Southern Fried Chicken And Brown Cream Gravy
Southern fried chicken with rich brown cream gravy offers crispy, flavorful poultry paired with a smooth, savory sauce, perfect for hearty comfort food lovers. Suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shake moist pieces of chicken, a few at a time, in a paper bag with 1/2 cup flour, salt, and pepper until thoroughly coated.
- Put oil in a large skillet and heat until hot.
- Add chicken to the skillet; cover and brown quickly on both sides.
- Reduce heat and cook about 25 minutes.
- Remove cover and continue cooking for about 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken and drain on paper towels.
- Drain excess oil from the skillet, leaving 2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add remaining flour to the skillet and brown.
- Gradually add water, stirring constantly until the mixture is creamy and thick.
- Serve the fried chicken with the brown cream gravy over biscuits or cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier coating, let the chicken sit for a few minutes after coating it in flour. If you don't have vegetable oil, olive oil works well too. You can also replace some of the flour with cornstarch for a lighter texture. For a twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a subtle heat. This recipe is a classic among American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried chicken hot with the brown cream gravy poured generously over freshly baked biscuits or cornbread for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of collard greens or mashed potatoes for a true Southern feast. For a lighter option, you can serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) to maintain the crispiness, heating until warmed through. The gravy can be stored separately and reheated on the stove with a splash of water to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Fried Chicken And Brown Cream Gravy contains roughly 255 calories, with 4g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% 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 skinless chicken for this recipe?
While traditional Southern fried chicken uses skin-on pieces for added flavor and moisture, you can use skinless chicken if you prefer. Just be aware that it may not be as juicy, and you might want to adjust cooking times to prevent drying out.
What can I substitute for the all-purpose flour?
If you're looking for gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Alternatively, cornstarch or rice flour can be used for frying, but they may alter the texture slightly. Experimenting with different flours can yield unique flavors and results.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the juices run clear and there is no pink meat remaining.
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).