Maryland Fried Chicken with Creamy Gravy

By Addie

Cracker-crusted, paprika-spiced chicken smothered in creamy gravy partners beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans.

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup finely crushed saltine crackers (28 crackers)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 1/2-3 pounds meaty chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, and drumsticks)
• 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 cup milk
• ......................................
• 1 recipe Creamy Gravy
• 1 recipe Mashed Potatoes (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a small bowl combine the egg and the 3 tablespoons milk. In a shallow bowl combine crushed crackers, thyme, paprika, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces, 1 at a time, in egg mixture; roll in cracker mixture.

2. In a large skillet brown chicken in hot oil over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain well.

3. Add the 1 cup milk to skillet. Heat just to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover tightly. Cook for 35 minutes. Uncover; cook about 10 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink (170 degrees F for breasts; 180 degrees F for thighs and drumsticks). Transfer chicken to a serving platter, reserving drippings for gravy. Cover chicken and keep warm. Prepare Creamy Gravy. If desired, serve with Mashed Potatoes. Makes 6 servings.
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Creamy Gravy:

3 tablespoons drippings in skillet
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk


Skim fat from drippings. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the drippings in skillet. In a screw-top jar combine milk, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper; cover and shake until well combined. Add to skillet. Stir in an additional milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. (If desired, thin with additional milk.) Makes about 1-3/4 cups.