Southern Fried Chicken And Gravy
Juicy, crispy Southern fried chicken with rich gravy, perfect for comfort food lovers seeking flavorful, tender poultry with a savory sauce. Great for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the chicken pieces.
- Dredge the chicken in flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of corn oil in a large frying pan.
- Add chicken to the pan and fry, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Continue frying uncovered until that side is nicely browned.
- Turn the chicken pieces; cover and fry for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the cover and continue frying until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Drain the chicken on paper towels and keep warm while making gravy.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, cooking until the gravy thickens.
- Serve the fried chicken with the gravy poured over.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crispy coating, let the dredged chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before frying. You can substitute the corn oil with vegetable oil, or for a richer flavor, try using peanut oil. If you want to add a kick, consider seasoning the flour with cayenne pepper or paprika. For a delicious twist, serve alongside sides from traditional American recipes like Chopped Broccoli Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southern Fried Chicken hot, generously drizzled with the homemade gravy. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. For a complete meal, consider offering biscuits or cornbread alongside the chicken, enhancing the Southern dining experience. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to preserve the crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Fried Chicken And Gravy contains roughly 182 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1770mg per serving (77% 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 pieces, but adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through. Boneless pieces may require less frying time, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What can I do if my gravy is too thick?
If your gravy becomes too thick, simply whisk in a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency. Make sure to heat it gently while stirring to ensure it blends smoothly.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken by seasoning and dredging it in flour a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry, which can help the coating adhere better during cooking.
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).