COUNTRY FRIED CHICKEN WITH CREAMY GRAVY

Country Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy image

Provided by Krystal McDow

Categories Chicken

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast, pounded to about 1/2 inch thick
black pepper
1 pkg saltine crackers, crushed (1 sleeve)
1 c all purpose flour
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional or adjust to heat level)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (garlic lovers use 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 c milk
2 large eggs
1 1/2 c vegetable oil
CREAMED GRAVY
3-4 c half and half cream (use 4 cups for thinner gravy)
1/4 c all purpose flour
1 tsp seasoning salt or 1/2 tsp white salt
1 tsp black pepper (can reduce if desired)

Steps:

1. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper.
2. In a shallow dish combine crushed cracker crumbs with flour 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using) and baking powder.
3. In another shallow dish whisk together eggs with 3/4 milk.
4. Dredge the chicken breasts in the cracker mixture then dip in the egg/milk mixture, then dredge AGAIN in the cracker mixture.
5. Pour the oil into a large skillet and heat to 360 degrees F.
6. Fry the breasts in hot oil for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown; remove to a wire rack and cover lightly with foil.
7. Carefully drain oil but reserve the browned bits in the bottom of the skillet along with a couple tablespoons of the oil.
8. In a bowl mix together 4 cups half and half cream, 1/4 cup flour 1 teaspoon seasoned salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper; whisk until combined, then add to the reserved drippings in the skillet, cook whisking constantly over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until thickened.
9. Serve the creamed gravy with the breasts.