Description
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- 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.
- Remove the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional Cream: Pour in the optional heavy cream for a richer, creamier gravy. Stir to combine.
- 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.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice, with peas and garlic bread on the side for an extra comforting meal.
Notes
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.