Southern Chicken Fried Chicken

Step 1

Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board, place your hand on top, and slice horizontally through the middle to split each breast into two thinner, even pieces—about 0.5 inches thick.

Step 2

Pour buttermilk into a large bowl and place the split chicken pieces into it; stir to coat all sides, then set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes so the chicken absorbs the liquid.

Step 3

In a shallow bowl or plate, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 4

Pour vegetable oil into a 12-inch cast iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Working one piece at a time, lift a chicken piece from the buttermilk, let excess drip back into the bowl, then dredge both sides and edges in the flour mixture until completely coated; tap off excess and lay on a plate.

Step 6

Carefully slide all four chicken pieces into the hot oil—you should hear a loud, steady sizzle—and do not move them for 5 minutes so they develop a golden crust on the bottom.

Step 7

Using tongs, flip each piece over and cook for another 5 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the thickest part registers 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Step 8

Transfer the fried chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then cover loosely with foil and set aside while you make the gravy.

Step 9

Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of oil from the skillet (discard the excess), then place the skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds to warm the remaining oil.

Step 10

Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the hot oil and stir until melted, then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture looks like wet sand and smells nutty.

Step 11

Pour in 1.5 cups of whole milk slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps; continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.

Step 12

Taste the gravy and add salt and pepper as needed, then pour it into a gravy boat or serving bowl.

Step 13

Arrange the fried chicken pieces on a serving platter, pour the warm gravy over the top in a thin stream, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.