Easy Homemade Chicken and Gravy Recipe
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The smell of tender chicken in rich gravy is incredibly comforting. It’s perfect for a chilly evening. As a mom who’s made this for over 30 years, I know it brings everyone together. It fills bellies and hearts.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights. You get a hearty, warming meal in just 20 minutes. It uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably have at home.
The Perfect Comfort Food for Your Family Table
Chicken and gravy is a top pick for family meals. It brings back memories of open-faced hot sandwiches. It’s great for your family dinner, thanks to its flexibility for slow cookers or ovens. This dish combines Southern flavors and cooking methods, pleasing everyone.
Why This Recipe Makes the Perfect Family Dinner
Chicken and gravy is a classic comfort food that brings people together. It uses just 2 large or 4 medium/small chicken breasts, making it affordable. The tender chicken pairs well with a rich, flavorful gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.
Traditional Southern Cooking Heritage
This recipe honors the American South’s rich culinary traditions. It uses chicken base and all-purpose flour, common in Southern soul food. The herbs and spices add comforting aromas and tastes, passed down through generations.
“This chicken and gravy recipe is a true southern comfort food classic that will have your family coming back for seconds.”
Looking to recreate childhood flavors or introduce your family to Southern cooking? This chicken and gravy recipe is ideal. It’s easy to follow and versatile, making it a household favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Restaurant-Quality Results
To make the perfect poultry dishes and homemade gravies, start with top-notch ingredients. This easy chicken and gravy recipe uses a special mix of ingredients. It will make your dish taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant.
The recipe centers around boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are lean and tender. To add flavor, it uses mushroom bouillon, which gives a rich, earthy taste. Aromatic herbs like tarragon and bay leaves add complex, herbaceous notes. Montreal Steak Seasoning gives the chicken a savory, peppery flavor.
Thickening the gravy needs all-purpose flour. Heavy cream makes it creamy and velvety. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a crucial umami flavor to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Mushroom bouillon
- Tarragon and bay leaves
- Montreal Steak Seasoning
- All-purpose flour
- Heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce
With these ingredients, you’re on your way to a restaurant-quality chicken and gravy dish. It will impress your family and guests alike.
Secret Tips for Creating the Most Flavorful Gravy
Making a rich, flavorful gravy is key to making your homemade chicken and gravy dish better. The chicken is the main attraction, but the right gravy can make the whole meal feel like a restaurant-quality meal. Here are some secret tips to help you make the perfect gravy.
The Role of Mushroom Bouillon
Mushroom bouillon is a must for adding depth and umami flavors to your gravy. This savory broth enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and adds a subtle earthy taste. Adding mushroom bouillon to your gravy recipe is a simple way to make it taste better.
Importance of Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are crucial for making your gravy truly special. Adding fresh tarragon, bay leaves, and a mix of black pepper, paprika, and onion powder can make your gravy taste amazing. These ingredients will make your guests want more.
Proper Seasoning Techniques
Seasoning your gravy right is key to getting the flavors just right. Start by tasting the chicken drippings to see how salty they are. Then, add salt, pepper, and spices to taste. Remember to keep tasting and adjusting as you go, so your gravy turns out perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tbsp | Creates a rich, creamy texture in the gravy |
| All-Purpose Flour | 4 tbsp | Thickens the gravy to the desired consistency |
| Chicken Broth | 3 cups | Provides the liquid base for the gravy |
| Mushroom Bouillon | 2 tsp | Adds depth and umami flavor to the gravy |
| Fresh Tarragon | 2 tbsp, chopped | Imparts a subtle licorice-like flavor |
| Bay Leaves | 2 | Helps round out and meld the flavors |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | Balances the seasoning of the gravy |
By using these secret tips, you’ll make the most delicious flavorful sauces and homemade gravies. Your chicken and gravy dish will be a hit.
Step-by-Step Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Make your dinner special with this chicken and gravy recipe. Follow this easy guide to make a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Enjoy tender chicken and rich gravy – a great easy dinner idea for your family.
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. This mix adds amazing flavor to the meat.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes each side.
- After searing the chicken, add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer until it’s 165°F, about 12-15 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, make the gravy. In another saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to make a roux, cooking for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Slowly add the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- When the chicken is done, put it back in the skillet with the gravy. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to soak up the gravy’s flavors.
Enjoy your chicken and gravy hot, with a bit of black pepper if you like. It’s perfect with mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad for a complete meal.
“This chicken and gravy recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s sure to please the whole family. The combination of juicy, tender chicken and velvety, flavorful gravy is simply irresistible.”
Mastering the Perfect Sear for Tender Chicken
Creating a delicious chicken and gravy dish starts with a perfect sear. This step adds a golden-brown crust and seals in juices. The result is tender, juicy chicken that goes great with the gravy.
Temperature Control Tips
Getting the sear right is all about temperature. First, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown evenly in the pan. Season it well with salt and pepper, then let it sit for 15 minutes.
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high. Add a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil. Let it shimmer before adding the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown.
Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection
The key to a perfect sear is a pan temperature of 350°F to 375°F. If the pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of sear.
Watch the chicken closely as it cooks. Adjust the heat to ensure even browning. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest. This step keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Mastering the sear will make your homemade chicken and gravy dish stand out. Follow these tips to achieve perfectly cooked poultry every time.
Creating Silky Smooth Restaurant-Style Gravy
Making your chicken and gravy taste like it’s from a restaurant is simple. The trick is to use a few easy techniques. These steps will turn your dish into a comfort food favorite that everyone will love.
The Art of Roux
A great gravy starts with a good roux. This is a mix of flour and fat. To avoid lumps, whisk the flour and butter together while adding your stock or broth slowly. This keeps the flour from clumping.
The Importance of Gradual Additions
Adding your liquid bit by bit is crucial. Whisk in the stock or broth a little at a time. This ensures the flour absorbs the liquid evenly, making the gravy smooth and shiny.
Simmering for Perfection
After adding all the liquid, let the gravy simmer for 3-5 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it’s the right thickness. This step blends the flavors and thickens the gravy to a velvety texture.
By following these steps, you can make homemade gravies as rich and flavorful sauces as those in your favorite restaurants. Your chicken and gravy will impress your family and friends.
“The secret to the perfect gravy is in the technique, not the ingredients.”
Best Side Dish Pairings for Your Chicken and Gravy
Chicken and gravy is a classic favorite for family meals and weekend cooking. But what side dishes make it even better? We’ve found the best options to enhance your chicken and gravy feast.
Classic Accompaniments
Old-fashioned favorites are loved for a reason. Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles soak up the gravy perfectly. For a healthier choice, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Modern Serving Suggestions
Want to try something new? Serve chicken and gravy over thick waffles for a twist. Roasted sweet potatoes, steamed green beans, or snow peas add color and fresh flavors to balance the dish.
| Side Dish | Preparation Highlights |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Cook potatoes in cold water, then mash with butter, milk, and seasonings. |
| Cauliflower Rice | Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-like texture, then sauté. |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Toss cubed sweet potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at high heat. |
| Chicken and Waffles | Prepare fluffy Belgian-style waffles and top with crispy fried chicken and gravy. |
Choosing the right side dishes is key to enhancing chicken and gravy’s rich flavors. With a bit of creativity, you can make this classic dish unforgettable for your family or weekend cooking.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Guidelines
Busy weeknights or meal prep days? The chicken and gravy dish is perfect. You can make it ahead and store it for later. Keep the chicken and gravy in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them. Add some boiling water to the gravy if it’s too thick.
Want to keep it longer? Freeze it for up to 3 months. The flavors will still be great, even if the texture changes a bit. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Mastering meal prep and leftovers means you can enjoy chicken and gravy any time. Follow these tips and you’ll always have a delicious, homemade meal ready.
FAQ
What makes this chicken and gravy recipe special?
This dish is tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful gravy. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights. It uses simple ingredients and is easy to clean up.
How is this recipe reminiscent of classic Southern comfort food?
It tastes like old-fashioned open-faced hot sandwiches. It uses Southern flavors and cooking methods, making it a comfort food classic.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
It has boneless chicken breasts, mushroom bouillon, and tarragon. Bay leaves and Montreal Steak Seasoning add flavor. Flour thickens, cream adds richness, and Worcestershire sauce boosts umami.
How does the mushroom bouillon, herbs, and spices enhance the flavor?
Mushroom bouillon deepens the gravy. Tarragon adds a subtle licorice taste. Bay leaves round out the flavors. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices is key. Beef stock and Worcestershire sauce make the gravy rich.
What is the process for cooking the chicken and making the gravy?
Season and sear the chicken first. Then, cook it in a mix of stock, herbs, and spices. Make the gravy by whisking butter and flour, then adding stock and cream. Return the chicken to the pan to soak up the gravy.
How do you achieve a perfect sear on the chicken?
Searing creates a flavorful crust. Cook at medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side. Pat dry the chicken before seasoning for a better sear. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
What is the secret to making a smooth, lump-free gravy?
Whisk continuously when adding stock to the flour and butter mixture. Use cold water to prevent lumps. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon. Adjust the consistency as needed.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this chicken and gravy?
Try mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. For a healthier option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles work well. Green beans, snow peas, or roasted sweet potatoes are great too. Serve over waffles for a twist.
How can I store and reheat the leftover chicken and gravy?
Store the chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, adding boiling water if needed. Freeze for up to 3 months, but the texture may change.
