Consomee

Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

⏱ ~75 min (est.)MediumChicken
Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

This chicken builds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, breasts), cayenne powder and fresh parsley, chopped into a satisfying meal you can have ready in about 75 minutes. Below: the ingredients split into pantry staples and a quick shopping list, a built-in serving scaler, and the method in 7 steps.

You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and large pot. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.

What you'll need

Servings4

Shopping list (3)

Pantry staples (you likely have these)

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How to make it

  1. In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the mustard powder, cayenne, half the cracked peppercorns, the cinnamon and oregano, then submerge the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. When ready to cook, combine 1.5 cups of the flour with the salt and remaining cracked peppercorns in a shallow dish; lift each piece of chicken from the marinade letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing so it adheres, and rest the coated pieces on a rack for 10 minutes.
  3. Pour the oil into a deep heavy pot to a depth of about 4 cm and heat over medium until it reaches 165 to 175 degrees C; fry the chicken in batches without crowding, turning occasionally, for 12 to 16 minutes until deep golden.
  4. Cook until the thickest part registers 74 degrees C on an instant-read thermometer, then transfer to a clean rack set over paper towels and season lightly with salt while hot.
  5. Carefully pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the frying oil, leaving the browned bits in the pot, and add the butter over medium heat until melted and foaming.
  6. Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a pale roux, then gradually pour in the chicken stock and milk while whisking constantly to keep it smooth.
  7. Simmer the gravy for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened enough to coat a spoon, season with salt and pepper to taste, stir in the chopped parsley, and serve the gravy alongside the fried chicken.

You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Large pot · Saucepan · Whisk

Ingredient substitutions

Butter
olive oil (¾ the amount) · coconut oil · margarine
Milk
any unsweetened plant milk · ½ cup evaporated milk + ½ cup water

Tips & common questions

How long does Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy take to make?

About 75 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 7 steps and 14 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.

What can I use instead of butter?

Try olive oil (¾ the amount). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.

How should I store leftovers?

Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy is an original recipe developed in-house by Consomee. Photo: Ballard biscuits ad The Ladies' home journal (1948) (14580711967) (cropped).jpg (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure on top — how we source recipes.