If you’re craving pure comfort food, look no further than Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy. Imagine golden, crunchy chicken—juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned on the outside—dipped in a homemade gravy that’s rich, velvety, and just peppery enough to make your taste buds dance. This dish brings all the warmth of a Southern kitchen right into your home, with every bite delivering soulful flavor that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether it’s a family Sunday supper or a special treat for friends, Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy is an irresistible classic you’ll want in your go-to recipes rotation.

Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the bold flavors—every ingredient in Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy is easy to find and plays a special role. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and luscious gravy is what makes this dish unforgettable, so let’s make each element count!

Whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces): Fresh, bone-in pieces give the juiciest, most flavorful result—ask the butcher to cut it up if you like.
Buttermilk: This magic ingredient tenderizes the chicken and infuses the meat with tang, creating that moist, classic Southern texture.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the chicken’s flavors in both the marinade and breading.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and pairs perfectly with the gravy’s creamy finish.
Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a hint of vibrant color to the crust.
Garlic powder: Layers in savory depth for a richer bite.
Onion powder: Adds just a bit of sweetness and extra savoriness.
All-purpose flour: The base for both the crunchy breading and the gravy’s silkiness.
Baking powder: Helps your crust puff up for maximum crispiness.
Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly fried chicken pieces.
Butter: Brings richness to your creamy gravy—don’t skip it!
Whole milk: Creates that luxurious, creamy body in the classic Southern gravy.
Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning is key for balancing all the flavors.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by placing your chicken pieces in a large bowl and pouring over all the buttermilk. Add half the salt and pepper, stirring well so every piece gets coated in this tangy marinade. Cover the bowl and let it work its magic in the fridge for at least four hours (overnight is even better!). The buttermilk will tenderize the chicken, ensuring it stays juicy while absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

In another large bowl or rimmed dish, stir together the flour, the remaining salt and black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder. This blend creates the fabulous, crispy coating that defines Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy—make sure it’s mixed thoroughly so every bite of chicken gets the same flavorful crust!

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Take each marinaded piece of chicken and press it firmly into the seasoned flour mixture, turning to coat every nook and cranny. Press the flour mixture in with your hands for the best crust. Shake off any excess and place the coated pieces on a wire rack until you’re ready to fry.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or cast iron pan so it comes up about an inch. Heat it to 350°F—the right temperature is the secret to a crunchy exterior and perfectly cooked interior. Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces for 10 to 15 minutes per side. They’ll turn a gorgeous, deep golden brown and should reach 165°F at the thickest part. Transfer them to a wire rack or paper towels to drain while you finish frying the rest.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy

Once the chicken is resting, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly until it turns a pale golden color (about 1 to 2 minutes). Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened—usually five minutes or so. Taste and season with extra salt and a heavy hand of black pepper. For extra flavor, stir in some pan drippings if you saved them!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

It’s showtime! Plate up your hot, crispy Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy and spoon a generous ladle of gravy over the top. The contrast of crunchy crust with silky sauce is the hallmark of Southern comfort food bliss. Get ready for applause around the table!

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Garnishes

Nothing beats a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color, or a dash of extra cracked black pepper to echo the gravy’s warmth. If you love a little heat, a few thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika on top make a beautiful, flavorful finishing touch for Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy.

Side Dishes

This classic begs for sides that sop up that luscious gravy! Fluffy mashed potatoes, homemade buttermilk biscuits, or simple buttered corn are all stars here. For a pop of brightness, serve with crisp coleslaw or garlicky sautéed green beans. You truly can’t go wrong—the gravy finds its way onto every plate!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try serving Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy stacked atop mini waffles or over pillowy mashed potatoes for a dramatic effect. Arrange the chicken on a rustic platter and pour the gravy from a pitcher at the table for extra flair. Individual portions or a family-style feast, this dish turns any meal into a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover chicken and gravy cool completely, then refrigerate them in airtight containers. The chicken will keep for up to three days, and the gravy for about the same. If you want to preserve the crispy crust, store the chicken and gravy separately until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Freezing

You can freeze Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy for meal prep! Wrap the cooled fried chicken tightly in foil or place it in freezer-safe bags. Freeze the gravy in a separate container. Both will keep their taste and texture for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw both in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftover chicken on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes to get the crust crispy again. Reheat the gravy gently on the stove, whisking in a splash of milk if it’s too thick. Pour the hot creamy gravy right over the crunchy chicken and dig in—just like freshly made!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts work well if you prefer, just be mindful that cooking times may be a little shorter since boneless pieces cook faster. The results are still juicy and delicious, perfect for an easier eat.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken?

Vegetable oil is a Southern staple for frying, but peanut or canola oil also work beautifully thanks to their high smoke points and neutral flavor. Be sure to heat the oil to 350°F for the crispiest results!

Can I make the gravy with pan drippings?

Yes—using a few spoonfuls of hot frying oil or pan drippings in your gravy adds an extra layer of savory flavor. Just decrease the butter accordingly and whisk in the drippings with the flour for a true taste of traditional Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

The magic minimum is four hours, but overnight is ideal for infusing every bite with tangy, seasoned buttermilk flavor. If you’re in a pinch, even an hour will help, but “longer is better” really applies here.

Is the gravy spicy?

The classic creamy gravy is mild with just a touch of warming black pepper. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more pepper, a pinch of cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for your Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes capture the spirit of comfort food like Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy. With its irresistible crunch, juicy chicken, and silky gravy, it’s a recipe that brings family and friends together around the table. I hope you’ll give this classic Southern favorite a try—your kitchen (and your heart) will be so much cozier for it!

Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic Southern comfort food with this recipe for Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy. Crispy, juicy fried chicken served with a luscious homemade gravy – a perfect meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken:

1 whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces)
2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
vegetable oil for frying

For the Creamy Gravy:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl, pour buttermilk, salt, and pepper over. Marinate for 4 hours.
Prepare the Coating: Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and baking powder.
Dredge the Chicken: Coat each piece in seasoned flour.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil, fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
Make the Gravy: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Enjoy the fried chicken with creamy gravy.