Easy Homemade Chicken and Gravy Recipe for Dinner

The smell of sizzling chicken and homemade gravy brings back memories. My grandmother’s chicken and gravy was our comfort food. It brought us together, sharing stories and enjoying every bite. Now, I’m excited to share a quick and easy recipe that captures that flavor.

This chicken and gravy recipe pairs pan-fried chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy. It uses seasoned chicken breasts, chicken base, and Greek yogurt for creaminess. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or enjoy it alone. It’s sure to become a family favorite.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy chicken and gravy recipe that can be prepared in just 20 minutes
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients like chicken breasts, chicken base, and all-purpose flour
• Includes tips for achieving the perfect gravy consistency and reheating the dish
• High in protein and provides extra calcium from the Greek yogurt in the gravy
• Versatile dish that can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or on its own

Why This Southern Comfort Food Recipe Will Become Your Family Favorite

Chicken and gravy is a southern cuisine dish loved for generations. It’s a classic comfort food recipe with a rich history. Cooking it from scratch brings many benefits.

History of Classic Chicken and Gravy

The dish’s roots come from African, European, and Native American cooking traditions in the American South. Over time, it became a cherished part of the region’s food heritage. Today, it’s a favorite at family dinners, symbolizing warmth and comfort.

Benefits of Cooking From Scratch

• Total control over ingredients, allowing for customization of flavors
• Ability to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum taste and nutrition
• Satisfaction of creating a homemade meal from start to finish
• Opportunity to pass down cherished family recipes and traditions

This chicken and gravy recipe has been perfected over 30 years. It’s a reliable and beloved family favorite. It pairs well with many comfort food sides, making it perfect for any Sunday meal or family dinner.

“Chicken and gravy is the ultimate comfort food – rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will have your family coming back for seconds.”

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Gravy

To make the ultimate chicken and gravy, you need the right ingredients. At the center are boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re the key to a healthy and tasty meal. You’ll also need a packet of chicken gravy mix for a rich, flavorful gravy.

A can of cream of chicken soup adds creaminess to the gravy. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream for extra richness. For seasoning, have flour, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder ready.

Beef stock is best for the gravy’s flavor, but chicken broth works too. For more texture, add frozen veggies, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy bacon.

With these ingredients, you’re set to make a comforting chicken and gravy dish. It’s sure to please your family and have them asking for more.

“The secret to the best chicken and gravy is in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that warms the soul and brings people together.”

Quality ingredients make all the difference. So, don’t cut corners. With the right mix of flavors, you’ll create a dish your family will love.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make a tasty chicken and gravy dish at home, you need the right tools. These items will make cooking smooth and the results great. Here are the essentials to get:

Recommended Pans and Utensils

• A large, deep heavy-based frying pan or slow cooker for the chicken and gravy
• A whisk to mix the gravy smoothly
• A meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature at 165°F

Optional Equipment for Better Results

While the basics are key, some extra tools can improve your dish:

1. A Better Breader Bowl for easy breading of chicken
2. A slow cooker for easy, hands-off cooking

With the right tools, you’ll make a delicious chicken and gravy dish. Your family will love it. Quality equipment really helps in the kitchen.

Preparing the Chicken for Cooking

To make the perfect chicken and gravy, start by seasoning the chicken. Use garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix adds great flavor to your chicken.

For a crispy crust, dredge the chicken in flour and seasonings like paprika. Then, dip it in an egg and milk mix, and coat again in flour. This breading makes the chicken golden and crispy when fried.

For cooking, mix canola oil and butter in a big skillet or cast-iron pan. Heat it until shimmering, then add the breaded chicken. Pan-fry for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until it’s 165°F inside.

Or, you can prep the chicken for slow cooking. Season the chicken with your favorite spices and put it in the slow cooker with the gravy. This way, the chicken becomes tender and juicy.

“The secret to perfect chicken and gravy is all in the preparation. Take the time to properly season and bread the chicken for a delicious, crispy crust.”

The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe for Beginners

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making homemade chicken and gravy is easy and fun. It’s great for beginners and always tastes amazing. Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs. Then, fry the chicken in a hot skillet until it’s golden brown.

After the chicken is cooked, set it aside. Next, make the gravy. Start with a roux of butter and flour. Then, add chicken stock and heavy cream, stirring until it thickens. You can also add sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Gravy Consistency

Getting the right gravy consistency is key. Here are some tips to help:

• Use a whisk to blend the flour and butter, making a smooth roux.
• Add the chicken stock and cream slowly, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
• Simmer the gravy for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow it to thicken.
• If the gravy is too thin, mix a bit of cornstarch or flour with water and whisk it into the gravy.
• If the gravy is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to thin it out.

Follow these tips for perfect homemade chicken and gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, stuffing, or light bread for a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

Creating Rich and Smooth Homemade Gravy

For a classic southern-style chicken and gravy, the secret is in the gravy. Start with a flavorful beef stock as the base. This adds a rich, complex flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. When the roux is golden, slowly add warm beef stock, whisking well. Adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavor.

Let the gravy simmer, stirring often, until it’s the right thickness. Patience and constant stirring are key for a smooth gravy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

For a simpler option, make the gravy in a slow cooker. Mix gravy packets, cream of chicken soup, and water. Let it simmer until it thickens. This is great for busy nights.

By following these steps, you’ll make a rich, silky flour gravy that goes great with chicken. The use of beef stock and smooth gravy techniques adds depth of flavor. Your homemade chicken and gravy will impress everyone.

“The secret to a great chicken and gravy dish is in the gravy itself. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can elevate a simple meal into a truly comforting and satisfying experience.”

Cooking Time and Temperature Guidelines

To make the perfect chicken and gravy, pay close attention to cooking time and temperature. For pan-fried chicken, cook each piece for 5-6 minutes on each side. This will make them golden brown and the inside will be 165°F safe. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours. This will make it tender and fully cooked.

How to Know When Chicken is Done

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check if chicken is cooked. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. Make sure the internal temperature is 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat.

Gravy Thickening Techniques

• Simmer the gravy for a longer period of time to allow it to naturally thicken.
• Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water. Gradually whisk this into the simmering gravy until it reaches your desired consistency.
• For a thinner gravy, slowly add water or chicken stock, a little at a time, until you achieve the perfect texture.

Remember, making delicious homemade chicken and gravy takes patience and attention to detail. By following these guidelines, your dish will be flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.

Perfect Side Dish Pairings

Pair your homemade chicken and gravy with mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender noodles. These classics soak up the gravy well. For a veggie-packed side, steam green beans, snow peas, zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli.

Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up gravy. Or, try chicken and gravy over golden waffles for a twist.

Roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin are also great choices. Their sweetness pairs well with the savory chicken and gravy. With so many options, you’ll find the perfect side for your family.