If you’re looking for a chicken and gravy recipe that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’re in the right place. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy hug from the kitchen. It promises satisfaction for everyone in the family.

It’s perfect for those cozy family dinners. The recipe features juicy chicken pieces smothered in creamy homemade gravy. It turns your weeknight dinners into a special occasion.

Did you know 75% of people often use canned or jarred gravy? Learning to make chicken gravy from scratch is a rewarding skill. Stay with us as we explore how to make this beloved comfort food from scratch. It makes meal times simpler and more delicious.

Key Takeaways

• This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for families.
• Total fat per serving is 24g, with 57g of protein for a hearty meal.
• Cooking times vary: chicken thighs take about 40 minutes total for perfect tenderness.
• Homemade gravy can be thinned or thickened easily to meet your preferences.
• For those looking for storage options, the dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.

Introduction to Chicken and Gravy

Chicken and gravy is a beloved dish in American home cooking, especially in Southern cuisine. It combines tender chicken with a smooth sauce. This makes it a favorite meal for families everywhere.

The dish’s history comes from using every part of a chicken. This led to chicken and gravy recipes that turned simple ingredients into tasty dishes. It’s a big part of many celebrations and Sunday dinners, showing its versatility.

Making homemade gravy adds to the dish’s charm. It lets cooks control the freshness and taste. Families often have their own ways of making it, passed down through generations. This shows how personal and comforting chicken and gravy can be.

Why Chicken and Gravy is the Perfect Comfort Food

Chicken and gravy is a true comfort food, especially in southern cooking. The creamy gravy wraps around tender chicken, feeling like a warm hug. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy.

The flavors remind us of family gatherings, where this dish is a star. It’s easy to make, needing just a few ingredients. This makes it perfect for home cooks who want to fill their homes with delicious smells quickly.

In the cooler months, chicken and gravy is especially appealing. It not only tastes great but also brings back happy memories. Cooking it becomes a special time, filled with laughter and stories.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy

Creating a delicious chicken and gravy dish starts with the right ingredients. Quality and freshness are key for that rich flavor everyone loves. Here are the main components, including chicken pieces and seasoning blends, that make a comforting meal.

Using Fresh Chicken Pieces

Fresh chicken pieces, like breasts, thighs, or tenderloins, boost the dish’s taste. The natural flavor of chicken can be enhanced by proper cooking. Bone-in chicken pieces add a robust flavor, perfect with the gravy.

The Role of Seasoning Blend

A balanced seasoning blend is crucial to enhance the chicken and gravy’s flavor. Herbs and spices turn chicken broth into a savory gravy base. When mixed with chicken, the seasoning creates a flavorful harmony. You can adjust it to your liking, adding your own twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken and Gravy

Making a tasty chicken and gravy recipe is easy. This guide will show you how to make a hearty meal quickly. You’ll learn to make homemade gravy like a pro.

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by picking two large or four small chicken breasts. Cut them into thinner pieces for even cooking. Heat a skillet over medium and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.

Let the butter melt and heat up before adding the chicken. Cook until it reaches 160ºF, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step makes the chicken flavorful, ready for your dish.

Making the Homemade Gravy

After preparing the chicken, it’s time for the gravy. In another saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to make a roux.

Keep stirring for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then, add 2 cups of chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and your favorite spices.

For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream before serving.

Combining Chicken and Gravy

When the gravy is thick and ready, mix it with the cooked chicken in the pan. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for a few minutes. This blends the flavors, making your dish even more comforting.

Chicken and Gravy Recipe Variations

Trying out different chicken and gravy recipes can make your meal more exciting. You can change the dish to fit your taste, making it more enjoyable for everyone. Roasting the chicken adds a richer flavor, and playing with gravy styles can make it even better.

Using Roasted Chicken for Flavor

Roasted chicken makes your chicken and gravy recipes taste amazing. The roasting caramelizes the chicken’s sugars, giving it a deeper flavor. Using leftover roasted chicken is a great way to not waste any meat.

The crispy skin adds a nice texture, making the dish even more tasty.

Alternative Gravy Styles: Milk Gravy vs. Flour Gravy

There are many gravy styles to choose from, like milk gravy and flour gravy. Milk gravy is creamy and smooth, while flour gravy is thicker and heartier. Both go well with roasted chicken, pleasing different tastes and traditions.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Gravy

Enjoying chicken and gravy can be even better with the right serving ideas. A classic choice is to pair it with mashed potatoes. The gravy’s richness pairs well with the potatoes’ creamy texture, making each bite a joy.

Adding vegetables to your meal is another great idea. They bring color and nutrition, making your meal complete.

Pairing with Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a perfect match for chicken and gravy. The creamy potatoes complement the savory gravy, making every bite comforting. To make delicious mashed potatoes, you’ll need:

• 4 lbs of russet potatoes
• 1 stick of salted butter
• 1.5 cups of half and half
• 3/4 cup of shredded cheese (e.g., Monterey Jack for an added touch)

This mix not only makes a delicious side dish but also keeps the gravy’s moisture. It turns the dish into a true comfort food experience.

Adding Vegetables for a Complete Meal

Adding vegetables to your chicken and gravy makes the dish colorful and balanced. Try adding:

• Steamed broccoli
• Green peas
• Roasted carrots

These veggies add vitamins and minerals. They also provide a nice contrast in texture and color. This makes your meal satisfying and nutritious.

These serving suggestions can make your meal truly comforting. With chicken and gravy, mashed potatoes, and veggies, your table becomes a cozy dining spot.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken and Gravy

To make the perfect chicken and gravy, follow some key tips. Pay attention to cooking time and safety for a tasty dish. Using thinner chicken pieces helps cook faster, keeping it juicy.

Getting the Right Cooking Time

Timing is everything when cooking chicken. Cook chicken for 8-12 minutes, based on its thickness. The gravy needs about 8 minutes to simmer. Always watch the cooking closely to prevent overcooking.

Using a Meat Thermometer for Safety

A meat thermometer is a must for safe cooking. It helps check the chicken’s internal temperature. Aim for 165°F to kill harmful bacteria. Reheating leftovers to this temperature ensures a safe and enjoyable meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Proper storage keeps your meal safe and fresh. Cool your chicken and gravy quickly before refrigerating. This step fights off bacteria. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freezing them extends the life to up to four months.

Reheating chicken and gravy requires the right approach. Start by boiling half a cup of chicken stock on the stovetop. Then, add the gravy slowly while stirring to avoid burning. Reheating in a skillet needs careful heat control to prevent scorching.

Reheating in the microwave is quick and easy. Heat in 45-second intervals, stirring between each interval for even heating. Ensure the dish reaches 165°F (70°C) for at least two minutes. Letting the leftovers sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating can enhance the flavor.

The Comfort of Southern Cooking

Southern cooking brings warmth and familiarity to the dining table. It creates a sense of community that lasts through generations. Comfort food, like chicken and gravy, nourishes both body and soul. It brings back nostalgic memories with its flavors and textures.

Chicken dishes hold a special place in Southern hearts. They are often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The rich seasonings used in their preparation show the effort put into each meal. This effort turns simple ingredients into extraordinary experiences shared with loved ones.

Comfort food is at the heart of this experience. Recipes passed down through families carry stories and laughter. The sight of steaming chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes can instantly take diners back to family kitchens. There, love and hospitality are the main ingredients.

In essence, southern cooking ties communities together. Each bite connects tradition and innovation, showing the value of sharing meals. As recipes evolve, the spirit of southern cooking stays the same. It’s a generosity of spirit found in every chicken dish shared at the table.

Nutritional Information

Knowing the nutritional facts of chicken and gravy is key for those watching their diet. A 244 g serving has about 315 calories. It has 13 g of fat, with 3.2 g being saturated, and 46 g of protein. This makes it a good protein source.

This dish has 195 mg of cholesterol per serving. It also has 14.64 mcg of vitamin A, 1.32 mg of iron, 31.72 mg of calcium, and 505 mg of potassium. It falls under the ‘Poultry mixed dishes’ category.

This meal can feed up to six people, with each serving having about 47.8 grams of protein. Without potatoes, it has around 303 calories, 8.5 g of fat, and 908.3 mg of sodium. Adding potatoes makes it about 387 calories and increases carbs to 25.5 g.

Those who love cooking this dish can try different seasonings and ingredients. Adding garlic, veggies, and certain seasonings can make it healthier. These changes can enhance the dish without greatly affecting its nutritional facts.

Why This Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a Family Favorite

This chicken and gravy recipe is a hit with families. It’s quick to prepare and cooks for hours, perfect for busy days. It uses common ingredients, making it easy for anyone to make a tasty dinner.

This dish is not just tasty but also creates special memories. Imagine a warm evening with everyone at the table, enjoying tender chicken and rich gravy. It’s a meal that feeds both the body and soul, bringing families closer together.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. It’s affordable to make, yet packed with protein and calcium from Greek yogurt. It’s a healthy choice for families looking for nutritious meals.

The recipe is simple and flexible. You can cook it in a crockpot and forget about it. It’s a favorite because it’s easy to make and always gets rave reviews.

Conclusion

This chicken and gravy recipe is the heart of comfort food. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a special time with family and friends. Making tender chicken and rich gravy is easy for anyone to do.

With simple ingredients like garlic powder and onion powder, you’ll create a dish full of warmth. Each step adds to the joy of cooking at home.

This recipe is flexible, letting you try new things like roasted chicken or different gravies. It’s become a favorite, bringing people together. Serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or white rice to make any gathering special.

Try making chicken and gravy a regular part of your meals. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the memories made. With its high rating and popularity, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.