Chicken And Gravy Recipe

Looking for a comforting and hearty meal? This Chicken and Gravy recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your craving for something warm and flavorful. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to juicy perfection and smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Best of all, this dish is simple to make and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!

this Recipe

What is Chicken and Gravy?

Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food dish where juicy, seasoned chicken is cooked and served with a rich, savory gravy. The gravy is typically made from the pan drippings of the chicken, enhanced with chicken broth, flour, and seasonings. This versatile dish can be made with chicken breasts, thighs, or even a whole chicken, and the creamy, flavorful gravy ties everything together perfectly.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Gravy

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Gravy:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some simple substitutions and variations to customize your Chicken and Gravy:

• Chicken Thighs: You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, replace the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative and use dairy-free milk such as almond or oat milk for the gravy.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch instead of regular flour to make a gluten-free gravy.
• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the gravy for added depth of flavor.
• Lemon: Add a splash of lemon juice to the gravy for a slight tang and to brighten up the flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Chicken and Gravy dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Roux for the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn golden brown and have a slightly nutty aroma.

Step 4: Add the Chicken Broth and Milk

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking as you add the milk or heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Season the Gravy

Season the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Gravy

Once the gravy has thickened, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the gravy over the chicken to coat it completely. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chicken and gravy with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or with roasted vegetables, and spoon the extra gravy on top.

How to Cook Chicken and Gravy: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Sear the chicken in a skillet with olive oil and butter until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until golden and fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth and milk to the roux, whisking until the gravy thickens.
5. Season the gravy with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for a few minutes.
7. Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and top with gravy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Cooking the Roux Long Enough: Make sure you cook the flour and butter mixture for at least 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste and develop a deeper flavor.
• Gravy Too Thin: If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken. If it's still too thin, whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can become dry. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Lumpy Gravy: To avoid lumps in the gravy, whisk the flour and butter together well and gradually add the chicken broth while whisking continuously.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chicken and Gravy dish is as hearty as it is delicious. Here are a few ways to serve and present it beautifully:

• Serve over mashed potatoes: The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, soaking into the potatoes and adding a rich flavor.
• With Rice or Noodles: Spoon the chicken and gravy over a bed of rice or egg noodles for a comforting, hearty meal.
• Add Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary to add color and a burst of freshness.

How to Serve Chicken and Gravy

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving Chicken and Gravy:

• Over mashed potatoes: The classic combination. Serve the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• With rice or pasta: You can also serve the chicken with fluffy white rice, wild rice, or over a bed of pasta.
• Accompany with vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots make excellent side dishes.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Gravy

• Serve in a Skillet: Present the chicken in the same skillet you cooked it in for a rustic, family-style presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful finishing touch.
• Plate with Sides: Plate the chicken next to a pile of mashed potatoes or rice, with the gravy poured over both the chicken and the starch for a cohesive, inviting dish.

Chicken and Gravy Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
• Extra Gravy: If you love gravy, you can double the gravy portion of the recipe for extra to serve over sides like mashed potatoes or biscuits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and often add more flavor due to their higher fat content. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs.

How do I thicken my gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy is too thin, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to form a slurry, then whisk it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken and gravy ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken and Gravy?
Yes! Let the chicken and gravy cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food. With tender, juicy chicken and a rich, flavorful gravy, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with your favorite vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting seconds. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious and comforting dish ready to enjoy in no time!

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