Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Fried Chicken is a crispy, comforting dish that brings the best of Southern cooking to your table. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a seasoned flour mixture, fried to golden perfection, and topped with creamy homemade gravy. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Ingredients
- 6-8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan on the stove to 325°F, filling it with a few inches of oil for frying.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until well combined.
- Step 4: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly to adhere well.
- Step 5: Fry the chicken in the heated oil for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with all chicken.
- Step 6: To make the gravy, keep 1/4 cup of the frying oil in a large pan and heat over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook until absorbed and lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Step 7: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 8: Serve the chicken topped with the creamy gravy for a classic finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by repeating the flour and egg dips.
- Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of milk if needed.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safety.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven to retain crispiness, and warm gravy gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the chicken dry before dredging to ensure a crispy coating.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
PrintCrispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Classic Southern-style Chicken Fried Chicken featuring crispy fried thin-sliced chicken breasts coated in a seasoned flour batter, served with creamy homemade gravy. This comforting dish combines crunchy golden fried chicken with rich, savory gravy for a hearty meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Frying
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 6–8 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Gravy
- 1/4 cup reserved oil from frying
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cup milk
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pan on the stove, filling a few inches deep. Preheat the oil to 325°F (163°C) for frying.
- Prepare dry coating mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined.
- Prepare wet batter: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until fully mixed.
- Dredge chicken: Coat each thin sliced chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and coat again with the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Fry chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towel-lined plates. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Make gravy base: In a large pan, add 1/4 cup of the reserved oil from frying and heat over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook until absorbed and slightly toasted, about 1 minute.
- Add milk and thicken: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the gravy thickens to desired consistency.
- Season gravy: Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Pour the creamy gravy over the fried chicken individually and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for quick and even cooking.
- Maintain oil temperature at 325°F to ensure crispy chicken without burning.
- Press down the flour coating firmly on the chicken for extra crunch.
- Reserve some of the frying oil before discarding it to make authentic gravy.
- Adjust hot sauce in the batter for desired heat level.
- Serve immediately for best texture; chicken fried chicken is best eaten fresh.
Keywords: Chicken Fried Chicken, Southern Fried Chicken, Chicken with Gravy, Crispy Fried Chicken, Comfort Food, Homemade Chicken Gravy

