Mean Chef's Southern Fried Chicken and Gravy

Dive into the heart of Southern comfort food with "Mean Chef's Southern Fried Chicken and Gravy," the ultimate recipe for crispy, golden perfection paired with rich, savory gravy. Marinated in tangy buttermilk for maximum tenderness, the chicken is dredged in a bold blend of spices, including paprika, garlic, and cayenne, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Fried to crunchy perfection in a cast-iron skillet, the chicken’s drippings become the secret ingredient for luscious homemade gravy, whisked to creamy goodness with butter, flour, and milk. Perfect for family dinners or comforting indulgences, this dish is a testament to classic Southern cooking. Serve it hot, with gravy drizzled generously or on the side, and watch it become an instant favorite. Keywords: Southern fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, homemade gravy, comfort food recipe, chicken dinner idea.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks and thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons chicken drippings (from the frying pan)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (for gravy)
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for gravy)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 2

In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Set aside on a plate.

Step 4

In a large cast-iron skillet or deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Step 5

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, skin-side down, without overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.

Step 6

Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 7

Once all the chicken is cooked, pour off most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons along with any browned bits (drippings).

Step 8

Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until golden and smooth.

Step 9

Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens and begins to bubble, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 10

Season the gravy with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 11

Serve the fried chicken hot, with the creamy gravy on the side or drizzled on top.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3016.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10709.9

Total Fat 1011.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 185.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 539.1g
Cholesterol 940.6mg	0%
Sodium 6012.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 255.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.6g	0%
Total Sugars 48.8g
Protein 237.1g	0%

Vitamin D 508.5IU	0%
Calcium 1348.1mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 3761.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 82.2%

Protein: 8.6%

Carbs: 9.2%