Easy Homemade Chicken and Gravy Recipe | Comfort Food
Growing up, the smell of chicken and homemade gravy was a sign of a comforting meal. This classic dish has been a favorite in my family for over 30 years. I’m excited to share it with you.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty Sunday dinner or a simple, affordable meal, this recipe is perfect. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Table of Contents
Why This Classic Comfort Food Will Become Your Family Favorite
Chicken and gravy is a beloved southern fried chicken dish. It’s a cherished soul food cooking tradition. Its comforting flavors and nostalgic appeal make it a staple on your sunday dinner ideas menu.
Traditional Southern Comfort Appeal
The dish’s rich, savory flavors come from the American South’s culinary heritage. Tender, juicy chicken and velvety gravy bring warmth and familiarity. It’s the ultimate easy homemade meal for family gatherings.
Perfect for Sunday Family Dinners
Chicken and gravy is the quintessential Sunday supper. It brings families together for quality time and shared memories. Its simple, yet satisfying nature makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Budget-Friendly Meal Option
This dish is affordable. It uses inexpensive ingredients like chicken breasts and pantry staples. You can create a delicious, hearty meal without spending a lot. It’s great for busy weeknights or large family meals.
“Chicken and gravy is the ultimate comfort food – it’s like a warm hug on a plate.”
Whether over mashed potatoes, white rice, or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Its versatility and appeal make it perfect for any sunday dinner ideas or soul food cooking occasion.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Gravy Recipe
To make the perfect chicken and gravy, you need the right ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main attraction. They make the dish tender and delicious. For the gravy, a chicken gravy mix packet is key for that smooth texture.
A can of cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and flavor. These ingredients are the base of your meal. They set the stage for a comforting dish.
But there’s more to make it special. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper add a nice aroma. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can make the gravy even creamier. For a deeper flavor, try chicken base or bouillon.
Herbs like tarragon and bay leaves can add a subtle yet complex taste to the gravy. These extra touches can take your dish to the next level.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Chicken gravy mix | 1 packet |
| Cream of chicken soup | 10 oz can |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Chicken base or bouillon (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Tarragon and bay leaves (optional) | 1 tsp each |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken and gravy dish. It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make the perfect homemade chicken and gravy, you need the right tools. From essential cookware to optional gadgets, we’ll cover what you need. This will help you make this comforting classic.
Essential Cookware
You’ll need a large, oven-safe skillet or slow cooker. A heavy-duty skillet is great for searing the chicken. A slow cooker is perfect for the long simmer needed for the gravy. Don’t forget a sturdy whisk for blending the gravy ingredients.
Optional Time-Saving Tools
For a quicker process, consider a stand mixer for shredding chicken. An Instant Pot can cook the chicken and prepare the gravy fast. A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to 165°F safely.
Measuring Equipment
Accurate measurements are crucial for homemade chicken and gravy. Make sure you have quality measuring cups and spoons. They help you portion out ingredients correctly, from chicken seasoning to gravy components.
With the right tools, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken and gravy dish. Your family will love it.
Preparing and Seasoning Your Chicken
To make the best chicken and gravy, start by getting your chicken ready. First, dry the chicken breasts with paper towels to get rid of extra moisture. This step helps the chicken get crispy and golden when cooked.
Then, season the chicken. Mix garlic powder, black pepper, and a bit of kosher salt in a bowl. Sprinkle this mix over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure to cover the whole surface evenly.
- Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per pound of chicken.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper per pound of chicken.
- Start with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, then adjust to taste.
You can also use a seasoning blend like Montreal Steak Seasoning. It adds more flavor to your seasoning chicken.
After seasoning, let the chicken rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors soak into the meat. It makes your dish taste even better.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 1 pound |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
“The key to perfectly seasoned chicken is letting it rest after seasoning. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, resulting in a delicious and flavorful dish.”
How to Make the Perfect Homemade Gravy
Making homemade gravy can take your chicken dish to a whole new level. The key is to make a roux, which is the base for a smooth gravy. Let’s go through the steps to make your gravy perfect.
Creating the Roux Base
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour slowly, making a smooth paste. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to get rid of the raw flour taste.
If you want a deeper flavor, cook the roux for 4-6 minutes. But be careful not to let it burn.
Adding Flavoring Components
Now, add the liquid to the roux. Whisk in 3 cups of warm chicken stock or pan drippings slowly. This keeps it smooth. For more flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of mushroom powder and 1/2 tablespoon of fresh or 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs.
Let the gravy simmer, stirring now and then, until it’s the right thickness.
Achieving the Right Consistency
The gravy should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thin or thick. If it’s too thin, mix a slurry of 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of water. Slowly add this to the gravy, whisking until it’s right.
If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or pan drippings. You can also use a Beurre Manié to thicken it. This is a paste of equal parts butter and flour.
With these tips, you can make a homemade gravy that everyone will love. Serve it with your chicken for the ultimate comfort food experience.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter or Oil | 4 tablespoons (58g) |
| All-Purpose Flour | 4 tablespoons (32g) |
| Warm Chicken Stock or Pan Drippings | 3 cups |
| Mushroom Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh or Dried Herbs | 1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried |
| Heavy Cream (optional) | 2-3 tablespoons |
The roux-based homemade gravy is perfect with chicken. It adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor. With a few simple steps, you can make a gravy that everyone will want more of.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Making homemade chicken and gravy is easy, whether you use a slow cooker or the stovetop. Both ways will give you a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor. Your family will love it.
Slow Cooker Method
To start, put the chicken, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker. Cover it and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked well.
After cooking, take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Put the shredded chicken back in the gravy and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning and gravy as needed before serving.
Stovetop Cooking
Start by searing the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown it on all sides, then remove it from the pan. In the same skillet, make the gravy by whisking in flour, broth, and seasonings.
Simmer the gravy for 1-1.5 hours, stirring now and then, until it thickens. Add the cooked, shredded chicken back to the gravy and heat it up.
Both methods require simmering the chicken and gravy until the flavors meld and the dish is hot. Serve it with your favorite sides for a cozy meal.
| Cooking Method | Time | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | 6-8 hours on low | Combine all ingredients in crockpot and cook until chicken is tender |
| Stovetop | 1-1.5 hours | Sear chicken, then make gravy in the same skillet and simmer |
Whether you choose the slow cooker or stovetop, simmering the chicken and gravy is key. Serve it hot with your favorite sides for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Gravy
Making the perfect chicken and gravy is an art. With a few insider tips, you can make your dish stand out. These cooking tips and secrets from chefs will help your chicken and gravy be a hit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One big mistake is oversalting. Always taste before adding more salt. Another mistake is a lumpy gravy. To fix this, whisk flour with cold water before adding it to the hot mixture.
Professional Chef Secrets
For richer flavor, chefs use chicken base or bouillon. This adds a savory taste that makes the gravy consistency better. Also, adding herbs like tarragon and bay leaves brings out new flavors.
To adjust the gravy’s thickness, simmer it longer to thicken or add more liquid to thin. With these tips, you’ll make a chicken and gravy dish everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Make your homemade chicken and gravy dish even better with tasty sides. Try it over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic feel. Or, serve it with fluffy rice or buttery noodles for a different twist. Don’t forget to add some vegetable sides like peas, green beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
For something special, try it over thick waffles for a chicken and waffles treat. Garlic bread or warm biscuits are also great, soaking up the gravy.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Egg Noodles
- Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
- Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
- Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls
“The side dishes are just as important as the main course. They complement the chicken and gravy, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.”
Try out different sides to find what your family loves best. Whether it’s classic comfort food or new flavors, there are endless ways to enhance your chicken and gravy dish.
Conclusion
This comfort food recipes for easy chicken dinner is a perfect mix of warmth, flavor, and ease. It’s great whether you cook it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. This classic homestyle cooking dish will quickly become a family favorite, offering joy with every bite.
The recipe’s success comes from the careful preparation of the chicken and the rich, flavorful gravy. The seasoning, marinating, and slow simmering all add to the dish’s deliciousness. You can also customize it to your liking, making it a comforting meal your family will love over and over.
So, when you’re looking for a hearty, soul-soothing meal, try this easy chicken dinner recipe. It shows how homestyle cooking can bring people together and nourish both body and soul.
