Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds, look no further than this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy recipe. Perfectly seasoned, tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, savory gravy that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice. This classic dish is simple to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. With just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Kosher salt & black pepper
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp chicken base (we recommend Better Than Bouillon brand)
• 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (*Optional)
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Directions

1. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and cook the chicken breasts, about 5 minutes per side, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Remove the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Make the Gravy Base: Lower the heat to medium-low, add the butter and chicken base to the pan, stirring until the butter is melted.
5. Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour-onion powder-garlic powder mixture and stir it well so that it forms a roux. Let it cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute while stirring.
6. Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the water and whisk until there are no lumps. Let it simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Optional Cream: Pour in the optional heavy cream for a richer, creamier gravy. Stir to combine.
8. Combine Chicken and Gravy: Shred the chicken if desired and add it back into the gravy along with any collected juices. Let it simmer together for a few minutes.
9. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10. Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice, with peas and garlic bread on the side for an extra comforting meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

• This homestyle chicken and gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles. The creamy gravy soaks into these sides, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
• You can serve it with a side of vegetables like peas, green beans, or sautéed spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
• For extra flavor, top with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving, or serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze leftovers, it’s best to store the chicken and gravy separately from mashed potatoes or rice. Place the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if the gravy is too thick. You can also microwave the leftovers, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your homestyle chicken and gravy meal multiple times and keep it fresh for later!

Variations

1. Add Vegetables to the Gravy:

• For a heartier dish, consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or peas to the gravy. Simply sauté the vegetables in the skillet before making the gravy, and allow them to cook along with the chicken and gravy for added flavor.

2. Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts:

• If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, making them a great option for this dish. Just ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

3. Dairy-Free Option:

• For a dairy-free version of this recipe, replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute, and skip the heavy cream. You can also use a dairy-free chicken stock to keep the flavor intact.

4. Make It Spicy:

• Add a kick of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the gravy. This variation will give your chicken and gravy a spicy twist that pairs well with the creamy base.

5. Lemon and Herb Chicken:

• For a fresh, zesty flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs (like rosemary or thyme) before cooking. This will add a citrusy, aromatic note to your dish, which pairs beautifully with the rich gravy.

6. Gluten-Free Version:

• Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the gravy thick. This will keep the dish gluten-free without compromising on taste and texture.

7. Smoky Flavor:

• For a smoky variation, add a small amount of smoked paprika to the gravy. Alternatively, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying them to infuse the dish with a smoky flavor that complements the richness of the gravy.

8. Creamy Mushroom Gravy:

• Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, savory twist. This variation pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and adds a rich, umami flavor to the sauce.

9. Cajun Spiced Chicken:

• Add some Cajun seasoning to the chicken before cooking it for a southern-inspired twist. The bold spices in the seasoning will give the dish a flavorful kick that contrasts nicely with the creamy gravy.

10. Make It a Casserole:

• Transform this dish into a casserole by placing the cooked chicken, gravy, and mashed potatoes into a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This variation makes for a comforting, one-pan meal.

These variations will give you plenty of options to keep this homestyle chicken and gravy recipe exciting and new each time you make it!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. If you need to cook them from frozen, increase the cooking time to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Can I make the gravy without chicken base? Yes, if you don’t have chicken base, you can substitute it with chicken bouillon cubes or use just chicken stock. You may need to adjust the salt levels based on the broth or bouillon’s salt content.

3. How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny? If your gravy is too runny, you can add a little more flour (or cornstarch) mixed with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir it in gradually, letting it simmer until thickened to your liking.

4. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for added flavor. Just increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 165°F internally. Remove the bones before serving.

5. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time. Cook the chicken and gravy, then refrigerate it. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the gravy if needed.

6. Can I freeze the leftover gravy? Yes, you can freeze the gravy. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or stock to thin it if necessary.

7. What can I serve with homestyle chicken and gravy? This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with peas or sautéed greens for added flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I make this recipe without flour for a gluten-free version? Yes, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Make sure to check your chicken stock and seasoning for gluten content as well.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat.

10. Can I use heavy cream in the gravy? Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer, creamier gravy. It’s optional, but adding it can create a more indulgent texture. If you prefer a lighter gravy, you can skip the cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk.

This Homestyle Chicken and Gravy recipe is the epitome of comfort food. With tender chicken and a rich, flavorful gravy, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes or rice, this meal is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Easy to make, customizable, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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