Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Homemade Creamy Gravy

Nothing beats the classic comfort of Southern buttermilk fried chicken paired with rich, creamy gravy. This dish combines the crispy, golden goodness of perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious, savory sauce that’s ideal for drizzling. Whether you’re making a special family dinner or craving some hearty comfort food, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking.
2. Set Up Coating Stations:
   In a shallow dish, whisk together buttermilk and eggs until smooth. In another dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
3. Coat the Chicken:
   Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a solid coating.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Gravy:
   In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly browned and bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until the gravy thickens and is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Place the fried chicken on a plate and generously drizzle the creamy gravy over the top. Enjoy your Southern comfort meal!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 450 per serving
Servings: 4

This Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Homemade Creamy Gravy is the perfect blend of crispy and creamy. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken, while the seasoned flour adds just the right amount of spice. Paired with a rich, smooth gravy, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a complete comfort food experience.