Description
Homestyle Chicken and Gravy brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with tender chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Hearty and satisfying, this classic recipe promises warmth and nostalgia that will transport you to grandma’s kitchen with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts (or 4 medium/small chicken breasts)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (e.g., Better Than Bouillon)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Finishing Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream (optional)
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Peas
- Garlic bread
Instructions
- Craft a seasoning blend by whisking together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Reserve this aromatic mixture for later use.
- Generously season chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature and cook chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter with chicken base, creating a flavorful foundation. Sprinkle the prepared flour mixture into the pan, stirring constantly for 30-45 seconds to develop a rich, golden roux.
- Slowly stream chicken stock into the skillet, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and incorporate the browned pan drippings. Add water and continue whisking until the mixture becomes silky and smooth.
- Allow the gravy to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thick, luxurious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- For enhanced creaminess, gently stir in heavy cream, creating a more indulgent sauce.
- Optionally shred the cooked chicken and return it to the gravy, along with any accumulated juices. Gently simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the succulent chicken and velvety gravy atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, accompanied by steamed green peas or crusty garlic bread.
Notes
- Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing undercooking.
- Create a smooth gravy by whisking continuously and adding liquid gradually to avoid lumps.
- Customize the dish by experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in the seasoning mix.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juicy texture and redistribute internal moisture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or skip the cream entirely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg