There is nothing better than a crispy piece of chicken fried chicken covered in rich white country gravy. Every bite of this is packed with flavor you didn't know could be found in such a simple dish, but it is there elevating the ordinary chicken breast to new levels. With a traditional buttermilk soak and a crispy batter coating, this chicken dish is one that every home cook should conquer and create for their family when comfort food is needed.
Chicken Fried Chicken
I am fairly certain that if I couldn't make chicken fried chicken please a crowd, I would have to turn in my southern chef card. This is a rite of passage in every southern home, and one I am blessed to have learned how to make kneeling on a stool next to my mom and my Granny in their kitchens. While I was an adult before I ever tried chicken frying anything, it is one thing I am certain of making successfully, and am happy to share the recipe with you now.
Fried foods may be avoided as an everyday occurring meal, but that doesn't mean you should never enjoy them. This recipe is fried to create a nice crisp texture and give you the delicious flavor you want and expect.
What is the Difference Between Country Fried and Chicken Fried?
The key difference between country-fried and chicken fried steak is most often the gravy served with the dish. Both are similarly made with a cut of meat that is tenderized, marinated, and battered then deep-fried. Chicken fried chicken is made and served with traditional white country gravy. Country fried steak or chicken is typically served with brown gravy.
Another distinction is in the batter used when frying. A chicken fried recipe will have a much crispier and often thicker batter. This is not always the case but tends to be more commonplace than in a country-fried recipe. Both choices are delicious and when talking about this recipe with others, you can use either term fairly interchangeably as long as you distinguish what gravy is being served with or over the dish.
What Goes with Chicken Fried Chicken?
Growing up, any chicken fried dish was served with classic mashed potatoes and gravy alongside green beans. That was just how my family preferred t serve this dish, but that's not the only option. Below are some excellent choices to go alongside this chicken and gravy recipe that your family is sure to love.
- Southern Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Spinach Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus Spears
- Three Bean Salad Recipe
- Green Beans and Bacon Recipe
- Mashed Potato Bites or Leftover Mashed Potato Pancakes
- Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower
What Oil is Best for Frying Chicken?
You will hear a different choice of oil from every cook, and all are probably very good choices. I grew up using plain vegetable oil when deep frying anything. Others like to use canola oil or peanut oil. The best choice will be what you like that allows for a high heat. You can even use shortening or lard if you are inclined. The only things I don't recommend are using things like butter, olive oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil that are not intended for the higher heat used when frying.
Can I Use a Gravy Mix Instead?
Many people prefer to use a gravy mix rather than making homemade gravy. For true country fried chicken, you'll want a thick white gravy. You can easily find country gravy or sawmill gravy mixes at the grocery store that only require water to make. These are fine to use if you are not comfortable making homemade gravy.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Vegetable oil
- Milk
How do You Make Chicken Fried Chicken From Scratch?
Using a meat mallet, flatten the chicken breasts until they are an even layer.
In a large bowl, whisk together salt, black pepper, eggs, and buttermilk.
Submerge the chicken breasts into the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours up to overnight.
Into a large shallow dish (a pie plate works great), whisk together the flour, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat cooking oil to 350°F.
When the oil is at temperature, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and dredge into the flour coating all sides well.
Gently place the chicken breasts into the oil making sure you do not overcrowd the skillet or pan. Cook the chicken on each side for 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat.
Be careful to keep the temperature even and watch for signs of burning. Reduce the heat slightly if needed. The chicken should be a rich golden brown color and crisp. Verify the internal temperature of 165°F, and then drain on paper towels.
How to Make White Country Gravy
Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the oil used in frying your chicken.
Bring that oil to temperature over medium heat, then add in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Stir in the flour scraping up any bits of cooked-on food from the bottom of the pan.
Cook this, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until it is just turning a very light golden brown.
Reduce the heat to low, and begin whisking in the milk slowly to incorporate with the flour.
Continue stirring over low heat until the mixture is thickened. If the mixture is too thick, add additional milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency.
Remove from heat and stir in black pepper then taste for added salt needed. Stir in salt ¼ teaspoon at a time tasting between each addition until it is your desired flavor.
Serve the chicken fried chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, and your favorite vegetable.
More Chicken Recipes
Chicken is the most commonly used protein in most kitchens. Creating a delicious meal based around this simple meat sounds impossible, but it's actually easier than you think! Below are some amazing chicken recipes that are sure to change how you view dinnertime!
- Copycat Alice Springs Chicken {Outback Steakhouse Recipe}
- Roasted Chicken with Garlic Butter
- Skillet Chicken Pot Pie with Fresh Herbs & Flaky Crust
- Crispy Garlic Herb Chicken with Parmesan Cauliflower Rice
Chef's Tip
When frying chicken, one of the best tools you can use is a quality Dutch oven or a deep cast iron skillet. The ability to hold heat in better than other materials makes the cast iron a wonderful choice. I prefer the Dutch oven since they often come in an enamel coating that can be versatile for many stove tops as well as beautiful for serving. Both are great choices and deserve a space in every kitchen.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Fried Chicken with Country Gravy
This southern style chicken fried chicken recipe is a perfect choice to wow your family! A delicious country gravy recipe tops this dish for a perfect comfort food meal everyone loves.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Fried Chicken Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ -½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
White Country Gravy
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (pan drippings)
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Fried Chicken
- Using a meat mallet, flatten the chicken breasts until they are an even layer.
- In a large bowl, whisk together salt, black pepper, eggs, and buttermilk.
- Submerge the chicken breasts into the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours up to overnight.
- Into a large shallow dish (pie plate works great), whisk together the flour, cornstarch, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt,and black pepper.
- In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat cooking oil to 350°F. (at least 1" deep)
- When the oil is at temperature, remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and dredge into the flour coating all sides well.
- Gently place the chicken breasts into the oil making sure you do not overcrowd the skillet or pan.
- Cook the chicken on each side for 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat. Be careful to keep the temperature even and watch for signs of burning. Reduce the heat slightly if needed. The chicken should be a rich golden brown color and crisp. Verify internal temperature of 165°F, and then drain on paper towels.
How to Make White Country Gravy
- Drain all but 2 tablespoons of the oil used in frying your chicken.
- Bring that oil to temperature over medium heat, then add in 2 tablespoons all purpose flour.
- Stir in the flour scraping up any bits of cooked on food from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook this, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes until it is just turning a very light golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to low, and begin whisking in the milk slowly to incorporate with the flour.
- Continue stirring over low heat until the mixture is thickened. If the mixture is too thick, add additional milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in black pepper then taste for added salt needed. Stir in salt ¼ teaspoon at a time tasting between each addition until it is your desired flavor.
Notes
- This can be cooked in a stand alone deep fat fryer if preferred.
- While listed as 2 servings, this may be split into smaller servings and feed up to 4 people easily.
- The nutritinal calculations below include the full marinade. If tracking for accuracy I recommend calculating only the amuonts eaten.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 879Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 308mgSodium: 4472mgCarbohydrates: 89gFiber: 3gSugar: 12gProtein: 64g
Julie
Absolute fabulous recipe and I’m a pretty ticky cook! Kudos!! 🤗