Southern Fried Chicken with Milk Gravy

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly flavorful, Southern Fried Chicken with Milk Gravy is the ultimate comfort-food classic that brings the taste of the South to your table. This recipe features tender chicken pieces marinated in tangy buttermilk for maximum juiciness, then coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mix with hints of smoked paprika, cayenne, and garlic for that extra kick. Fried to crunchy perfection and paired with a velvety homemade milk gravy made from butter, flour, and whole milk, this dish is a harmonious blend of rich, savory flavors and textures. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this southern staple promises to satisfy with every bite. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits for a true down-home experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pounds Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings)
• 2 cups Buttermilk
• 2.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 4 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (for gravy)
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for gravy)
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (for gravy)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl and submerge the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 3

In a large shallow dish, mix together 2.5 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and allow the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the breading to adhere.

Step 5

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure you use enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.

Step 6

Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. Internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 7

To prepare the milk gravy, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.

Step 8

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the gravy until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 9

Season the gravy with 0.5 teaspoons of salt and 0.5 teaspoons of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 10

Serve the fried chicken hot with a generous drizzle of milk gravy over the top, or on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(4106.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	13095.6

Total Fat 1069.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 185.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 1720.2mg	0%
Sodium 8021.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 48.6g
Protein 628.4g	0%

Vitamin D 708.8IU	0%
Calcium 1445.7mg	0%
Iron 37.9mg	0%
Potassium 6537.2mg	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: 72.3%

Protein: 18.9%

Carbs: 8.9%