Fried Chicken with Pancetta Cream Gravy
Perhaps you’ve noticed by now, we have no problem taking an already gluttonous dish and making it more so. That goes with the territory when you have so much pancetta lying around. Our fried chicken with pancetta cream gravy recipe takes gravy to the next level. It’s so good that you might find yourself grabbing a spoon and forgetting about the chicken it’s meant to adorn. But do not forget about that chicken, because when you use our method, it’s so crispy that your grandma is going to demand you tell her your secret.
Directions
For the chicken
Combine the potato starch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, baking powder and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss well. Set aside for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Pour oil to a depth of 2½ to 3 inches in a large Dutch oven and heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees. Cook the chicken in batches, thighs with drumsticks for 15 minutes, and breasts with wings for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the oil to return to temperature before cooking the next batch. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate or sheet pan as done. Season with salt as it comes out.
For the gravy
Sweat the Pancetta, stirring often, in a medium heavy skillet over medium-high until the fat renders and the pancetta turns golden, about 7 minutes. (If you like a creamier gravy without tidbits of pancetta, scoop out the pancetta with a slotted spoon after it’s rendered its fat and has crisped up.) Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour over the Pancetta and cook, stirring, until the raw taste of the flour gets cooked out and it turns a light tan, 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk (so lumps don’t form) and continue to simmer until mixture thickens. The gravy will continue to thicken as it sits. If it gets thicker than you’d like, thin it by whisking in some hot milk or water. Season with salt and pepper, cayenne, and lemon zest.
Serve chicken with the gravy.
Cook’s Notes
Potato starch replaces the more commonly used flour in this fried chicken, helping the chicken retain a crunchy crust longer. For more flavor, coat the chicken in the seasonings and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. The next day, toss the seasoned chicken with the potato starch straight from the fridge and allow to sit 30 minutes to set the coating and bring the chicken to room temperature.
