Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 (2 1/2- to 3-pound) broiler-fryers, cut into 16 pieces
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 to 4 cups vegetable oil
• 2 cups milk
• Hot cooked rice

Preparation

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper; dredge in flour. Set 3 tablespoons flour aside.
2. Heat oil to 375° in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Brown 4 chicken pieces for 12 to 15 minutes. Drain well on paper towels. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken.
3. Drain oil from skillet, reserving 3 tablespoons pan drippings in skillet. Add reserved flour to pan drippings, stirring until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk to mixture in skillet; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Serve gravy with chicken and hot cooked rice.