Country Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:📝
For the Fried Chicken:
4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil, for frying
For the Mashed Potatoes:
6 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup milk
Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions:📍
Prepare the Chicken:
Soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least an hour (overnight for best results).
In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well-coated.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Mashed Potatoes:
Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain.
Mash with butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt.
Prepare the Gravy:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, increasing heat to bring to a boil. Simmer until thickened. Season with pepper and salt.
Assemble the Dish:
Serve fried chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes. Spoon gravy over the top and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Country fried chicken paired with mashed potatoes and gravy is a beloved Southern comfort food that has gained popularity across the U.S. The key to tender, juicy fried chicken is soaking the meat in buttermilk, which tenderizes and adds a subtle tang. The seasoned flour coating with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika creates a flavorful, crispy crust that locks in moisture during frying. When preparing mashed potatoes, choosing starchy potatoes like Russets ensures a fluffy texture after boiling. Incorporating butter and milk creates a creamy consistency, while adjusting salt heightens the natural flavors. For an extra touch, some cooks add sour cream or cream cheese to enrich the potatoes. The gravy in this recipe is a classic pan gravy made with butter, flour, and chicken broth. Creating a roux by cooking flour with melted butter eliminates the raw flour taste and thickens the gravy to a silky, smooth texture. Gradually whisking in chicken broth while heating prevents lumps, and seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper balances the flavor. Serving the crispy country fried chicken atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and topping it with warm gravy offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that evoke home-style cooking and hospitality. Garnishing with fresh chives or parsley not only adds color but also a hint of herbaceous freshness that complements the rich dish. For those interested in variations, consider marinating the chicken overnight in spiced buttermilk or adding cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicy kick. Additionally, you could substitute the chicken broth with turkey stock or vegetable broth for different flavor profiles. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for satisfying comfort food. The ingredients are simple and accessible, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels to replicate a classic Southern staple. Properly preparing and assembling this dish ensures a hearty, delicious meal that can become a cherished favorite.
making this for dinner