This old-fashioned southern fried chicken recipe is an excellent choice. The chicken is fried to perfection and served with simple creamy milk gravy. The gravy is a typical accompaniment, and it's very easy to make with some of the pan drippings, flour, and milk. This is the southern dish everyone loves, and it is very easy to prepare. Use a heavy, deep skillet or saut pan for the chicken pieces. You begin with the dark meat because the chicken breasts take less time to cook. The best way to check for doneness is with a reliable instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken pieces, but take care to keep it from touching bone. The chicken is cooked to at least 165 f, the minimum safe temperature for chicken (usda).