Crispy Southern Fried Chicken With a Spicy Twist

The aroma of Southern-style fried chicken brings people together, making it a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion. Known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this classic meal embodies the heart of Southern cuisine.

A standout recipe for Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy captures everything great about traditional Southern cooking. This dish delivers the ultimate combination of flavor and comfort, featuring perfectly fried chicken paired with a rich, peppery gravy.

Crafted with carefully sourced ingredients and a perfected cooking process, this recipe offers an authentic taste of the South. For those seeking a timeless meal that all will love, Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is an irresistible choice.

Table of Contents

1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
2. Ingredient List
3. The Recipe How-To
4. Substitutions and Variations
5. Serving and Pairing
6. Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
7. Tips for Perfect Results
8. FAQ
   • What’s the difference between Southern fried chicken and fried chicken?
   • What is the difference between fried chicken and chicken-fried chicken?
   • How do you make fried chicken, Martha Stewart?
9. Bottom Line
10. Nutrition Facts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is a true standout, delivering country comfort food at its finest.

The fried chicken is a masterpiece—boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated in a perfectly seasoned flour mixture and pan-fried to golden perfection. The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior and tender interior, embodying the best of Southern-style cooking.

What truly sets this dish apart is the peppered milk pan gravy. Thick, hearty, and flavorful, this gravy combines flour, black pepper, salt, and whole milk to create a rich, savory complement to the fried chicken. A dash of cayenne pepper adds an extra kick for those who like a little heat.

Versatile and satisfying, this dish can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Pair it with fluffy biscuits and eggs for a hearty Southern-style brunch, or serve it alongside mashed potatoes or cornbread for a comforting dinner at home.

For those who prefer different cuts of chicken, this recipe can easily be adapted to use chicken thighs or cutlets. Additionally, vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for Crisco shortening without compromising the flavor.

Quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, this Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is bound to become a household favorite. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredient List

List of Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy Recipe

Here is the list of all the ingredients needed to make the perfect Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy recipe. Make sure to have all of them at hand before starting cooking:

For the fried chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken pieces of your choice)
• 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 2 tsp of black pepper

For the gravy:

• 4 tablespoons of Crisco shortening
• 4 tablespoons of reserved drippings from fried chicken
• 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of whole milk or skim milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

If one wants to skip making the gravy from scratch, one can always use store-bought chicken cream gravy or any other type.

The Recipe How-To

Now that the ingredients are ready, it’s time to dive into the step-by-step process for making Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy.

Step 1: Preparing the Seasoned Flour

The first step is creating a flavorful seasoning for the chicken. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Mix well using a fork or whisk to ensure an even blend.

Step 2: Preparing the Peppered Milk

In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup of skim milk and 1 large egg until fully blended. Separately, in another bowl or measuring cup, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of black pepper to create the signature peppered milk, which gives the chicken an extra layer of bold flavor.

Step 3: Coating the Chicken

Begin by prepping boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slicing them into cutlets if necessary. Lightly season both sides of each piece with salt and pepper.

Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the peppered milk mixture before dredging it once again in the seasoned flour to create a thick, crispy coating.

Step 4: Frying the Chicken

In a deep cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, heat Crisco shortening to about two inches deep over medium heat. Once melted and hot, use tongs to carefully add the chicken cutlets. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides, which should take approximately five minutes per piece, depending on thickness.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing it to rest for about five minutes to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Making the Peppered Pan Gravy

To prepare the peppered gravy, leave 1/4 cup of the drippings in the skillet. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk, ensuring a smooth consistency without lumps. Season with salt and pepper, then cook over medium heat, whisking continuously for five minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Plating and Serving

The Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is now ready to be served! Plate the crispy, golden chicken and generously drizzle it with the rich, homemade peppered gravy. Enjoy this classic Southern comfort dish hot and fresh for a meal that’s sure to impress.

Substitutions and Variations

Whenever Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is on the menu, there’s always room to experiment and add personal twists to the recipe. Here are a few substitutions and variations to try for a fresh take on this classic dish:

• Chicken Cutlets – Want to cut down on cooking time? Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts for chicken cutlets. Their thinner cut allows them to cook faster while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Buttermilk Fried Steak – For a variation on this Southern favorite, try coating a tender steak in the seasoned flour mix and buttermilk before pan-frying it until crispy and golden brown. Topped with homemade peppered milk gravy, it’s like chicken-fried steak—but even better.
• Baked Chicken—Looking for a lighter alternative? Bake the chicken instead to stick to the comfort food flavors while avoiding excess frying! Simply coat it in the seasoned flour mixture and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Milk Gravy – Instead of pepper gravy, try a classic milk gravy. Whisk together flour and whole milk over low heat until thickened to your liking, then season with salt and black pepper for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Trisha Yearwood’s Seasoned Flour – If you want an alternative seasoned flour mix, try Trisha Yearwood’s version. It includes onion powder and garlic powder for extra depth alongside the classic cayenne and black pepper.

Whichever variation or substitution you choose, Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy will always be a satisfying meal—with your own signature twist!

Serving and Pairing

After preparing a delicious batch of Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy, serving it with the perfect sides is the next step. This hearty and comforting country dish is ideal for any occasion, whether a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a gathering with friends.

Consider collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, or mashed potatoes for classic Southern-style pairings. These rich and flavorful sides perfectly complement the crispy fried chicken and savory pan gravy. If you want something lighter, try Southern-style green beans or roasted sweet potatoes—both add a balance of earthy and sweet flavors.

Regarding beverages, iced tea or refreshing lemonade is a great way to cut through the dish’s richness. For those who prefer something stronger, a cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with the crispy, golden chicken.

This dish isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that brings soulful comfort food to life. Its rich aroma and irresistible taste make it a plate everyone will want to grab, no matter the time of day.

With its versatile nature, this Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. So whenever you’re in the mood for authentic country comfort food, indulge in this delectable dish, drizzled with homemade peppered milk pan gravy, and satisfy even your wildest cravings!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Leftovers of Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy are just as delicious as freshly made if stored and reheated properly.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

To store leftover fried chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is by placing the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 12-15 minutes or until heated. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the crispy coating to become soggy or dry.

You can prepare the chicken and gravy in advance for those who like to plan ahead. Once cooked and cooled, transfer them to separate containers and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

The gravy tends to thicken after chilling, so when reheating, add a little milk or cream to restore its smooth consistency. Warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this comforting Southern dish long after it first arrives at your table. So go ahead—indulge in country comfort food at its finest anytime!

Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving crispy, golden-brown fried chicken with rich, creamy pan gravy every time requires a few key techniques. Keep these tips and tricks in mind for flawless results:

• Use Crisco shortening for frying – It has a high smoke point, resists burning, and creates that signature crispy crust.
• Thoroughly mix the seasoned flour – This ensures even spice distribution, so every bite is flavorful.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F, preventing soggy or greasy chicken.
• Drain fried chicken properly – Use a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess grease, keeping the coating light and crisp.
• Scrape up browned bits for the gravy – These flavorful bits enhance the depth and richness of the peppered pan gravy. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding extra black pepper or cayenne for a spicier kick!

Follow these steps, and your Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy will turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time!

FAQ

Now that you’ve mastered the ingredients, cooking steps, serving ideas, and storage tips, let’s clear up any lingering questions. Below are some common concerns that arise when making this classic Southern dish.

Let’s dive in and ensure your fried chicken and gravy are always perfect!

• What’s the difference between Southern fried chicken and fried chicken?
  Southern-style fried chicken is a classic comfort dish made by coating chicken in a seasoned flour mixture or batter and frying it until golden and crispy. The breading creates a crunchy exterior while keeping the meat inside juicy and flavorful. Various frying methods can be used, including pan-frying, deep-frying, pressure-frying, or even air-frying.
• What’s the difference between fried chicken and chicken-fried chicken?
  Though they sound similar, fried chicken and chicken-fried chicken have a slight distinction. Fried chicken typically refers to bone-in pieces that are dredged in seasoned flour and fried until crispy. On the other hand, chicken-fried chicken uses boneless, flattened chicken breasts, which are coated in seasoned flour, dipped in an egg and buttermilk mixture, then coated in flour again before frying. The result is a tender, crispy, and well-seasoned dish often served with creamy country gravy.
• How do you make fried chicken like Martha Stewart?
  For a Martha Stewart-style fried chicken, start by soaking cut-up chicken pieces (about 2 whole chickens, 2-3 lbs each) in a mixture of 6 cups of buttermilk, ¼ cup plus 5 teaspoons of coarse salt, and about ⅓ cup of hot sauce (optional) to enhance flavor and tenderness. Once marinated, dry the chicken and coat it in a seasoned flour mixture—typically 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 2 tablespoons of baking powder. Fry until golden brown and crispy for a perfectly crunchy and flavorful bite.
  

Bottom Line

This Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is a must-try for any lover of Southern-style cuisine. With its crispy, golden-brown coating and rich, peppery gravy, this dish embodies comfort food.

While the cooking process may initially seem intricate, following the step-by-step instructions and key tips will ensure perfectly fried chicken and creamy, flavorful gravy every time.

There are also plenty of ways to customize the recipe. Whether using different cuts of chicken, adding a dash of cayenne for extra heat, or substituting buttermilk for a tangy twist, there are endless possibilities to make it one’s own.

This dish’s heart is the satisfaction that comes from a well-made, home-cooked meal. Southern Fried Chicken with Peppered Pan Gravy is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience that brings comfort and flavor to any table.