Chicken And Gravy Recipe

Looking for a hearty, delicious meal that satisfies the entire family? Look no further! This Chicken and Gravy recipe is a timeless classic that’s packed with rich flavors, tender chicken, and a savory gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will not disappoint. Stick around to learn everything you need to know, from ingredients and substitutions to cooking tips and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive into this comforting dish that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

What is Chicken and Gravy?

Chicken and gravy is a simple, yet flavorful dish that consists of succulent, tender chicken cooked in or served with a savory gravy. The gravy, usually made from the pan drippings of the chicken, is thickened to create a rich sauce. It's a versatile recipe that can be served with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or even vegetables, making it a go-to meal for many families.

Ingredients List for Chicken and Gravy

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you will need for this comforting dish:

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½ to 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or any preferred herb like rosemary or oregano)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more, if needed)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ to 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• ½ cup whole milk or cream (for a richer gravy)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

For the Chicken:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: If you don’t have bone-in chicken, boneless breasts or thighs will work as well. Keep in mind, boneless cuts tend to cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Rotisserie Chicken: For a shortcut, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and focus on making the gravy separately.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to experiment with the seasonings. Add cayenne pepper for heat, or substitute thyme with rosemary or parsley for a different herbal note.

For the Gravy:

• Cornstarch: If you’re gluten-sensitive, swap the flour for cornstarch. Mix it with a little cold water to make a slurry before adding it to the gravy to avoid clumping.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk or cream with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk if you have dietary restrictions.
• Broth Variations: You can use vegetable broth or even beef broth for a richer flavor if you don’t have chicken broth on hand.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Chicken and Gravy recipe is straightforward, but requires attention to detail to achieve that perfect balance of tender chicken and a rich, velvety gravy. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Prep the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up when cooking. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken, skin-side down. Let it sear undisturbed for about 6-8 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-6 minutes on the other side.
3. Cook the Chicken: Lower the heat to medium, cover the pan, and allow the chicken to cook for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate to rest.
4. Make the Gravy: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
5. Add the Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The gravy will start to thicken as it cooks. If it's too thick, add a bit more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish the Gravy: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you want a creamier gravy, slowly add the milk or cream while whisking. Let the gravy simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
7. Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, allowing it to warm through in the gravy for about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot with your choice of side dish, generously spooning the gravy over the chicken.

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

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Before you start cooking, ensure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. This includes seasoning the chicken and measuring out your gravy ingredients like broth and milk.
2. Crisp the Chicken Skin: Searing the chicken skin is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy inside. Always sear skin-side down first for the best texture.
3. Don't Rush the Gravy: Take your time with the roux and slowly add the broth and milk. The key to a good gravy is whisking continuously to ensure there are no lumps and to let the gravy thicken properly.
4. Rest the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Sear: Searing the chicken before cooking through not only adds flavor but also ensures the skin gets crispy. Avoid skipping this step.
• Rushing the Gravy: Don’t be tempted to crank up the heat when making the gravy. Low and slow is the way to go to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. This will cause the chicken to steam rather than brown properly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken and gravy is a homey dish, but that doesn’t mean it can't look appealing. With a little care in plating and garnish, you can elevate this comfort food into a dish worthy of a special occasion.

How to Serve Chicken and Gravy

• With Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort combination! Serve the chicken and gravy over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Over Rice or Noodles: If you prefer, you can serve this dish over steamed rice or wide egg noodles, which soak up the gravy beautifully.
• With Biscuits: Southern-style biscuits are a wonderful addition, as they allow you to soak up any extra gravy left on the plate.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Gravy

• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the top of the dish for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the chicken and gravy in a large serving dish with sides like mashed potatoes and vegetables to create a rustic, inviting spread.

Chicken and Gravy Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and make the gravy ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
• Double the Gravy: If you're a fan of extra gravy (who isn’t?), consider doubling the recipe so you have plenty to go around.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth to loosen up the gravy if it has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work great. Just adjust the cooking time since boneless cuts tend to cook faster.

How do I thicken gravy if it's too thin?

If your gravy is too thin, you can whisk in a little more flour or cornstarch slurry to thicken it up. Just be sure to simmer it for a few minutes to cook out the raw taste.

Can I make the gravy without butter?

Yes, you can use oil instead of butter to make the roux, but the flavor won’t be as rich. Alternatively, try using a dairy-free butter substitute.

What can I serve with Chicken and Gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, biscuits, or even buttered noodles all make great accompaniments to chicken and gravy.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Gravy recipe is a true comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, flavorful chicken combined with rich, savory gravy is sure to become a family favorite. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve with a variety of sides. Follow our step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and try out the variations to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!

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