Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic
Pan fried chicken is a beloved dish in many homes, and when paired with a rich and creamy gravy, it becomes the epitome of comfort food. This recipe for Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy takes classic fried chicken to the next level, transforming it into a hearty and satisfying meal. With golden crispy chicken breasts and a velvety gravy made from scratch, this dish is guaranteed to please everyone at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy
The combination of crispy pan-fried chicken and cream gravy is a timeless comfort food duo that never fails to satisfy. The chicken is tender, juicy, and coated with a flavorful, crispy crust, while the creamy gravy adds a luscious touch that elevates the entire meal. Served with mashed potatoes or biscuits, this dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients for Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish:
For the Chicken:
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly. Make sure to pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook through without drying out.
- 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: Used to dredge the chicken, creating the crispy coating that makes pan fried chicken so irresistible.
- 1 tsp Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and enhances the color of the chicken coating.
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: A pantry staple that contributes a savory, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder, giving the chicken a well-rounded flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 Cup Buttermilk: The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while providing moisture and a slight tang to the flavor.
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the gravy.
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour: Used to make a roux, which thickens the gravy and gives it a smooth consistency.
- 1 1/2 Cups Milk: The base of the gravy, giving it a creamy texture.
- Salt and Pepper to Taste: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, making sure it’s perfectly seasoned.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy
This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t take much time to prepare. Here’s how to make pan fried chicken with creamy gravy in just a few easy steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and additional salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into buttermilk, ensuring that it’s completely coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down gently to coat both sides thoroughly.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the dredged chicken breasts into the skillet. Fry each chicken breast for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is crispy and golden, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Cream Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux. The roux helps to thicken the gravy and adds a nutty, toasty flavor.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. As the mixture heats, it will begin to thicken. Continue to cook the gravy for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Once thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder if you’d like to adjust the flavor of the gravy. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a little extra milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 5: Serve the Chicken with Gravy
To serve, place the crispy fried chicken breasts on plates and generously spoon the warm cream gravy over the top. The rich and velvety gravy complements the crispy chicken perfectly, creating a deliciously indulgent meal.
Serving Suggestions
While pan fried chicken with cream gravy is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, homemade biscuits are an ideal accompaniment for mopping up the gravy.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Lightly sautéed green beans, broccoli, or carrots add a healthy balance to the meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the fried chicken.
Tips for Perfect Pan Fried Chicken
- Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly. It also helps prevent the chicken from becoming too dry.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If the oil is too cold, the coating will become soggy; if it’s too hot, the chicken will burn before cooking through. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and become crispy.
Conclusion: A Comforting, Flavorful Meal
Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining crispy, golden chicken with a creamy, rich gravy that will have everyone coming back for more. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a special treat. With its tender chicken and velvety gravy, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.