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Country Fried Chicken with Sausage Gravy

There’s just something about the crunch of country-fried chicken paired with rich, creamy sausage gravy that speaks to the heart and comforts the soul. This dish is a true Southern classic, a masterpiece of flavor and texture that never fails to impress. Imagine golden, crispy chicken smothered in savory sausage gravy—it’s down-home cooking at its finest! Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe, one that will soon become a family favorite at your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🐔
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
  • 1 tsp onion powder 🧅
  • 1/2 tsp paprika 🌶️
  • Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
  • 2 eggs, beaten 🥚
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk 🥛
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
  • Vegetable oil for frying 🛢️

For the Sausage Gravy

  • 1/2 lb ground breakfast sausage 🍖
  • 3 tbsp butter 🧈
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🌾
  • 2 cups whole milk 🥛
  • Salt & pepper to taste 🧂

Essential Tools

  • Meat mallet: For pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  • Three mixing bowls: To set up the dredging station.
  • Large skillet: For frying the chicken and making the gravy.
  • Whisk: For a smooth, lump-free gravy.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Pound the Chicken: Using a meat mallet, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
  2. Season Generously: Season each piece of chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

  1. Mix Flour and Seasonings: In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Whisk Egg Mixture: In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
  3. Bread Crumbs: Pour breadcrumbs into the third bowl.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

  1. Dredge: Coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then press it into the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
  2. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat.
  3. Fry: Fry each chicken breast for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 4: Make the Sausage Gravy

  1. Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, cook the ground breakfast sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
  2. Create a Roux: Add butter to the skillet and melt it. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until the roux is golden.
  3. Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth gravy. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
  4. Combine and Season: Stir the cooked sausage back into the gravy and season with salt and pepper.