A Southern Fried Chicken with Rich Homemade Cream Gravy
Chicken and Cream Gravy is a comforting Southern classic featuring seasoned fried chicken served with a rich, creamy pan gravy made from the flavorful drippings. The crispy chicken pairs perfectly with the smooth, savory gravy, making this dish ideal for Sunday dinners and family gatherings.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe showcases the Southern tradition of turning simple pantry ingredients into hearty, satisfying comfort food that has been passed down through generations.
Ingredients
- 1 chicken
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup flour
- 1-1/2 cups milk
- 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup light cream
Serves: 5–7
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into serving-sized frying pieces.
- Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- Let the seasoned chicken rest for about 1 hour.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour.
- Heat enough oil or shortening in a large skillet for frying and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- Pour off all but about 4 tablespoons of the pan drippings.
- Stir the remaining flour into the drippings and cook until lightly browned, creating a roux.
- Add the remaining salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and light cream until smooth.
- Return the fried chicken to the gravy and simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip
Serve this dish over fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or warm homemade biscuits to soak up every bit of the creamy Southern gravy.
The Story Behind This Dish
Cream gravy has long been a staple of Southern kitchens, where resourceful home cooks transformed pan drippings into flavorful sauces that stretched meals and added richness to simple ingredients. Paired with crispy fried chicken, this timeless combination remains one of the South’s most beloved comfort foods, bringing families together around the dinner table.
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- Crispy fried chicken finished in rich homemade cream gravy.
- Perfect served with mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or buttered vegetables.
- Using the pan drippings creates deep, authentic Southern flavor.
- Simmering the chicken briefly in the gravy keeps it tender while adding extra richness.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon. Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
