Chicken and Gravy – This classic comfort food brings back memories of cozy family dinners that is rich, savory, and sure to become a family favorite for a weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, butter, and chicken broth.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile: Works with different cuts of chicken, such as thighs, breasts, or drumsticks.
- Rich Flavor: The homemade gravy is creamy and infused with delicious, savory notes.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken and Gravy
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet helps develop a beautiful crust on the chicken and adds depth to the gravy by deglazing the browned bits.
- Don’t Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour and butter properly ensures a smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Adjust Consistency: For a thicker gravy, add a little more flour to the roux. For a thinner gravy, add an extra splash of broth.
- Season Throughout: Taste the gravy as it cooks and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Delicious Variations
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms when making the roux for an earthy twist.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic finish.
- Spicy Chicken and Gravy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Southern-Style: Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for a tangy, Southern-style gravy.
How to Serve Chicken and Gravy
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy is perfect for spooning over buttery mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- Biscuits or Dinner Rolls: Use fluffy biscuits or warm dinner rolls to soak up every bit of that delicious gravy.
- Rice or Egg Noodles: For a hearty base, serve the chicken and gravy over rice or noodles.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the gravy if it has thickened.
- Microwave: Heat in the microwave in 1-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor, though it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
How can I make gluten-free gravy?
To make gluten-free gravy, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a bit of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the gravy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk or cream. For the butter, swap it out with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
Why is my gravy lumpy?
Lumps can form if the roux is not whisked thoroughly when adding the liquid. To fix it, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Chicken and Gravy (Homemade)
Chicken and Gravy - This classic comfort food brings back memories of cozy family dinners that is rich, savory, and sure to become a family favorite for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1/2 tsp each: salt, pepper, oregano, thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp each: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (no need to measure—just sprinkle to taste!).
- Make the Roux: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour until smooth, cooking for a few minutes while stirring continuously.
- Create the Gravy: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring well. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until the mixture starts bubbling.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it's submerged in the gravy. Cover with a lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. (Mine was ready in about 12 minutes since they were thin!)
- Serve: Shred the chicken and spoon it over mashed potatoes. Enjoy this cozy, comforting dish!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 301Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 122mgSodium 907mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 37g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This chicken and gravy recipe is the perfect blend of simple ingredients and rich flavor, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. With tips, variations, and answers to common questions, you’re now equipped to make the best homemade chicken and gravy every time. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!
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