Chicken Biscuits And Gravy Recipe

Hearty Chicken Biscuits And Gravy Recipe For Weekend Mornings

Southern comfort chicken biscuits and gravy represent pure home-cooked magic that connects generations through soul-satisfying flavors.

Hearty breakfast lovers find pure joy in this classic Southern staple that promises warmth and comfort in every delicious bite.

Crispy chicken nestled between fluffy, buttery biscuits creates a robust meal perfect for lazy weekend mornings or substantial family gatherings.

Comfort food enthusiasts understand how deeply satisfying this dish feels when shared around a bustling kitchen table.

Pillowy biscuits paired with rich, creamy gravy offer an irresistible combination that speaks directly to hunger and happiness.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen newcomers alike appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinarily delectable.

Why Chicken Biscuits and Gravy Always Delivers

  • Comfort Food Champion: This chicken biscuits and gravy dish delivers serious southern-style comfort that’ll warm your entire family’s heart with one delicious bite.
  • Super Simple Technique: The recipe uses basic ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make crispy fried chicken feel totally approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
  • Flavor Explosion: Buttermilk marinade with hot sauce creates deep, tangy flavor that transforms ordinary chicken into something seriously delectable for weekend meals or casual gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Perfect for weekend brunches, game day spreads, or casual dinners where everyone craves something hearty and satisfying that brings people together around the table.

What Ingredients Do You Need For Chicken Biscuits And Gravy

What Ingredients Do You Need For Chicken Biscuits And Gravy
Chicken Ingredients:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (4): Your tender protein base that soaks up delicious flavor in buttermilk.
  • Buttermilk (1 cup): Creates a tangy marinade that helps tenderize your chicken.
  • Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon): Optional spicy kick for your chicken’s flavor profile.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Creates the crispy exterior for your chicken.
  • Paprika (1 teaspoon), Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon), Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon), Salt (1/2 teaspoon), Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Seasoning blend that adds depth to your chicken’s coating.
  • Vegetable Oil (for frying): Helps create that perfect golden-brown crunch for your chicken.
Biscuit Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Your foundational biscuit ingredient.
  • Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Helps your biscuits rise and become fluffy.
  • Sugar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness to your biscuits.
  • Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances overall biscuit flavor.
  • Cold Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, cubed): Creates flaky layers in your biscuits.
  • Cold Buttermilk (3/4 cup, plus extra for brushing): Provides moisture and tang to your biscuit dough.
Gravy Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Creates the roux base for your gravy.
  • All-Purpose Flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens your gravy.
  • Whole Milk (2 cups): Provides creamy consistency for your gravy.

Tools To Have Ready for Chicken Biscuits And Gravy

  • Large Deep Skillet: Your go-to pan for creating crispy, golden-brown chicken with enough depth to hold 2 inches of oil comfortably.
  • Meat Thermometer (Instant-read): Essential for checking that your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without guesswork.
  • Mixing Bowls (2, medium-sized): Perfect for separating your buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour coating – keeping everything organized and mess-free.
  • Paper Towels or Wire Cooling Rack: Great for draining excess oil and ensuring your fried chicken stays wonderfully crisp.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for getting your spices and flour measurements just right.
  • Tongs: Helpful for safely moving and flipping chicken pieces in hot oil without splashing.
  • Slotted Spoon: Allows you to remove chicken from oil smoothly and drain excess oil effectively.

How to Make Chicken Biscuits and Gravy

How to Make Chicken Biscuits and Gravy
1

Marinate Chicken

Pour 1 cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce into a medium bowl. Submerge 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs completely in the liquid. Seal and park the bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes while preparing other ingredients.

2

Create Seasoned Coating

Grab a separate bowl and combine the dry coating ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Whisk everything together until perfectly blended.

3

Prepare Frying Setup

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Pour about 2 inches of oil into the pan and let it warm up gradually.

4

Coat and Fry Chicken

Pull chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess liquid drip back into the bowl. Roll each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Carefully lower coated chicken into hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes per side until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.

5

Make Biscuit Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine dry biscuit ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cut 1/2 cup cold butter into small cubes and work into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

6

Form Biscuits

Pour 3/4 cup cold buttermilk into flour mixture. Stir until dough comes together. Roll out on floured surface and cut into rounds. Place on baking sheet.

7

Bake Biscuits

Preheat oven to 425°F. Brush biscuit tops with extra buttermilk. Bake for 12-15 minutes until tops turn golden brown.

8

Create Gravy

Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in:

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Stir continuously until gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

9

Assemble Dish

Split warm biscuits, place fried chicken on top, then generously pour gravy over everything. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

What Makes Chicken Biscuits And Gravy Successful

What Makes Chicken Biscuits And Gravy Successful
  • Marinate your chicken thighs in buttermilk and hot sauce for deeper flavor that keeps the meat super tender and juicy.
  • Mix your dry spices thoroughly into the flour to ensure every inch of chicken gets perfectly seasoned when coating.
  • Use a thermometer to check your oil hits 350°F, preventing soggy or greasy fried chicken that falls flat.
  • Rest your crispy chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels, keeping the bottom crust crisp and preventing sogginess.
  • Split warm biscuits and layer fried chicken between them, then drizzle with creamy country gravy for the ultimate comfort meal.

Flavor Twists for Chicken Biscuits and Gravy

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Biscuits: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a crispy coating that works perfectly for gluten-sensitive friends. Use about 1:1 replacement and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Buttermilk Substitute Hack: No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a tangy buttermilk alternative that keeps your chicken super tender.
  • Baked Version: Skip the frying and bake chicken at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, spraying lightly with cooking oil to help get that crispy exterior without deep frying.
  • Spicy Southern Style: Amp up the heat by adding cayenne pepper to your flour mixture or increasing the hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade for a seriously zesty chicken experience.

Serving Styles For Chicken Biscuits And Gravy

  • Serve Hot and Fresh: Plate these crispy chicken biscuits right after frying, when the coating is super crunchy and golden. Grab some extra napkins – this gets deliciously messy!
  • Perfect Side Companions: Creamy coleslaw or a simple green salad will balance the richness of your fried chicken. The cool, fresh crunch cuts through the deep-fried goodness.
  • Beverage Pairing: Grab an ice-cold sweet tea or a light beer to complement the savory, spicy flavors. The refreshing drink helps cleanse your palate between bites.
  • Biscuit Bonus: Slice those warm buttermilk biscuits in half and sandwich your crispy chicken inside for an ultimate comfort food experience. A drizzle of hot sauce makes it even better.

How To Store Chicken Biscuits And Gravy

  • Marinate your chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture up to 4 hours ahead of time, storing them covered in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption.
  • After frying, let the crispy chicken cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Separate extra crispy chicken pieces with parchment paper when stacking in storage containers to maintain their crunch and prevent soggy spots.
  • Reheat refrigerated chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore its original crispy texture, avoiding the microwave which can make the coating soggy.

Chicken Biscuits And Gravy FAQs

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs stay juicier and have more flavor. Just make sure they’re the same size for even cooking.

FAQ

How spicy does the hot sauce make the chicken?

A few dashes add a subtle kick without overwhelming heat. Adjust the amount to match your personal spice tolerance.

FAQ

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk substitute.

FAQ

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Baking works, but won’t give the same crispy exterior. Coat the chicken in oil and bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQ

Do I need a thermometer to check chicken doneness?

A meat thermometer ensures safety, but you can also cut into the thickest part. No pink meat means it’s fully cooked.

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Chicken Biscuits And Gravy Recipe

Chicken Biscuits And Gravy Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 42 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Southern comfort reaches new heights with chicken biscuits and gravy, a hearty breakfast that’ll make your morning deliciously satisfying. Crispy buttermilk-fried chicken nestled on flaky homemade biscuits and smothered in creamy pepper gravy brings pure Southern charm to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Optional: 3 ounces cooked sausage or sausage crumbles

Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Wet/Dairy Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate 4 chicken thighs by soaking them in 1 cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon hot sauce for 30-120 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Combine 1 cup flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish for coating.
  3. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat to 350°F. Monitor temperature with a cooking thermometer.
  4. Drain chicken from buttermilk marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Coat each thigh thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture.
  5. Carefully place floured chicken into hot oil. Fry each piece 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Transfer fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and let rest.
  7. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a large mixing bowl.
  8. Cut ½ cup cold butter into small cubes. Work butter into flour mixture using fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  9. Pour ¾ cup cold buttermilk into flour mixture. Stir until dough just comes together without overmixing.
  10. Roll dough to 1-inch thickness on a floured surface. Cut biscuits using a 2.5-inch round cutter.
  11. Place biscuits on a baking sheet. Brush tops with extra buttermilk. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
  12. Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons flour to create a roux.
  13. Gradually pour 2 cups whole milk into roux, whisking constantly. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
  14. Simmer gravy for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Optional: Add cooked sausage crumbles.
  15. Split biscuits, top with fried chicken, and pour warm gravy over the top.

Notes

  • Always marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the buttermilk tenderize the meat and allow the hot sauce to infuse flavor.
  • Use a deep-fry or instant-read thermometer to ensure the oil stays around 350°F, which helps create crispy, golden chicken without burning.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch for extra crispiness.
  • Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 650 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Mary Sue

Mary Sue

Founder & Creative Recipe Developer

Expertise

Comfort Food Twists, Seasonal Cooking, Creative Flavor Pairings, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Flexible Pantry Cooking

Education

Trident Technical College, Culinary Institute of Charleston
  • Program: Culinary Arts Technology, A.A.S.
  • Focus: Built a strong foundation in professional food preparation, cooking, and presentation while also learning the hospitality side of the industry, including quality standards, sanitation, and the real-world pace of working kitchens

Mary Sue is the playful, creative recipe mind behind Mary Sue & Susan, known for big flavor ideas, warm storytelling, and dishes that feel both comforting and a little unexpected. She has a talent for taking familiar meals and giving them just enough personality to make them memorable.

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