As the sun sets, we all crave a warm, homemade meal. The smell of tender chicken in savory gravy calls us to the table. This chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in just 30 minutes.
I remember my grandmother’s chicken and gravy fondly. It was a dish that brought our family together. The rich gravy and juicy chicken were a true Southern comfort. Now, I’m excited to share a quick version of this classic recipe.
This chicken and gravy dish will please any family or satisfy a nostalgic craving. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make a restaurant-quality meal at home. Let’s cook and enjoy the flavors of a true comfort food classic!
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Why This Southern Comfort Food Classic Is a Must-Try
Step into the world of authentic Southern cuisine, where southern fried chicken, soul food dishes, and country cooking are kings. Homemade chicken and gravy is a true comfort food classic. It’s a dish that should be in your regular dinner rotation.
Benefits of Making Homemade Chicken and Gravy
Making this dish from scratch has many benefits. You get to choose every ingredient, making it healthier and more to your liking. Plus, it’s often cheaper than eating out. You can also adjust the flavors to your taste, making it a truly satisfying meal.
Perfect for Family Dinners and Special Occasions
Chicken and gravy is great for both everyday meals and special occasions. It’s a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any time of year. You can even make it in a slow cooker or oven, making it easy to cook in different ways.
If you’re craving a taste of home or want to share Southern cuisine with your loved ones, try this dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and the joy of a homemade meal that brings everyone together.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Making the perfect creamy chicken gravy and buttermilk fried chicken starts with the right ingredients. The secret is balancing the savory gravy with the juicy chicken. Let’s explore the key ingredients for this delicious dish.
The dish begins with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You’ll also need mushroom bouillon, water, and all-purpose seasoning. Tarragon, dried minced onion, sweet paprika, and bay leaves add to the flavor. For the gravy, chicken broth, cornstarch (or flour), and Greek yogurt are essential.
Seasoning is key, so have black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt ready. With these ingredients, you’ll make a creamy chicken gravy and buttermilk fried chicken dish that everyone will love.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty southern dish like homestyle chicken and gravy, you need some key tools. A big, deep skillet or cast-iron pan is essential. It helps sear the chicken and make the gravy.
Recommended Skillets and Pans
- A 12-inch or larger, heavy-duty skillet or cast-iron pan for searing the chicken and making the gravy
- A 6-8 quart Dutch oven or large pot for simmering the chicken and gravy (if not using a single skillet)
Additional Kitchen Essentials
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients
- A sturdy whisk for blending the gravy and preventing lumps
- A spatula or ground meat chopper for breaking up the chicken as it cooks
- A medium-sized mixing bowl for seasoning the chicken before cooking
- A microwave-safe plate for reheating leftovers
For slow cooking, you might need a slow cooker or a covered roasting pan. With these tools, you can easily make a tasty southern chicken and gravy dish.
| Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heavy-duty Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan | Searing the chicken and making the gravy |
| Dutch Oven or Large Pot | Simmering the chicken and gravy (if not using a single skillet) |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurately portioning ingredients |
| Whisk | Blending the gravy and preventing lumps |
| Spatula or Ground Meat Chopper | Breaking up the chicken as it cooks |
| Mixing Bowl | Seasoning the chicken before cooking |
| Microwave-safe Plate | Reheating leftovers |
With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious southern classic, homestyle chicken and gravy.
Secret Ingredients for Rich, Flavorful Gravy
Make your grandma’s chicken gravy even better with some secret ingredients. Mushroom bouillon, tarragon, and bay leaves add depth and complexity. Together, they make the gravy savory and nuanced.
Try using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to thicken the gravy. The yogurt gives it a tangy taste and a creamy feel. It’s a unique twist that complements the chicken perfectly.
These special ingredients turn a simple gravy into a dish fit for a restaurant. It’s sure to wow your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy the best chicken and gravy you’ve ever had!
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mushroom Bouillon | Recommended | Adds depth of flavor |
| Tarragon | Suggested | Provides a subtle licorice note |
| Bay Leaves | Recommended | Helps round out and meld flavors |
| Greek Yogurt | Substitutes for Heavy Cream | Adds richness and tangy flavor |
These secret ingredients are the secret to a grandma’s chicken gravy that’s truly special. They elevate your family’s chicken dinner to new heights. Try it out and see the difference it makes!
Step-by-Step Chicken Preparation Guide
Making the perfect southern fried chicken and gravy is simpler than you think. Just follow a few easy steps to create a dish everyone will love.
Proper Seasoning Techniques
Begin by drying your chicken with paper towels and seasoning it well with an all-purpose blend. Let it sit for 15 minutes to soak up the flavors. This step makes your southern fried chicken taste amazing in every bite.
Searing and Cooking Tips
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add oil. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 7 minutes on each side. This step makes the chicken crispy and juicy.
After searing, add the bouillon mixture, spices, and herbs. Cover and simmer for one hour, turning occasionally. Then, break the chicken into pieces and cook for another 30 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
To get the crispiest chicken, keep the oil at 350-375°F (177-191°C) when searing. Use a digital thermometer to check the oil temperature.
Mastering the Perfect Gravy Consistency
Getting the perfect gravy consistency is crucial for your homestyle or creamy chicken gravy. It’s all about finding the right mix of fat, flour, and liquid. Here are some tips to help you become a gravy master:
- Begin with a 1:1 ratio of fat to flour. This creates a smooth roux that thickens your gravy well.
- Cook the flour in the fat for about 2 minutes. Then, slowly whisk in the broth. This step lets the flour thicken the gravy fully.
- Whisk constantly when adding the broth to avoid lumps. Simmer the mix until it’s the right thickness.
- For a gluten-free gravy, use cornstarch instead of flour. Keep the same 1:1 ratio with the fat.
- To adjust the gravy’s thickness, add more liquid if it’s too thick. Or simmer it longer if it’s too thin.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Wondra Flour | 1/4 – 1/2 cup |
| Chicken Stock | 2 cups |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Lemon Juice or Vinegar | As needed |
With these techniques, you’ll make perfect homestyle gravy or creamy chicken gravy every time. Your family meals and special occasions will be even more delicious.
Expert Tips for Making Restaurant-Style Gravy
To make perfect gravy like restaurants, you need to know a few tricks. The secret is using the pan drippings from roasted meats. These drippings are full of flavor that makes your gravy special.
Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues
If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water. Stir it into the gravy until it’s right. If it’s too thick, add a little broth or stock. Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right.
Professional Chef Recommendations
Seasoned chefs say the key to great gravy is tasting and adjusting as you go. Try adding spices, aromatics, or a bit of Worcestershire sauce. The more you taste and tweak, the closer you’ll get to that restaurant-quality gravy.
| Ingredient | Recommended Ratio | Gravy Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Fat (from drippings) | 1.5 tablespoons | 1 cup |
| Flour | 1.5 tablespoons | |
| Liquid (stock or broth) | 1 cup | 1 cup |
By using these expert tips, you can make your southern cuisine and comfort food recipes even better with restaurant-style gravy.
Best Side Dishes to Serve
When it comes to soul food dishes and country cooking, the right side dishes can make your chicken and gravy even better. You can choose from classic comfort foods or healthier options.
For a traditional choice, mashed potatoes or egg noodles are great for soaking up the gravy. Or, try white rice or garlic bread for a tasty meal.
Adding veggies to your meal is a good idea. Sautéed green beans, roasted potatoes and broccoli, or garlic rosemary carrots are all good choices. For a healthier twist, Instant Pot mashed potatoes with cauliflower are a great option.
Choosing the right side dishes is key to enjoying your homemade chicken and gravy. With so many options, you’ll find the perfect side for your country cooking feast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this shredded chicken and gravy recipe. Don’t worry about leftovers. With proper storage and reheating, you can enjoy these comfort food recipes days after making them.
To store the dish, place the shredded chicken and homestyle gravy in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 4 weeks. But, freezing the gravy isn’t recommended as it can change its texture and consistency.
Reheating is easy. For the chicken, microwave for 30-45 seconds per side or warm in a skillet over medium heat. To reheat the gravy, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Or, gently reheat it on the stovetop, adding broth if needed to keep it smooth.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days |
| Freezer (Chicken only) | 4 weeks |
With these easy tips, you can enjoy the delicious comfort food recipes and homestyle gravy anytime. Make the most of your flavorful shredded chicken dish.
Recipe Variations and Adaptations
Chicken and gravy is a favorite in Southern cuisine. You can make it your own with a few tweaks. It’s great for slow cookers or for those with special diets.
Slow Cooker Version
Make the chicken and gravy recipe easy with a slow cooker. Put all ingredients in the crockpot, except for the thickening agents. Cook on low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
In the last hour, add the flour or cornstarch and yogurt. This will make the gravy just right.
Dietary Modifications
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch instead of all-purpose flour.
- Replace dairy yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or skip it for a dairy-free dish.
- Try using chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter taste.
This classic chicken and gravy recipe can be tailored to fit your needs. It’s a versatile dish that can be made your own.
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Suggestions
Preparing the easy dinner and comfort food recipes like Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is easy with smart prep. Start by pre-cutting the chicken or asking your butcher to do it for you. This saves a lot of time in the kitchen.
You can also make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. This way, it’s ready to reheat and serve whenever you need it.
For quicker assembly, batch cook the chicken and use it in different recipes all week. Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to cut down cooking time. Pair the chicken and gravy with pre-made or quick side dishes like frozen mashed potatoes or a simple salad. This way, you can have a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
With a little clever planning, you can enjoy this comfort food classic any night of the week.
Remember, the key to stress-free meal prep is to do as much as you can ahead of time. Prep ingredients a day or two in advance. Then, you’ll have the perfect Homestyle Chicken and Gravy ready to go whenever you crave it.