Craving that classic Southern comfort food? This Country Fried Chicken recipe is your answer! Tender chicken cutlets, marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful breading, are fried to golden perfection and smothered in a creamy, homemade gravy. It’s the ultimate comfort meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety gravy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and Juicy: The buttermilk marinade and double breading create a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • Homemade Gravy: A rich, creamy gravy that complements the fried chicken perfectly.
  • Classic Comfort Food: A timeless recipe that brings back memories of home-cooked meals.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, Sunday suppers, or special gatherings.

country fried chicken

Ingredients

Buttermilk Marinade

  • Chicken Cutlets: Provides a tender, lean protein base.
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Breading

  • Flour: Forms the base of the crispy breading.
  • Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet flavor and color.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the breading.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Adds a kick of heat.
  • Eggs: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for frying the chicken.

Gravy

  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the gravy.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the gravy.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the gravy.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the gravy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Country Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Add chicken cutlets, buttermilk, salt, and pepper to a bag. Marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

Whisk flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Dredge chicken in flour mixture, then egg, then back in flour mixture.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.

Step 6: Serve

Serve fried chicken with gravy and your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken marinates for at least an hour for maximum tenderness.
  • Double Breading: Double breading creates an extra crispy crust.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent temperature for even frying.
  • Make a Smooth Roux: Whisk the flour and butter continuously to avoid lumps in the gravy.

How to Serve Country Fried Chicken

  • Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing with creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Biscuits: Serve with warm, flaky biscuits.
  • Green Beans: Pair with sautéed or steamed green beans.
  • Coleslaw: Add a refreshing side of coleslaw.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and gravy in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Reheat gravy on the stovetop over medium heat.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of cutlets?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

2. Can I use a different type of milk for the marinade?

Yes, you can use regular milk or almond milk.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the breading?

Absolutely! Add other spices like onion powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs.

Print
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Country Fried Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Country Fried Chicken recipe delivers crispy, golden-brown chicken cutlets with a flavorful, homemade gravy. Buttermilk-marinated chicken is coated in a seasoned breading and fried to perfection, then smothered in a creamy chicken broth gravy. It’s a classic Southern comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Buttermilk Marinade:

  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons pepper

Breading:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Gravy:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Buttermilk Marinade:

  1. Add the chicken cutlets to a large freezer bag.
  2. Add the buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Shake to mix well and coat the chicken evenly.
  3. Let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.

Prepare Oil:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, enough to cover half a cutlet at a time.

Breading and Frying:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
  3. One at a time, take the chicken cutlets from the marinade and allow any excess marinade to drip off.
  4. Place the cutlet into the flour mixture and dredge it evenly and generously.
  5. Take the breaded cutlet and dredge it in the egg, then back to the flour mixture for a final coating.
  6. Carefully place the breaded cutlet into the hot oil.
  7. Fry the cutlet for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate while you work with the rest of the chicken.
  9. Repeat these steps with the remaining cutlets.

Make the Gravy:

  1. In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
  3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Whisk the gravy and continue cooking until the desired consistency is reached.

Serve:

  1. Serve the country fried chicken with your favorite sides and smothered in the gravy!

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, double dip the chicken in the egg and flour.
  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent soggy breading.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.
  • Use a thermometer to make sure your chicken reaches an internal tempature of 165 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or your favorite Southern sides.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1500mg
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg
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Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

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