Introduction

Chicken and gravy is a timeless comfort food that has graced dinner tables for generations. This hearty dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy, creating a satisfying meal that warms the soul. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a mouthwatering chicken and gravy recipe that will become a family favorite.

How to Make Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Ingredients and Directions

Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

To make this classic dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the flour to the skillet. Whisk the flour constantly for 1-2 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.
Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme leaves. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the gravy over the top. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the chicken and gravy hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Making the Gravy

Now it’s time to create the star of the dish: the gravy. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour mixture to the remaining oil. Whisk the flour into the oil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook the flour mixture for 1-2 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens and begins to simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let the gravy cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Bringing It All Together

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the warm gravy. Spoon the gravy over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the chicken to reheat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken and gravy hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes, such as:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to chicken and gravy, providing a smooth and buttery base for the rich sauce.
Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice or flavorful wild rice for a satisfying and filling meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Balance the richness of the dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
Buttermilk Biscuits: Warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits are the perfect vehicle for sopping up every last drop of the delicious gravy.

Pairing Suggestions Chicken and Gravy Recipe

This classic chicken and gravy dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich, comforting flavors. For a traditional combination, serve the chicken and gravy alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which provide the perfect base for soaking up the delicious gravy.

Alternatively, you can opt for fluffy rice or even buttered egg noodles for a satisfying carbohydrate component. To balance the meal, consider adding a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli, which will add a pop of color and a boost of nutrients to your plate. For a special touch, you can also serve the dish with warm, flaky biscuits or crusty bread to help mop up any remaining gravy.

Variations Chicken and Gravy Recipe

While this chicken and gravy recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your preferences or add a twist to the classic dish. For a creamier gravy, consider stirring in some grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream just before serving.

If you prefer a more herbaceous flavor profile, you can experiment with adding other fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley in addition to the thyme. For a bit of heat, try incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the gravy. You can also adapt the recipe to work with other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Lastly, for a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with sliced portobello mushrooms or seitan, using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for the gravy.

Storing and Reheating Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you have leftover chicken and gravy, you can easily store them in the refrigerator for later enjoyment. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The chicken and gravy will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through.

Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken and gravy in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed to your liking. If the gravy appears too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water. Avoid freezing the dish, as the gravy may separate and the texture of the chicken can become compromised upon thawing.

Conclusion

This chicken and gravy recipe is a comforting classic that is sure to become a staple in your home. With its tender chicken, rich gravy, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages and appetites. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food. Your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be asking for seconds. Happy cooking!

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