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Crispy Country Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy – Classic Southern Comfort Food

Crispy Country Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy – Classic Southern Comfort Food

Crispy Country Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy is the definition of classic Southern comfort food. Juicy chicken is coated in a well-seasoned flour crust, fried until golden and crunchy, then smothered in a rich, peppery cream gravy made from the flavorful pan drippings. Every bite delivers the perfect contrast of crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside. This hearty, satisfying dish is a longtime favorite for family dinners, Sunday meals, and whenever you’re craving something warm, nostalgic, and deeply comforting. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or green beans for a true Southern-style feast.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 cup buttermilk

Vegetable oil for frying

For the gravy:

3 tablespoons reserved frying oil

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Place chicken between parchment paper and pound to even thickness.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.

3. Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl.

4. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, dip into buttermilk, then dredge again in flour.

5. Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Fry chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.

7. Carefully discard all but 3 tablespoons of oil from the skillet.

8. Whisk flour into the hot oil and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.

9. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

10. Simmer gravy until thickened, then season with salt and black pepper.

11. Serve chicken hot, smothered with creamy gravy.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature to keep the chicken crispy and not greasy.

If gravy gets too thick, thin it with a splash of milk.

This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or corn.

  • Author: Mila Bryn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: country fried chicken, southern fried chicken, chicken with gravy, comfort food dinner