Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken And Gravy
Crispy, golden fried chicken with rich gravy, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings, showcasing classic Southern flavors and crispy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the chickens and pat them dry.
- Place flour, salt, dry mustard, and pepper in a large paper bag; shake to blend.
- Drop chicken pieces into the bag and shake vigorously until thoroughly coated.
- Preheat the oven to warm and line a large baking dish with paper toweling.
- Heat shortening or lard in a heavy 10 to 12-inch skillet until hot.
- Add more shortening if necessary to fill the skillet 2 inches deep.
- Place the skillet over moderate heat and fry the chicken until golden brown, starting with the legs.
- Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and place in the prepared baking dish in the oven.
- Repeat frying with remaining chicken pieces.
- Keep the chicken in the oven while preparing the gravy.
- For the gravy, melt butter in a skillet, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour, and cook briefly.
- Gradually add chicken stock, stirring constantly until gravy thickens.
- Season with salt to taste and serve with fried chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy coating, let the chicken pieces rest for 10 minutes after coating, allowing the flour to adhere better. You can substitute the dry mustard with paprika for a different flavor profile. If you have buttermilk on hand, marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before breading can enhance moisture and tenderness, similar to methods used in other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried chicken hot with a generous pour of gravy over the top. It pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw for a classic feast. For a complete meal, consider adding some roasted vegetables or a light salad. This dish also goes well with 'Amazingly Simple Rice' for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the fried chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use an oven to restore crispiness. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and heat the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken And Gravy contains roughly 381 calories, with 10g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), iron (25% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 660mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind that the cooking time will be shorter. Boneless pieces may need around 10-15 minutes less frying time, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What kind of oil is best for frying?
For frying chicken, use oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures needed for frying without burning, ensuring a crispy exterior.
How can I make the gravy thicker if it's too runny?
If your gravy is too runny, you can thicken it by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Gradually whisk this mixture into the gravy while it's simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).