chicken and gravy recipe

The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe

ByMarianna Hughes

Learn how to make the perfect chicken and gravy recipe with this easy step-by-step guide. Create a comforting, homestyle meal your family will love

Growing up in the South, I loved my grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of chicken and gravy filled the air, bringing comfort and love. This recipe is more than a meal; it’s a family tradition.

This classic dish has been on our table for over 30 years. It brings everyone together with its warm flavors. Whether you want a taste of Southern cuisine or a comforting dish, this recipe is perfect. chicken and gravy recipe

Key Takeaways

  • A time-honored Southern recipe perfected over 30 years
  • Easy-to-follow method for creating authentic comfort food
  • Perfect for family dinners and special gatherings
  • Versatile recipe adaptable to various cooking methods
  • Nutritious meal with balanced protein and flavor

Understanding the Magic of Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

Southern-style chicken and gravy is more than a meal. It’s a cherished tradition that turns simple ingredients into comfort food. These easy recipes have been passed down, making Sunday dinner a family celebration.

Grandma’s recipes share stories of resourcefulness and creativity. Southern cooking came from making delicious meals with limited ingredients. It turned pan drippings into rich, flavorful gravies for hungry families.

Origins of Southern-Style Gravy Making

The roots of Southern-style gravy are deep in American culinary history. Soul food cooking uses every part of ingredients to maximize flavor and nutrition. Home cooks turned simple chicken and pantry staples into extraordinary meals.

  • Originated from resourceful home cooking
  • Developed using minimal ingredients
  • Perfected through generations of family traditions

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This chicken and gravy recipe is special because of its simplicity and flavor. It needs minimal ingredients but precise cooking to get that perfect, velvety smooth gravy. This gravy is what defines classic Southern cuisine.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make authentic chicken and gravy, you need a few key tools:

  1. Large cast-iron skillet
  2. Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  3. Wooden spoon
  4. Measuring cups and spoons
  5. Sharp chef’s knife

“Cooking is about passion, and the love you put into preparing a meal for your family.” – Unknown Southern Chef

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Making the ultimate chicken and gravy recipe starts with choosing top-notch ingredients. These are the heart of classic country cooking. They turn a simple meal into a special experience for your family.

For the best chicken, you’ll need:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder

The gravy needs these key ingredients:

  • 40g unsalted butter
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Dried herbs (thyme, parsley)

*”Great ingredients are the heart of country cooking – they tell a story on every plate.”*

Choosing the right ingredients is key to flavor and authenticity. Fresh, quality ingredients make your family recipe a treasured tradition. The right seasonings can turn simple chicken into a work of art.

Ingredient CategoryQuantityPurpose
Chicken1.5 lbsProtein base
Flour¼ cupGravy thickener
Butter40gFlavor and roux base
Chicken Broth2 cupsGravy liquid

Pro tip: Always measure ingredients precisely to maintain the perfect balance in your country cooking classic dishes. Your attention to detail will shine through in every delicious bite.

Preparing the Perfect Chicken Base

Making a great southern gravy begins with a tasty chicken base. Your chicken is the key flavor for a real country-style gravy. It will wow your family and friends.

Seasoning Chicken for Southern Gravy

Seasoning Tips and Techniques

Seasoning your chicken for southern gravy is key. Your spice mix should include:

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

Blend these spices well and cover your chicken breasts. Pro tip: Let the seasoned chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.

Pan-Frying Methods for Juicy Chicken

To get perfectly cooked chicken for your gravy, follow these steps:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy skillet
  2. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side
  3. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

“The secret to juicy chicken is not overcooking and maintaining the right temperature.”

Temperature and Timing Guidelines

Getting the temperature right is key for tasty country-style gravy. Use a meat thermometer to check your chicken’s temperature. It should hit 165°F for safety and flavor.

Your chicken should cook for about 8-10 minutes, depending on its thickness. Remember, patience is key in making chicken gravy.

Mastering the Art of Gravy Making

Making the perfect Southern gravy is like creating a work of art. It turns a simple meal into a true comfort food. To start, you need to learn the basic techniques that make country-style gravy so tasty.

Southern Gravy Preparation

The key to amazing gravy is the roux. It’s a mix of fat and flour that’s the base of your sauce. Here’s how to make a smooth, tasty gravy:

  • Start with equal parts butter and all-purpose flour
  • Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes until golden brown
  • Whisk continuously to prevent burning
  • Gradually add warm chicken stock

“A great gravy is the heart of Southern cooking – rich, smooth, and full of flavor.”

When making your creamy gravy, temperature and technique are key. Simmer it for 5-7 minutes. This lets the gravy thicken and get a rich consistency that sticks well to the chicken.

Gravy Consistency TipsCorrection Method
Gravy too thinAdd more roux or simmer longer
Gravy too thickWhisk in additional warm stock
Lumpy textureStrain through fine-mesh sieve

Pro tip: For a flavor boost, try adding white wine or herbs like thyme and rosemary to your gravy. Your taste buds will love it!

Creating the Perfect Roux for Silky Gravy

Mastering chicken gravy starts with a perfect roux. This is the base of smooth, homestyle cooking. It turns simple ingredients into a rich sauce that makes any meal better.

Chicken Gravy Roux Preparation

A roux is key to making top-notch chicken gravy at home. Knowing the right techniques helps you avoid mistakes. This way, you get a smooth sauce every time.

Butter and Flour Ratios for Perfect Gravy

The perfect roux needs a balance of fat and flour. Chefs say to use equal parts by weight, usually:

  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Roux TypeCooking TimeColorFlavor Intensity
White Roux1 minutePaleMild
Blonde Roux3-4 minutesLight goldenModerate
Brown Roux10-12 minutesDeep brownRich

Preventing Lumps in Your Gravy

For smooth chicken gravy, whisk constantly. Slowly add liquid while stirring. This keeps the sauce smooth and lump-free.

Adding Stock and Seasonings

Use chicken stock for the best flavor. A recipe calls for 2 cups of stock, making about 8 servings. Add salt, pepper, and herbs to boost the chicken’s taste.

“A great gravy can transform a good meal into an unforgettable dining experience.” – Professional Chef

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the perfect chicken and gravy recipe is simpler than you think. This classic comfort food needs attention but is worth it. It will warm your heart and fill your belly.

  1. Season the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning
  2. Heat 4 ounces of oil in a large pot
  3. Fry chicken pieces until they’re golden (about 5-7 minutes per side)
  4. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F for safety

To make the gravy, aim for a smooth, rich sauce that goes well with the chicken:

  • Melt 4 ounces of butter in the same pan
  • Whisk in ⅓ cup all-purpose flour to make a roux
  • Add 4 cups of chicken broth slowly
  • Simmer for 40-60 minutes until it’s the right consistency

“The secret to great chicken and gravy is patience and love in every step.” – Southern Cooking Wisdom

Pro tip: Remove any black bits from the pan to avoid burnt flavors in your gravy. Your chicken and gravy recipe makes 6 servings. It can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Side Dish Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Make your chicken and gravy meal unforgettable with the right side dishes. Southern soul food is all about creating a feast that delights every sense.

Traditional Southern Sides

Classic Southern sides can make your meal special. These sides complement the rich flavors of your main dish:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Buttery cornbread
  • Collard greens
  • Biscuits and gravy

Modern Accompaniment Options

For a modern twist on soul food, try these innovative sides:

  1. Roasted Brussels sprouts with herb seasoning
  2. Lemon-pepper broccoli
  3. Quinoa with peas and onions
  4. Air fryer French fries

Plating Presentation Tips

Your chicken and gravy deserves a stunning presentation. Use white plates to make colors pop. Arrange sides around the main dish. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can make your plating spectacular.

Side DishCaloriesPreparation Time
Roasted Broccoli8415 minutes
Herbed Rice Pilaf22620 minutes
Sautéed Asparagus5615 minutes

“A great meal is about the perfect balance of flavors and textures.” – Southern Cooking Wisdom

Pro tip: Always consider your guests’ preferences and dietary restrictions when selecting side dishes for your soul food feast.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your tasty family recipes fresh is key. Knowing how to store comfort food like chicken and gravy is important. This way, you can enjoy your cooking for days after you make it.

  • Use airtight containers to keep it fresh
  • Put it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking
  • It can stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days

Refrigeration Best Practices

Storage LocationMaximum Storage TimeTemperature
Refrigerator3-4 days40°F or below
Freezer2-3 months0°F or below

When you reheat your chicken and gravy, be careful. Always heat it to 165°F to keep it safe to eat.

Reheating Methods

  1. Microwave: Heat in 45-second bursts, stirring often
  2. Stovetop: Warm it up slowly
  3. If the gravy gets too thick, add a bit of broth

“The secret to great leftover chicken is maintaining its original moisture and flavor.” – Home Cooking Expert

For your family recipes, always mark the containers with the date. This helps keep your comfort food tasting its best.

Conclusion

Your journey through this chicken and gravy recipe is more than cooking. It’s about keeping a beloved southern cuisine tradition alive. The detailed steps and techniques you’ve learned will make your kitchen a place where classic dishes come to life. They bring warmth and comfort to your dining table.

This chicken and gravy recipe has just 274 calories per serving. It’s a perfect mix of protein and flavor. You can choose the slow cooker method for 6-8 hours or the faster pan-searing technique. Either way, you’ll make a meal that celebrates southern cooking’s rich heritage.

Remember, mastering this recipe takes practice. Each time you make it, you’ll get better and appreciate the art of cooking more. From searing the chicken for 3-4 minutes to simmering the gravy for 10-15 minutes, every step is important. It makes for a memorable dining experience that connects you to generations of home cooks.

Invite your family and friends to enjoy this classic dish. It will become a treasured recipe in your collection. With the techniques and insights you’ve gained, you’re ready to create a chicken and gravy masterpiece. It honors Southern culinary traditions.

FAQ

What makes Southern chicken and gravy different from other gravy recipes?

Southern chicken and gravy stands out for its creamy texture and deep flavor. It’s made with a roux-based gravy from pan drippings. This gives it a more intense, authentic taste, typical of Southern cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free flours like rice flour or cornstarch for the roux. This keeps the gravy creamy while fitting dietary needs.

How long can I store leftover chicken and gravy?

Store chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cool it down first, then reheat to 165°F before eating.

What are the best sides to serve with chicken and gravy?

Serve it with Southern favorites like buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Cornbread and collard greens also pair well. These sides enhance the dish’s rich flavors.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken cuts?

Chicken breasts are okay, but they’re less flavorful and can dry out. For better taste and texture, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

How can I prevent lumps in my gravy?

Whisk flour into butter or drippings slowly and stir constantly. Add liquid slowly while whisking. Use a wire whisk and keep the temperature steady for a smooth gravy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Prepare it ahead and store in containers. Reheat by adding chicken broth to keep the gravy moist.

What’s the secret to a perfect Southern-style gravy?

The secret is a well-made roux and quality pan drippings. Brown the flour slowly in butter or fat. This develops a rich, nutty flavor that’s key to authentic Southern gravy.

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