Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy
Experience the true taste of the South with this Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken recipe, featuring juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken coated in a crispy, golden-brown crust. This dish is complemented by a rich and velvety gravy that adds an irresistible finishing touch. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, get ready to impress your loved ones with this beloved classic!
4
Servings
700
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
3 quarts (mixed with 1 tablespoon salt)
salt
1 tablespoon (for marinating chicken)
broiler-fryer chickens
2 - 2 1/2 lbs (cut up)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning chicken)
pepper
1 teaspoon (for seasoning chicken)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (for coating chicken)
vegetable oil
2 cups (for frying)
bacon drippings
1/4 cup (optional for added flavor)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for gravy)
milk or chicken broth
2 cups (for gravy)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for gravy)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for gravy)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours. Alternatively, you can soak the chicken in buttermilk mixed with a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
2
After marinating, drain the chicken and rinse it under cold water. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels.
3
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Sprinkle half of this mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken. For those who prefer a bit of heat, consider adding 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture.
4
In a gallon-sized, heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag, combine the remaining salt and pepper with 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Add the chicken pieces two at a time, seal the bag, and shake to coat thoroughly. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
5
In a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or chicken fryer, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil and 1/4 cup of bacon drippings (if using) over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 360°F.
6
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces, skin-side down, in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cover and cook for 6 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 9 minutes.
7
Turn the chicken pieces over, cover, and cook for another 6 minutes. Uncover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-9 minutes, turning the chicken as needed to achieve an even golden-brown color.
8
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate set over a bowl of hot water to drain excess oil.
9
For the creamy gravy, pour off most of the pan drippings, reserving 1/4 cup in the skillet. Place the skillet over medium heat.
10
Add 1/4 cup of flour to the reserved drippings, stirring constantly until the mixture is golden brown.
11
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk (or chicken broth) and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and bubbles, approximately 3-5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to taste.
12
Serve the fried chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy gravy on top.
Nutrition Information
42.5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
40g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken recipe?
The recipe is for Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 700 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 40g of protein per serving.
How long should the chicken marinate in the salt water?
The chicken should be covered and refrigerated in the salt water for 8 hours.
Is there an alternative to the water marination?
Yes, you can soak the chicken in buttermilk mixed with a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
What is the recommended temperature for the frying oil?
The oil should be heated until it reaches a temperature of 360°F.
What type of skillet is best for this recipe?
A 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a chicken fryer is recommended.
How much oil and fat are used for frying?
The recipe uses 2 cups of vegetable oil and an optional 1/4 cup of bacon drippings.
How do I ensure the chicken is coated evenly?
Combine flour and seasoning in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, add chicken pieces two at a time, seal, and shake to coat.
How can I make the chicken spicy?
You can add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to the flour mixture.
Should I rinse the chicken after marinating?
Yes, after marinating, drain the chicken and rinse it under cold water.
What is the initial cooking time for the chicken?
Place chicken skin-side down, cover, and cook for 6 minutes.
How long do I cook the chicken uncovered after the initial 6 minutes?
Remove the lid and continue cooking for an additional 9 minutes.
How long is the second side of the chicken cooked while covered?
After turning the pieces over, cover and cook for another 6 minutes.
What is the final cooking step for the chicken?
Uncover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-9 minutes until golden brown.
How should I drain the fried chicken?
Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate set over a bowl of hot water.
How much fat is in this dish?
This dish contains 42.5g of fat per serving.
What amount of carbohydrates does this recipe contain?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the base for the creamy gravy?
Reserve 1/4 cup of pan drippings in the skillet and stir in 1/4 cup of flour.
What liquid is used for the gravy?
You can use 2 cups of either milk or chicken broth.
How long does the gravy need to cook?
Whisk and cook the gravy until it thickens and bubbles, which takes approximately 3-5 minutes.
What type of chicken should I buy for this recipe?
Use 2 to 2 1/2 lbs of cut-up broiler-fryer chickens.
What total number of ingredients are required?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The primary seasonings are salt and pepper.
Is bacon grease required?
Bacon drippings are optional but recommended for added flavor.
How should the chicken be served?
Serve the fried chicken hot, drizzled with the creamy gravy on top.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include southern, fried chicken, comfort food, gravy, and soul food.
How much salt is used in the gravy?
The gravy uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the purpose of the bowl of hot water during draining?
It helps keep the chicken warm while excess oil drains onto the paper towels.