Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food that evokes warm memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. This dish features tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes or crusty bread. Its appeal lies in the harmonious blend of flavors and the satisfying heartiness that makes it a favorite for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this chicken and gravy recipe for its incredible depth of flavor and simplicity. The chicken is marinated to perfection, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. It’s an easy dish that can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special Sunday dinners. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that fits well within a comfort food lifestyle, satisfying even the pickiest eaters with its creamy, savory goodness.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your chicken and gravy, consider these handy tips:
- Marination: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to enhance the flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Searing the chicken in a hot skillet helps develop a rich color and flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in towards the end of cooking.
- Season Gradually: Start with less salt and add more as needed to avoid over-seasoning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can dry out quickly. Cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Skipping the Resting Period: Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Bring your broth to a simmer before adding it to the pan to prevent the gravy from turning lumpy.
- Underseasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go.
Make Ahead Tips
For those busy days, consider preparing some components in advance:
- Marinate the Chicken: You can marinate the chicken the night before or even freeze it in the marinade for a quick weeknight meal.
- Make the Gravy Ahead: The gravy can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving.
- Cooked Chicken: Cooked chicken can be shredded and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this chicken and gravy recipe:
- Herb Variations: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Swap Proteins: Use turkey instead of chicken or even go for a plant-based protein like tofu.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer gravy.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook the chicken and gravy in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach.
How to Serve
To serve, place the chicken pieces on a warm plate and generously ladle the gravy over them. Pair with sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted carrots for a complete meal. For presentation, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper to add a pop of color.
Pairing Suggestions
For a perfect pairing, consider a glass of Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. If you prefer cocktails, a classic Old Fashioned complements the savory notes beautifully. For side dishes, buttery corn on the cob or a fresh garden salad works wonderfully, and for dessert, a slice of apple pie or chocolate cake would be a delightful ending.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, pack the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Equipment Needed
For this recipe, you will need:
- A large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking the chicken and gravy.
- A meat thermometer to check the chicken’s doneness.
- A whisk for blending the gravy smoothly.
Alternatives include using a slow cooker for hands-free cooking or an Instant Pot for faster results.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions:
- Vegan: Substitute chicken with jackfruit or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for the gravy.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in the gravy and skip any butter.
- Nut-Free: Ensure that the broth and any additional elements are nut-free.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the fall, consider adding roasted root vegetables to the dish for a heartier meal. In spring, fresh asparagus or peas can be a delightful addition to lighten the dish.
Cost Breakdown
This chicken and gravy recipe is budget-friendly, averaging around $2 per serving. To save more, look for sales on chicken thighs or breasts, and use homemade broth instead of store-bought.
Kitchen Hacks
To speed up the cooking process:
- Use pre-chopped garlic and onion from the store.
- For quick peeling, soak garlic cloves in hot water for a minute.
- Use a microwave to soften butter quickly by placing it in a microwave-safe bowl and heating in short bursts.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use boneless chicken? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.
- How long does it take to cook the chicken? It typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pieces.
- Can I substitute chicken broth with something else? Yes, you can use vegetable broth or even water, but the flavor might be less rich.
Chicken and Gravy
Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food that evokes warm memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. This dish features tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Cook the Onions: Remove the chicken from the skillet and add diced onions. Sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the Gravy: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 425Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 16gCholesterol 198mgSodium 624mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 32g
Dinnerfocus.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 not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. With its rich flavors and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for any night of the week or a special occasion. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with variations and sides. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, savor every bite!
