If comfort food had a face, it might just look like this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy. Imagine tender, juicy chicken smothered in a creamy, flavorful gravy that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. This dish is all about bringing those heartwarming flavors to your table, making every bite a delight for your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Savory: The gravy is crafted with chicken stock and a touch of cream, making it both rich and indulgent.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs by switching up the ingredients.
- Perfect for Family Meals: It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is as much about simplicity as it is about deliciousness. With straightforward ingredients like chicken and spices, you create a symphony of textures and flavors that’s quintessentially homestyle.
- Chicken Breasts: For that juicy, tender experience; you can use whole or split breasts according to your preference.
- Olive Oil: Not just for cooking the chicken, but also for adding a subtle richness.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and depth to the gravy, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
- Chicken Base: Better Than Bouillon is recommended for its concentrated flavor punch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Onion and Garlic Powder: They impart an aromatic layer of flavor to the gravy.
- Chicken Stock and Water: The foundation of the gravy, balancing out the richness with their savory notes.
- Heavy Cream (Optional): If you’re in the mood for ultra-creamy gravy, this is your go-to.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy your own! It’s one of those recipes that invites creativity and adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand.
- Spice It Up: Add a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne for a hint of heat and smokiness.
- Herbal Notes: Mix in some fresh thyme or rosemary to impart an earthy, aromatic flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms and use vegetable stock for a plant-based version.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. This seals in the juices, making your chicken irresistibly moist.
Step 2: Create the Gravy
Remove the chicken and set it aside. Lower the heat to medium-low, adding butter and chicken base to the skillet. Stir until everything has melted together, then mix in your flour and spice blend to form a roux. Pour in chicken stock and water, whisking until your gravy is smooth and thickened. Add a splash of cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Shred the chicken, if desired, then nestle it back into the gravy, allowing everything to simmer for a few minutes. This harmonious bubbling ensures the chicken absorbs all those rich, savory flavors, making it truly special.
Pro Tips for Making Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
- Temperature Precision: Ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to maintain juiciness.
- Perfect Roux: Stir the roux constantly, ensuring it doesn’t brown too much, for that perfect, golden base.
- Gravy Consistency: Adjust thickness with more stock or flour, depending on your preference for thicker or thinner gravy.
- Flavor Boost: Taste before serving and tweak the seasonings with a pinch of herbs if needed.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only adds a burst of color but also a hint of freshness to the creamy dish. They’re the perfect light touch to balance out the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy Instant Pot mashed potatoes or perhaps steamed rice. Pair it with buttered peas or sautéed greens for a wholesome, comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Homestyle Chicken and Gravy in a rustic serving dish, surrounded by the side dishes, creating a centerpiece on your dining table. Alternatively, use slices of crusty bread to soak up that sumptuous gravy and present them elegantly plated.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more as it sits, so it might taste even better the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might need to add a little chicken stock or water to adjust the gravy’s consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content and remain incredibly juicy, making them a great substitute.
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What can I do if my gravy is too salty?
If your gravy turns out too salty, add a splash of water or unsalted chicken broth. Simmer for a minute to balance the flavors, and adjust thickness as needed.
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Is there a dairy-free option for the gravy?
Yes, you can omit the heavy cream or replace it with a non-dairy milk like coconut milk for that creamy texture without dairy.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is excellent for making ahead! Prepare it as instructed and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving and you’ll have a delectable meal ready to go.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort dish that’s pure joy in every bite. Easy to make and adaptable, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Give it a try, gather around the table with your loved ones, and embrace the warmth and comfort it delivers.
Print
Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homestyle chicken and gravy recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s an comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners, served over creamy mashed potatoes, with optional added cream for extra richness and a side of peas or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts split lengthwise into thinner breasts; or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt & black pepper
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
- 4 tablespoon 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!!
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the roux: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and chicken base to the skillet, stirring to melt the butter and incorporate the base. Sprinkle the flour mixture into the pan and stir continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute to form a roux.
- Make the gravy: Slowly pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add water and whisk to eliminate lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-10 minutes.
- Add cream and chicken: Stir in heavy cream if using. Shred the cooked chicken if desired and return it to the skillet along with any juices. Let simmer together for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish and serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice, and enjoy with sides like peas and garlic bread.
Notes
- FLAVOR AND CONSISTENCY TROUBLESHOOTING:
- Too thick? Add more liquid (chicken broth or water) and simmer longer.
- Too thin? Continue simmering until thickened; for extra thickening, mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 3 teaspoons water, whisk into gravy and cook until thickened.
- Too salty? Add ½ cup water and simmer briefly; re-thicken if necessary.
- For more flavor, consider adding ground sage or poultry seasoning to the gravy.
- Use leftovers for sandwiches or salads; the gravy thickens further upon cooling.
- Adjust cooking times based on the size of chicken breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
