Homestyle Chicken with Creamy Gravy

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When you need a big dose of comfort food, this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy recipe will feel like a warm hug from your loved ones. Tender, juicy chicken is simmered in a rich and savory gravy, making it the perfect topping for creamy mashed potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and cozy.

This dish is straightforward to make and uses simple ingredients, yet delivers an incredibly flavorful and comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this Chicken and Gravy will hit the spot. Serve it with a side of peas or your favorite veggies to complete the meal.

Full Recipe:

2 large chicken breasts (split lengthwise into thinner breasts) or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt & black pepper
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon chicken base (recommended: Better Than Bouillon brand)
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

Directions:

Lightly season the chicken on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and chicken base, stirring to melt. Sprinkle in the flour, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring well to form a roux. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the chicken stock, scraping up all the bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the water and whisk until there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken.
Optionally, pour in the heavy cream for a richer gravy. Shred the chicken if desired, then add it back to the gravy along with any juices. Let it simmer together for a few minutes.
Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice, garnished with extra black pepper.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 362 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Recipe Details and Variations

Ingredient Breakdown:

Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps this dish lean while ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy. Splitting larger breasts lengthwise helps them cook more evenly and shred more easily.
Chicken Base: This ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, bringing a depth of savory flavor to the gravy. It acts like a concentrated stock and can often be found in the soup aisle. The “Better Than Bouillon” brand is recommended for its intense flavor.
Butter and Flour (Roux): The combination of butter and flour is a classic method for thickening sauces and gravies. This mixture, known as a roux, helps give the gravy its smooth and velvety texture.
Chicken Stock/Broth: Opt for a high-quality stock or broth to enhance the dish’s flavor. Homemade stock can add an extra layer of richness.
Optional Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream makes the gravy extra silky and rich, giving it a luxurious texture.

Possible Variations:

Herbs and Spices: For an herby twist, add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the gravy. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika can be added for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Additions: To make this dish a bit heartier, consider adding vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, or carrots to the gravy. Sauté them in the pan before adding the chicken stock for extra depth of flavor.
Alternative Serving Options: While this dish is traditionally served over mashed potatoes, it’s also delicious over white or brown rice, egg noodles, or even toasted bread for an open-faced chicken and gravy sandwich.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Shredding Chicken: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken breasts. For a quicker method, place the warm chicken breasts in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and run it for about 20 seconds.
Gravy Consistency: Adjust the consistency of the gravy to your liking. If it’s too thick, add more chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 3 teaspoons of water).
Seasoning: Taste the gravy at the end to adjust the seasoning. Since the chicken base and stock are salty, it’s best to add salt only after tasting.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes: This Chicken and Gravy pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed vegetables, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. For a carb-loaded meal, consider adding a side of garlic bread or buttered rolls.
Wine Pairing: A white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy and savory flavors of this dish. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir can work well without overpowering the flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gravy may congeal as it cools but will return to its liquid state upon reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of chicken broth, milk, or water to thin the gravy to the desired consistency.

More Ways to Enjoy This Recipe

Leftover Magic: Use leftovers to make a quick Chicken and Gravy sandwich. Simply spoon the heated chicken and gravy over toasted bread or a warm biscuit for an easy lunch.
Meal Prep: This recipe is a great option for meal prep. Make a large batch and portion it into containers with mashed potatoes or rice for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Recipe Background and History

Origins of Chicken and Gravy: Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food that has roots in Southern cuisine, where hearty, filling dishes are a staple. Traditionally, Southern-style gravies are known for their rich, creamy textures and deep, savory flavors, often incorporating ingredients like pan drippings, flour, and milk. This dish encapsulates the essence of comfort cooking – simple, hearty ingredients transformed into a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Cultural Significance: In many cultures, chicken is a symbol of home-cooked comfort. From fried chicken in the American South to chicken stews in various European and Asian cuisines, this versatile protein has been a go-to ingredient for centuries. Gravy, on the other hand, has been used to enrich meals and add depth of flavor to otherwise simple dishes. This combination of chicken and gravy represents a blend of simplicity and indulgence, offering a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.

Ingredient Insights and Alternatives

Choosing the Chicken:

Breast vs. Thighs: While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, chicken thighs can be a great alternative if you prefer a richer flavor. Thighs are slightly fattier and remain juicy, even when cooked for longer periods. They can add an extra depth of flavor to the dish.
Bone-In Options: For a more robust taste, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. The bones and skin contribute extra flavor to the gravy, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through.

Flavor Boosters:

Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, sage, or rosemary can be added to the gravy for an aromatic boost. These herbs complement the savory flavors of the chicken and gravy and give the dish a more sophisticated touch.
Garlic: While this recipe uses garlic powder for ease, fresh minced garlic can be sautéed in the butter for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
Mushroom Gravy Twist: For a variation, add sliced mushrooms to the pan after cooking the chicken. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors from the pan and add a delightful earthiness to the gravy.

Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options:

Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative for the gravy.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with a little water to create a slurry before adding it to the gravy to avoid lumps.

Additional Cooking Tips

Perfecting the Roux:

The roux (a mixture of fat and flour) is essential for a smooth, lump-free gravy. Cook the roux until it turns a pale golden color, which indicates that the flour has cooked out and won’t have a raw taste. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can lead to a burnt flavor.

Gravy Texture:

Silky Gravy: For an extra-silky texture, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the chicken back into the pan. This step is optional but can result in a smoother sauce.
Adding Vegetables: To make the dish more substantial, add vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery to the pan after removing the chicken. Sauté them until tender, then proceed with making the roux.

Serving Ideas and Meal Combinations

Classic Pairings:

Mashed Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are the quintessential side for chicken and gravy, providing a creamy and fluffy base that soaks up the rich gravy. Try variations like garlic mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes for a twist.
Rice or Egg Noodles: For a lighter option, serve the chicken and gravy over steamed white or brown rice. Egg noodles are another excellent base that complements the creamy texture of the gravy.
Biscuits: For a Southern-style meal, serve the chicken and gravy with homemade biscuits. The biscuits can be used to scoop up every last drop of the savory gravy.

Vegetable Sides:

Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or roasted green beans adds a fresh and crisp contrast to the rich and creamy chicken and gravy.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a medley of roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Peas: Classic buttered peas provide a burst of color and a sweet, fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory gravy.

Bread and Rolls:

Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread can be the perfect accompaniment, providing a crunchy texture and an additional layer of flavor.
Buttered Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are ideal for soaking up the gravy, ensuring no drop goes to waste.

Creative Presentation

For Entertaining:

Serve the chicken and gravy in individual bowls or ramekins over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Create a “build-your-own” station where guests can choose between mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles as the base, and top it with the chicken and gravy.

Family-Style Dinner:

Present the chicken and gravy in a large serving dish, surrounded by bowls of mashed potatoes, rice, and vegetables. Let everyone serve themselves for a cozy, family-style dinner.

Additional Variations and Leftover Ideas

Variations:

Cajun Chicken and Gravy: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the gravy for a spicy, Southern twist.
Herbed Lemon Chicken and Gravy: Incorporate a splash of lemon juice and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for a lighter, citrusy version.
Bacon-Chicken Gravy: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the gravy for a smoky, savory depth of flavor.

Using Leftovers:

Chicken and Gravy Pot Pie: Use leftovers to make a quick pot pie. Place the chicken and gravy in a baking dish, top with a sheet of puff pastry or pie crust, and bake until golden brown.
Chicken Gravy Poutine: Create a comfort food classic by pouring the chicken and gravy over a bed of crispy fries and cheese curds for a hearty poutine.
Chicken and Gravy Casserole: Mix the chicken and gravy with cooked rice or pasta, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for an easy, satisfying casserole.

Cooking for Dietary Needs

Low-Sodium Version:

For those watching their sodium intake, use a low-sodium chicken base and stock. Adjust the saltiness at the end by tasting and adding salt sparingly.

Lower-Fat Option:

Replace the butter with olive oil and use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content without compromising on flavor.

Historical Note

Gravy in Culinary History: Gravy has been a part of culinary traditions across the world for centuries. The concept of using drippings from roasted meats to create a flavorful sauce dates back to ancient times. In French cuisine, gravies and sauces are an integral part of many dishes, and techniques like making a roux have been refined over the years. In Southern American cooking, gravy often has a prominent place on the table, symbolizing warmth, hospitality, and the comforting essence of home-cooked meals.

Cooking Tools and Equipment

Essential Tools:

Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, is ideal for cooking the chicken and making the gravy.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for incorporating the stock into the roux smoothly, ensuring a lump-free gravy.
Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting classic that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory gravy, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s an ideal dish for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various flavor enhancements, dietary adaptations, and serving options. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish offers a satisfying and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.