Best Chicken and Gravy
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a plate of Chicken and Gravy. It’s one of those dishes that instantly brings warmth to your heart, whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner or a weeknight meal. I remember the first time my grandmother made it for me. The crispy, golden brown chicken paired with that rich, savory gravy—it was pure magic. And every time I make this at home, I’m reminded of those cozy family meals that just feel like a hug in a bowl.
Table of Contents
This recipe for Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be served with all your favorite sides. Whether you pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even some soft bread to soak up all that delicious gravy, this dish will always make your taste buds feel at home.
So, let’s dive into how you can make this Chicken and Gravy dish in the comfort of your own kitchen—no special skills required, just a love for good food!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs or breasts | 4 pieces (bone-in or boneless) | Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too! |
| Flour | 1/4 cup | To dredge the chicken for a crispy coating. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning the chicken and gravy. |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth to the flavor. |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | For a savory base. |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | For frying and making the gravy. |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups | A rich base for the gravy. |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup | Makes the gravy rich and creamy. |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon | To thicken the gravy. |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For frying the chicken. |
| Fresh parsley | For garnish | Optional, but adds a nice touch! |
Cooking Steps:
Why I Love Making This Dish:
This Chicken and Gravy is one of those recipes that feels like a little bit of magic on the plate. It’s super simple to make, but the flavors are incredible. The crispy chicken and rich gravy combo is just unbeatable. Every time I make it, it brings me back to my childhood—sitting around the dinner table with my family, all of us eagerly digging in. It’s one of those meals that’s meant to be shared.
What You’ll Need:
- A large skillet – to fry the chicken and make the gravy.
- A whisk – for smooth gravy.
- A plate – to rest the chicken after frying.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. I like to make sure both sides are nicely coated with seasoning to ensure the chicken has plenty of flavor.
- Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow dish, add the flour. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour, coating it evenly. The flour helps create a golden, crispy crust when frying. You can shake off any excess flour, but make sure there’s a nice coating on each piece.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the chicken to the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. If you’re using bone-in chicken, it will take a little longer to cook through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Scrape up any brown bits left in the pan from the chicken—those bits are packed with flavor! Once the butter has melted, add the chicken broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any remaining flavor.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the gravy mixture while stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens. It should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the gravy simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy: Return the fried chicken to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the top of the chicken, then cover the skillet with a lid. Let everything simmer together for about 5-10 minutes, so the chicken absorbs some of that flavorful gravy.
- Serve: Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded together, transfer the chicken to plates and pour extra gravy over the top. Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish, but boneless chicken works just as well if you prefer it.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with milk, but the gravy won’t be as rich.
- Be sure to dredge the chicken well in flour for the perfect crispy coating that holds up while simmering in the gravy.
Serving Suggestions and Sides:
Chicken and Gravy is best served with hearty sides that soak up all that delicious gravy! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Mashed potatoes – You just have to have mashed potatoes with gravy. They’re the ultimate side!
- Rice – Steamed white rice or even garlic butter rice will soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Green beans or roasted vegetables – Something fresh and green balances the richness of the chicken and gravy.
Leftovers:
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the gravy if needed.
Emotional Engagement:
This Chicken and Gravy recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time, and I’m so excited you’re giving it a try! When I serve it, it’s always the comfort food that everyone wants to come back to. I’m sure this will become a go-to recipe in your home just like it has in mine. Let me know how it turns out—there’s nothing better than hearing that it’s a hit with your family!
FAQ Section:
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
“Absolutely! Boneless chicken breasts are a great option if you prefer a leaner cut. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as boneless breasts will cook faster than thighs.”
Can I freeze the leftovers?
“Yes, you can freeze the chicken and gravy for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag.”
Conclusion:
I’m so glad you’re trying this Chicken and Gravy recipe! It’s one of those comforting, classic meals that never disappoints. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish will always hit the spot. Let me know how it turns out—I’m sure it will become a favorite in your house, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- ⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
- 🔥 Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
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