Chicken and gravy recipe
There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of a well-made chicken and gravy recipe. This classic dish is the perfect way to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of vegetables, a chicken and gravy recipe can be adapted to suit any occasion. From a simple family dinner to a festive holiday meal, this versatile dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Chicken and gravy recipe is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a holiday feast. Today, we’re going to dive into how you can create this classic dish right in your own kitchen.
Choosing the Right Chicken
To create the best Chicken and gravy recipe, it all starts with selecting the right chicken. Opt for free-range or organic chicken whenever possible, as these tend to have better flavor and texture. Whole chickens are ideal because they allow you to use both the meat and bones for maximum flavor in your gravy. If you’re short on time, chicken thighs or breasts will also work, but remember that bone-in, skin-on pieces will contribute more depth to the dish.
Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy recipe
Before diving into this delicious chicken and gravy recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
How to make Chicken and Gravy recipe
When preparing a chicken and gravy recipe, the choice of chicken is essential. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great option as they cook quickly and absorb the gravy’s rich flavors well. However, if you prefer a richer taste, chicken thighs are also an excellent choice—they remain tender and juicy even after cooking.
To ensure your chicken and gravy recipe turns out perfectly, start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a nice sear during cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making your chicken and gravy even more delicious.
Cooking the Chicken
- Firstly, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. At first, ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken, because this will help create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Then, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking them for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. During this time, resist the urge to move the chicken around too much; letting it sit will develop a beautiful crust that enhances the chicken and gravy recipe.
- Afterward, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate covered with foil. This resting period is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. Finally, the resting ensures your chicken and gravy recipe turns out perfectly.
Making the Gravy
The gravy is the star of any chicken and gravy recipe. To create a rich and flavorful sauce, start by making a roux in the same skillet you used to cook the chicken. Melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
For this chicken and gravy recipe, you’ll want to gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet—these add incredible depth to the gravy. Next, slowly pour in the milk or cream, continuing to whisk until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs if using, to complete the perfect chicken and gravy recipe.
Combining Chicken and Gravy
After your gravy is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step is vital in a chicken and gravy recipe, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb all the rich, savory flavors.
For the best chicken and gravy recipe, taste the gravy one last time and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A splash of cream can mellow out a too-salty gravy, while a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can add brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and gravy recipe is a hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with classic sides. Mashed potatoes are a must—they’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy. Steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or peas provide a nice contrast in texture and color. For a lighter option, serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice or with a side salad.
Depending on the occasion, you can present your chicken and gravy recipe in different ways. For a casual weeknight dinner, serve it straight from the skillet with your favorite sides. If you’re hosting a more formal event, consider presenting the dish on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and accompanied by elegant side dishes like roasted asparagus or a wild rice pilaf.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a chicken and gravy recipe, avoid overcooking the chicken, as this can make it dry and tough. Using a meat thermometer ensures you cook it to the right temperature, keeping the chicken juicy. Another common mistake is not whisking the gravy enough, which can lead to lumps. Always whisk continuously when making the roux and adding the liquids for a smooth and velvety gravy.
If your gravy is too thin, try simmering it for a few more minutes to reduce it, or add a bit more flour mixed with cold water. If it’s too thick, gradually stir in more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. For chicken that turns out dry, slicing it thinly and letting it simmer in the gravy can help rehydrate the meat, ensuring your chicken and gravy recipe is a success.
Variations of Chicken and Gravy recipe
This chicken and gravy recipe is highly versatile, with several delicious variations to try:
- Southern-Style Chicken and Gravy:
For a Southern twist on the chicken and gravy, dredge the chicken in flour before frying it. The flour creates a crispy crust that adds texture to the dish. The gravy is made using the pan drippings with the addition of milk or cream, creating a rich, indulgent sauce. - Creamy Mushroom Gravy with Chicken:
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy. Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the savory gravy, making this variation of the chicken and gravy recipe both comforting and sophisticated. - Spicy Chicken and Gravy:
For those who like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy. This spicy version of the chicken and gravy recipe is great served with cornbread or over a bed of spicy rice.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for a lighter chicken and gravy, consider substituting ingredients. Skinless chicken breasts or tenders are a leaner option, and you can opt for low-fat milk or a milk alternative like almond milk in the gravy. Using olive oil instead of butter can also help reduce the fat content.
To make a healthier gravy for your chicken and gravy, consider making a slurry with cornstarch and water instead of a butter-based roux. This method thickens the gravy without adding extra calories from fat, giving you a lighter yet still flavorful dish.
Storing and Reheating
If you’re aiming for a lighter chicken and gravy, consider substituting some ingredients. For instance, using skinless chicken breasts or tenders provides a leaner option, and you can opt for low-fat milk or a milk alternative like almond milk in the gravy. Additionally, replacing butter with olive oil can help reduce the fat content.
To create a healthier gravy for your chicken and gravy, try making a slurry with cornstarch and water instead of using a butter-based roux. This method thickens the gravy without adding extra calories from fat, resulting in a lighter yet still flavorful dish.
In Summary
At first, this chicken and gravy recipe might seem like just another dish, but it’s basically a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any table. During the cooking process, you’ll notice its rich, savory flavors developing, and because of its endless versatility, it’s a recipe everyone should have in their repertoire. Firstly, it’s perfect for a family meal, and then, it also works wonderfully for special occasions. So, why not give it a try? Afterward, you might find it becomes a new favorite. Finally, after that, you’ll have a go-to dish that’s sure to impress.
More Chicken recipes
So, Here some Chicken recipes:
- Instant Pot chicken wings
- Chicken brine recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Legs
- Easy Instant Pot chicken fajitas
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Crispiest Breaded Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Cutlet Recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings (SUPER CRISPY!)
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Instant Pot chicken thighs with gravy
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Alice springs chicken recipe
FAQs about Chicken and Gravy recipe
Yes, you can make gravy without drippings by using butter or oil to create a roux, then adding broth and seasoning to taste.
For extra flavor in your chicken and gravy, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, sautéed mushrooms, or a splash of wine.
The key to juicy chicken in a chicken and gravy recipe is not overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to cook the chicken to 165°F, and let it rest before slicing.
Absolutely! Just warm the leftover chicken in the gravy until heated through, being careful not to overcook it.
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a meat alternative like tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth to make the gravy.
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Chicken and gravy recipe
Equipment
- 1 Stove
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth preferably low sodium
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme optional
- 1 teaspoon rosemary optional
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat the Olive Oil:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Rest the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate covered with foil.
Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Slowly pour in the milk or cream, and continue to whisk until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, if using.
Combine Chicken and Gravy:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the gravy over it. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken with the gravy over your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Notes
You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts take longer to cook. Thickening the Gravy:
If your gravy turns out too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a little more flour mixed with cold water to thicken it up. Flavor Boosters:
Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also be stirred in just before serving. Healthier Substitutions:
For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and opt for low-fat milk or a milk alternative like almond milk. Storage:
Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy. Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!