Oh, the comfort of a warm, savory meal that feels like a hug in a bowl! That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, flavorful gravy, served up with a side of fluffy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in Every Bite: This dish wraps you in warmth and coziness, perfect for any day you need a little extra love.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to make a weekday feel special.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even toast for a different twist!
- Impressive, Yet Simple: With everyday pantry ingredients, it’s a no-fuss meal that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients for your Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that classic, comforting flavor we all adore. From the hearty chicken base to the creamy finish, they’re the secret to this dish’s rich taste.
- Chicken Breasts: These form the heart of the dish, providing tenderness and a savory richness when cooked just right.
- Butter: Adds a silky smoothness to the gravy that’s both indulgent and essential.
- Chicken Base: Our go-to flavor booster, it enriches the gravy with depth and complexity.
- All Purpose Flour: Creates the base for a thick, luscious gravy, melding all the flavors together.
- Chicken Stock: Enhances the savory notes, offering a comforting and flavorful background.
Variations
Feel free to make this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy your own by tailoring the recipe to suit your palate or diet. It’s surprisingly adaptable and is perfect for accommodating personal tastes or dietary restrictions.
- Creamy Dream: Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version without sacrificing that creamy texture.
- Herbal Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of rosemary or thyme to enhance the herbal notes for a fresh new taste.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and cook the chicken evenly on both sides until golden and cooked through. This will take about five minutes per side and ensures the chicken is juicy and deliciously seasoned.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Once the chicken is done, set it aside and lower the heat. Add butter and chicken base to the same skillet, stirring until the butter melts. Sprinkle in the flour mixture and stir to form a roux, allowing it to cook for about a minute as you savor that delightful aroma.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
Slowly pour in the chicken stock, followed by water, and whisk vigorously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency, enveloping your kitchen in a fragrant warmth.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream
Add the heavy cream, if using, for an extra layer of richness. Reintroduce the chicken to the pan with its juices, shred if preferred, and let everything meld together with a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Pro Tips for Making Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
- Flavor Boosting: Use “Better Than Bouillon” to enhance the savory depth of your gravy effortlessly.
- Roux Perfection: Stir the flour-butter mixture continuously to ensure your roux is smooth and lump-free.
- Customize Consistency: For a thicker gravy, simmer longer; to thin it out, add a splash more stock or water.
- Make Ahead Delight: Prepare the dish a day in advance and let the flavors deepen overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
Garnishes
Top your chicken and gravy with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and a slightly peppery note. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can also add an extra layer of aromatic spice to each bite.
Side Dishes
The Homestyle Chicken and Gravy pairs perfectly with a side of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or creamy rice. Add a serving of buttered green beans or a simple side salad for a balanced meal that delights the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in rustic bowls for a cozy, homely feel. For a more elegant presentation, plate the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes with gravy artfully drizzled on top, finished with a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish can easily be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. As the flavors meld, the dish becomes even more flavorful, making it an excellent meal prep option.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken and gravy cool completely before transferring into a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. Just defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your Homestyle Chicken and Gravy on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy appears too thick, add a bit of water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a richer flavor and remain tender. Just adjust cooking times as they may take a bit longer to cook through.
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Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, simply skip the heavy cream or substitute it with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream for a similar richness without the dairy.
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What if I don’t have chicken base?
If you don’t have chicken base on hand, you can use bouillon cubes or increase the chicken stock. Adjust the seasoning to taste accordingly.
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Can this recipe be made in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt it to a slow cooker by cooking the chicken and preparing the gravy separately, then combining them in the cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth and taste with every bite. I hope you try this recipe and find as much joy in it as I do. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, filling the air with laughter and the comforting aroma of home-cooked goodness. Bon appétit, dear friend!
Print
Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. Perfectly seasoned with simple pantry staples, this hearty recipe is ideal for a cozy family dinner, served over mashed potatoes or rice with optional sides like peas or garlic bread for a complete 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 (to season chicken lightly)
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
- 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)
Serving
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or your preferred mashed potato recipe
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside. This will be used to thicken the gravy and season the chicken.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Roux and Base for Gravy: Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter and chicken base to the skillet, and stir until melted and combined. Sprinkle in the flour mixture evenly, stirring constantly to form a roux, cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Build the Gravy: Gradually pour in chicken stock while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add water and whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream if using. Shred the cooked chicken if desired, then add it back into the gravy along with any juices collected. Let simmer for a few more minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice, with optional sides like peas or garlic bread.
Notes
- Too thick? Add more chicken broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Too thin? Simmer longer; if still too thin, incorporate a slurry of 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 3 teaspoons water and stir into the gravy until thickened.
- Too salty? Add ½ cup water and simmer briefly to dilute the saltiness, then re-thicken if necessary.
- Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of extra onion or garlic powder. Ground sage or poultry seasoning can also boost the taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (including mashed potatoes)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
