Southern Fried Chicken With Gravy
Southern fried chicken with crispy coating and rich gravy offers bold flavors and juicy tenderness, perfect for comfort food lovers. The seasoned batter creates a golden crust, while the homemade gravy adds a savory finish. Ideal for family dinners or weekend gatherings, it combines classic Southern charm with hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat eggs until fluffy.
- Add milk, salad oil, and lemon juice to the eggs.
- Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and blend well.
- Pour 2 inches of oil into a large, heavy skillet and heat.
- Dip chicken pieces into the batter and drop into hot oil.
- Reduce heat to medium and fry about 45 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides of the chicken.
- Remove chicken to a platter.
- Pour most of the oil from the skillet.
- Add desired amount of milk for gravy, heat, stirring to loosen browned particles from the bottom of the skillet.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, let the batter sit for about 10 minutes before dipping the chicken. If you don't have salad oil, vegetable oil works well as a substitute. For seasoned flour, add your favorite spices or herbs to the mixture. Ensure the oil is hot enough by testing with a small piece of batter; it should sizzle immediately. This Southern Fried Chicken pairs beautifully with Sherbet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern Fried Chicken hot, drizzled with gravy, alongside classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. For a refreshing contrast, pair it with a light salad or Joyce'S Gingerbread for dessert. A tall glass of iced tea complements the meal perfectly.
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 in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Fried Chicken With Gravy contains roughly 865 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2158mg per serving (94% 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, boneless chicken can be used; however, adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces will cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Peanut oil or canola oil are excellent choices for frying due to their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can impart unwanted flavors to the chicken.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold milk before adding it to the skillet. Stir constantly while heating until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
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).