect for a weekend family dinner or when you want to indulge in some good old-fashioned southern cuisine. The crispy coating, paired with rich gravy, makes it irresistible. Prepare to bring the taste of the South right to your kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Fried Chicken:
- 6-8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional, for an added kick of spice)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the chicken in the pan)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken coating: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Make the wet batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. This will be the wet part of the coating for your chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first in the dry flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and again in the flour mixture to create a double layer of crispy coating.
- Fry the chicken: Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the oil, frying them in batches for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Drain the chicken: Once fried, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside, leaving about 1/4 cup of the frying oil in the pan for the gravy.
- Make the gravy: With the reserved oil in the pan, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the flour, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until the flour turns golden and starts to thicken. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken breasts and generously ladle the creamy gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes or biscuits for the full Southern experience.
Conclusion:
Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with creamy gravy is the epitome of comfort food. The double-coated chicken breast, fried to golden perfection, pairs beautifully with rich, flavorful gravy. It’s a meal that’s sure to impress at family gatherings or when you’re craving something indulgent. Pair with your favorite sides for a hearty, satisfying meal that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Crispy Southern Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy
Ingredients
- 6-8 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce optional, for an added kick of spice
- Oil for frying enough to cover the chicken in the pan
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken coating: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Make the wet batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. This will be the wet part of the coating for your chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken breast first in the dry flour mixture, then in the buttermilk mixture, and again in the flour mixture to create a double layer of crispy coating.
- Fry the chicken: Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the oil, frying them in batches for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Drain the chicken: Once fried, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside, leaving about 1/4 cup of the frying oil in the pan for the gravy.
- Make the gravy: With the reserved oil in the pan, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the flour, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until the flour turns golden and starts to thicken. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken breasts and generously ladle the creamy gravy over the top. Serve with mashed potatoes or biscuits for the full Southern experience.