Dinner

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy Recipe

BySana Jeannette April 5, 2026April 5, 2026

Introduction

Chicken Fried Chicken is a comforting Southern classic featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy, flavorful crust. Served with creamy homemade gravy, this dish is perfect for a hearty family meal that feels special yet easy to prepare.

A close-up image shows a single piece of crispy fried chicken with a thick, crunchy, golden-brown outer layer. It is topped with a smooth, creamy white gravy speckled with coarse black pepper. The chicken is cut partially, revealing juicy, tender, white meat inside. The piece rests on a bed of fluffy, mashed potatoes that are also covered partially in the creamy gravy. A small green parsley leaf is placed near the chicken as garnish. The dish is served on a round, white plate with a grey speckled texture, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 cups buttermilk
1 egg

1 tbsp hot sauce
Oil for frying
1/4 cup reserved oil from frying

1/3 cup flour (for gravy)
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan with a few inches of oil to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until combined.

Step 4: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and dredge again in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to coat thoroughly.
Step 5: Fry the chicken in the hot oil for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and repeat with remaining chicken.
Step 6: To make the gravy, heat 1/4 cup of the reserved frying oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Stir in 1/3 cup flour and cook for about 1 minute until absorbed.

Step 7: Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Serve the chicken topped with warm gravy for a delicious finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

Use a meat mallet to gently pound chicken breasts to an even thinness for consistent cooking.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the flour mixture.
If you don’t have buttermilk, use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
Leftover gravy can be kept in the fridge and reheated gently with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or a skillet to maintain crispiness, and warm the gravy on the stove, stirring occasionally until smooth.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with a serving of golden brown, crispy fried chicken covered with a thick layer of white gravy with black pepper sprinkled on top. Next to the chicken is a mound of smooth, creamy white mashed potatoes. In the background, there are a few more pieces of fried chicken on the white marbled surface, and some fresh green parsley adds color to the scene. The textures of the fried chicken are crunchy and rough, while the gravy is creamy and smooth, with the mashed potatoes fluffy and soft. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake chicken fried chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake it at 425°F (220°C) on a greased rack over a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier alternative, though the texture will be less crispy than frying.

What can I use if I don’t have hot sauce?

You can substitute hot sauce with a pinch of cayenne pepper or omit it entirely for a milder version; the dish remains flavorful thanks to the seasonings in the flour coating.