Buttermilk-Battered Fried Chicken with Simple Gravy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken pieces coated in a buttermilk batter and served with a creamy, herb-infused gravy for a comforting classic. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, buttermilk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
  2. Step 2: Dip chicken thighs in 1/2 cup buttermilk, then coat evenly in flour mixture.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Step 4: Fry chicken for 10-12 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
  5. Step 5: Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet, whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth, simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream.
  7. Step 7: Simmer 2 more minutes until thickened, then serve chicken with gravy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Battered Fried Chicken with Simple Gravy take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Buttermilk-Battered Fried Chicken with Simple Gravy?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buttermilk-Battered Fried Chicken with Simple Gravy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buttermilk-Battered Fried Chicken with Simple Gravy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buttermilk-Battered Fried Chicken with Simple Gravy?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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