Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Get ready to embrace true Southern comfort with Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy—an irresistible dish that brings together crispy, golden chicken and luscious homemade gravy, all with that signature flavor you can only get from an old-fashioned Southern kitchen. Whether you’re gathering family on a Sunday or just craving a little fried food bliss, this recipe is all about bold seasoning, crave-worthy crunch, and a gravy so smooth you’ll want to pour it over everything. Each bite is rich, juicy, and bursting with flavor, guaranteed to make you the hero of any mealtime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a packed pantry to whip up memorable Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy—just a handful of everyday ingredients that work together to give you unbeatable flavor and classic Southern texture. Every element counts, and with a few little twists, every bite is magic.
- Chicken pieces: Using a mix of legs, thighs, and breasts means every bite offers a different juicy texture and flavor—bone-in for maximum taste!
- Buttermilk: This is your secret weapon for tender, flavorful chicken; the tangy richness works wonders during marination.
- Hot sauce (optional): Add a dash for just the right gentle heat and depth—totally adjustable to your taste.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of that signature crispy crust while sealing in all the juiciness.
- Paprika: Gives warmth and amazing color to your crunchy chicken coating.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory, aromatic notes that play beautifully with the chicken’s richness.
- Onion powder: Lends a sweet, subtly complex background flavor to every crispy bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, both in the flour and gravy.
- Black pepper: Classic, zesty bite that makes the flavors pop.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): For extra spice—use as little or as much as you like, or skip for a milder version.
- Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral, high-heat oil for safely frying to that deep golden perfection.
- Pan drippings (for gravy): Liquid gold! These flavorful drippings transform the gravy into something truly special.
- Whole milk (for gravy): Ensures your gravy turns out creamy and silken—no shortcuts here.
- Salt and pepper (for gravy): A must for balancing and highlighting all the creamy, savory goodness.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag, then pour in the buttermilk and, if you like a little kick, add a dash of hot sauce. Swirl it all around to make sure every piece gets coated, cover, and let your chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight. This is where the magic begins—the buttermilk turns the chicken tender and infuses it with flavor that goes deep.
Step 2: Dredge in Seasoned Flour
In a shallow dish, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you want extra zing. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge thoroughly in your seasoned flour mix. For an extra-crispy crust, double dip—back into the buttermilk and once more into the flour. Lay the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for about 15 minutes; this helps the breading stick and crisp up even better during frying.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about 1 to 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches 350°F. Working in batches (don’t overcrowd your pan), fry the chicken, turning occasionally, until each piece turns a gorgeous, deep golden brown and reaches 165°F inside. Depending on size, this usually takes about 12–15 minutes per piece. Once done, transfer your fried masterpieces to a paper towel–lined plate to drain.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Now comes the most irresistible part of Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy: homemade gravy made right in the same skillet. Carefully pour off all but 1/4 cup of the frying oil, making sure to keep those tasty browned bits at the bottom. Whisk in the flour and cook over medium heat for a minute or two; this forms a savory roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the gravy thickens to your liking—usually 3 to 5 minutes. Finish with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve Hot with Gravy
Arrange your crisp, juicy chicken on a platter alongside a bowl of steaming gravy—or be bold and drizzle that creamy goodness right over the top. Serve immediately while it’s all sizzling and aromatic, and watch everyone come running to the table!
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy
Garnishes
Keep things classic and beautiful with a shower of freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over both the chicken and gravy; it adds color and brightness that really makes the whole dish pop. If you like, a few thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of extra black pepper can take the presentation (and flavor) up a notch.
Side Dishes
Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy begs for sides that soak up every bit of flavor! Try it with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy homemade biscuits, buttery corn on the cob, or tangy collard greens. If you’re feeding a crowd, a big bowl of macaroni and cheese will never, ever go amiss.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a get-together? Serve the chicken and creamy gravy family-style on a big platter for that full-on Southern hospitality vibe. For a fun twist, cut the fried chicken into smaller pieces and pile them atop mini biscuits, then drizzle with gravy for an irresistible appetizer or brunch treat. It’s also amazing layered over waffles for a decadent chicken and waffles twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Cool your fried chicken and gravy to room temperature before storing. Place chicken in an airtight container and the gravy in a separate one; they’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the gravy and chicken separate until reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze fried chicken for up to 2 months—just wrap each piece individually for easy grabbing (aluminum foil or plastic wrap works great), then place in a freezer-safe bag. Gravy can be frozen too, but be sure to cool it and transfer to a freezer-safe container; let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and whisk well as it warms up.
Reheating
To bring your Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy back to crispy life, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven on a rack or baking sheet until warmed through and the crust crisps up again (about 10 to 15 minutes). Warm the gravy gently on the stovetop, stirring in a splash of extra milk if needed to restore its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken pieces for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs work just fine—they’ll even cook a little faster. Just keep an eye on them for doneness, as they tend to finish more quickly than bone-in cuts.
What’s the best oil for frying Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy?
A neutral oil with a high smoke point is essential. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work perfectly and won’t overpower the delicate seasoning in your breading and gravy.
Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
Marinating overnight gives the deepest flavor and the most tender chicken, but if you’re short on time, a minimum of 4 hours will still do wonders for taste and texture.
Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare the gravy and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and whisk to restore its smoothness before serving with your fresh fried chicken.
Why is my fried chicken not crispy?
Crispiness depends on a few things: don’t overcrowd the pan, let dredged chicken pieces rest before frying, and make sure your oil is hot enough. That double-dip dredge helps too! Cold oil or overcrowding leads to soggy chicken, so work in batches and check oil temperature between rounds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy from scratch—a dish that always brings people together and never fails to impress. Whether you’re revisiting family traditions or trying classic Southern comfort for the first time, give this recipe a go and watch every plate get wiped clean. Don’t forget to share your own twist and make it a new favorite for your table!
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Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Fried Chicken recipe. Crispy, juicy chicken pieces are served with a creamy gravy that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for a hearty meal any day of the week!
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup pan drippings (or reserved frying oil)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag with buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a shallow dish.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, coat in seasoned flour, and let rest on a wire rack.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil and fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Gravy: Prepare a roux with pan drippings, flour, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Enjoy the fried chicken with creamy gravy on the side or drizzled over top.
Notes
- Double dredging (dipping in buttermilk then flour twice) makes for an extra-crispy crust.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or collard greens for a true Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces chicken + gravy
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
