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crispy chicken with gravy

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This dish features thinly sliced chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour mixture, dipped in a tangy buttermilk and egg batter, and fried until golden and crispy. The cooking oil flavors the rich, creamy country gravy poured over the chicken, complementing the crispy texture with smooth, savory elements. Typically paired with mashed potatoes, this meal offers a satisfying, comforting dining experience perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Variations include using different fats for the gravy and adjusting seasoning to taste.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Sat, 24 Jan 2026 23:53:44 GMT
A plate of chicken fried chicken with gravy. Bookmark
A plate of chicken fried chicken with gravy. | ioanacooks.com

This Chicken Fried Chicken recipe is perfect when you need a cozy and satisfying dinner that comes together quickly. The crispy chicken smothered in creamy country gravy pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal that your family will love.

I first made this during a family gathering and everyone kept asking for seconds. Now it’s a staple whenever someone needs a little comfort food fix.

Ingredients

  • Thin sliced chicken breasts: quick cooking and perfectly sized, they ensure juicy tender meat
  • All-purpose flour: creates a crispy and flavorful coating
  • Baking powder: adds lightness to the coating for extra crunch
  • Baking soda: balances acidity and helps with browning
  • Salt and pepper: essential for seasoning all components
  • Garlic powder: adds savory depth to the crust
  • Buttermilk: tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang
  • Egg: binds the coating to the chicken for a sturdy crust
  • Hot sauce: gives a mild kick and enhances flavor complexity
  • Oil for frying: important to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola
  • Gravy ingredients: reserved frying oil, flour, milk, salt and pepper. using the frying oil adds authentic flavor and richness to the gravy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sift the Dry Mix:
In a large shallow bowl whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda salt pepper and garlic powder until fully combined. This ensures even seasoning and helps the coating stick.
Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a separate bowl whisk the buttermilk egg and hot sauce until the egg is well incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This bath tenderizes the chicken and provides moisture for the coating.
Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dredge it in the flour mixture firmly pressing the coating in to make sure it sticks well. Then dip it fully into the buttermilk mixture coating all sides evenly. Finally return the chicken to the flour mixture pressing down again for a thick crust.
Heat the Oil and Fry:
Heat about two to three inches of oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry each piece of chicken for about three to five minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
Make the Country Gravy:
Pour about a quarter cup of the reserved frying oil into a heavy bottom pan and heat over medium. Whisk in a third of a cup of flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Slowly add two cups of milk while whisking constantly until the gravy thickens with no lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Ladle the warm gravy over the fried chicken and serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or green beans.
A plate of chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and a green garnish. Bookmark
A plate of chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes and a green garnish. | ioanacooks.com

My favorite part of this recipe is definitely the gravy. Using the cooking oil from the chicken adds such a wonderful deep flavor. I remember making this for my kids on a chilly night and watching them dive into the creamy gravy and crispy chicken. It’s a meal everyone in the family asks for now.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy. The gravy can be gently reheated on the stove while stirring to prevent separation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If buttermilk is not available you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for five minutes before using. For frying oil you can substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil. If you don’t want to use the frying oil for gravy try butter or bacon grease for a smoky touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chicken fried chicken with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, cheddar biscuits and steamed green beans for a complete meal. Mac and cheese is also a fantastic choice for an indulgent dinner. Adding freshly cracked black pepper over the gravy brings a nice finishing touch.

Cultural Context

A piece of chicken fried chicken with gravy on top. Bookmark
A piece of chicken fried chicken with gravy on top. | ioanacooks.com

Chicken fried chicken is a southern American dish inspired by the classic chicken fried steak but made using chicken breasts. It reflects the tradition of coating meat in seasoned flour and frying it to crispy perfection often accompanied by creamy country gravy. This comforting style of cooking is deeply rooted in family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Thin sliced chicken breasts work best as they cook evenly and quickly, producing a tender inside with a crispy crust.

→ How do you achieve a crispy coating on the chicken?

Double dredging the chicken in seasoned flour and buttermilk mixture before frying creates a flavorful, crunchy crust.

→ What oil temperature is ideal for frying?

Maintaining oil temperature around 325°F ensures the chicken cooks through without burning the coating.

→ Can I substitute the gravy fat if I don't want to use frying oil?

Yes, butter or bacon grease are great alternatives that add depth and richness to the gravy.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken dish?

Mashed potatoes, cheddar biscuits, mac and cheese, and green beans complement the crispy chicken and gravy wonderfully.

crispy chicken with gravy

Tender fried chicken breasts smothered in creamy gravy, perfect paired with mashed potatoes and warm sides.

Time Needed to Prep
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 6 How Many It Serves

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken

Ingredient 01 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts

→ Breading

Ingredient 02 2 cups all-purpose flour
Ingredient 03 2 tsp baking powder
Ingredient 04 1 tsp baking soda
Ingredient 05 1 tsp salt
Ingredient 06 1 tsp ground black pepper
Ingredient 07 1 tsp garlic powder

→ Wet Mixture

Ingredient 08 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Ingredient 09 1 large egg
Ingredient 10 1 tbsp hot sauce

→ Frying

Ingredient 11 Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

→ Country Gravy

Ingredient 12 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
Ingredient 13 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Ingredient 14 2 cups whole milk
Ingredient 15 Salt, to taste
Ingredient 16 Black pepper, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 325°F, maintaining a depth of a few inches for frying.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully blended.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until the egg is evenly incorporated.

Step 04

Dredge each chicken breast first in the dry flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Then dip into the buttermilk mixture, coating evenly. Return chicken to the flour mixture and press down again to form a thick crust.

Step 05

Carefully place coated chicken breasts into hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat for all pieces.

Step 06

In a large skillet, heat reserved frying oil over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook, whisking continuously for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until gravy thickens, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 07

Pour warm country gravy over the fried chicken pieces immediately before serving.

Extra Tips

  1. Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for even cooking and ease of preparation. Adjust seasoning levels in breading and gravy to individual preference.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep fryer or heavy skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 490
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Carbohydrate Amount: ~
  • Protein Amount: ~