The smell of homemade chicken and gravy takes me back to my grandma’s kitchen. It was filled with the delicious smells of Southern cooking. As a busy parent, finding quick, healthy meals for the family can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy chicken and gravy recipe with you. It’s a classic comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Table of Contents
Introduction
This quick and homemade chicken and gravy recipe is great for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and has tender chicken in a creamy gravy. It’s easy to make and loved by many.
Overview of the Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe
The recipe needs chicken, onions, tomatoes, cashews, curd, and spices. You can cook it in a pressure cooker, open pot, or instant pot. Cooking time depends on the chicken type, but it’s about 30 minutes.
Benefits of a Quick and Homemade Meal
Homemade chicken and gravy beats store-bought or restaurant versions in many ways. It’s cheaper, lets you pick the ingredients, and is a cozy meal for everyone. Plus, it’s quick, perfect for when you’re short on time.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Affordability | Homemade chicken and gravy is more cost-effective than store-bought or restaurant versions. |
| Ingredient Control | You can choose the quality and type of ingredients used, ensuring a healthier and more customized meal. |
| Comfort and Satisfaction | The homemade dish provides a comforting and satisfying experience for the entire family. |
| Convenience | The quick prep time makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. |
“This recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s so easy to make, and the whole family loves it. I can’t imagine going back to the store-bought version now.”
Ingredients
The ingredients for this easy chicken and gravy recipe are simple yet flavorful. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts cook fast and are lean, while thighs are more flavorful and tender.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs
The chicken is the main ingredient. You can choose between boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Both are good, so pick what you like or what’s available.
Seasoning and Spices
To season the chicken, you’ll need paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices make the dish flavorful.
Butter or Oil for Cooking
Butter or oil is used to sauté the chicken and make the gravy roux. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil, depending on your taste.
Chicken Broth or Stock
Chicken broth or stock is the base of the gravy. It’s what gets thickened into a creamy sauce.
Cornstarch or Flour for Thickening
Cornstarch or all-purpose flour thickens the gravy. This makes it rich and velvety.
Greek Yogurt or Heavy Cream
Greek yogurt or heavy cream is added last. They add richness and creaminess to the gravy.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 1.5 – 2 lbs |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Butter or oil | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken broth or stock | 2 cups |
| Cornstarch or all-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Greek yogurt or heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
With these simple ingredients, you can make a delicious chicken and gravy dish quickly.
Preparing the Chicken
The secret to a tasty chicken and gravy dish is in how you season and cook the chicken. Let’s start with the chicken preparation.
Seasoning the Chicken
The chicken is seasoned on both sides with a savory spice blend. This blend includes paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. It infuses the chicken with flavor and makes the gravy even better.
Cooking the Chicken in a Skillet
After seasoning, it’s time to cook the chicken. The seasoned chicken is cooked in a skillet over medium-high heat. It’s cooked until it’s golden brown and through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
This searing process locks in the juices and adds a tasty crust to the chicken. The chicken’s internal temperature should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
| Preparation Time | Servings | Cooking Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 4 people | 165°F |
By seasoning and cooking the chicken right, you’ll have a great base for the creamy chicken gravy.
Making the Gravy
Once you’ve cooked the chicken to perfection, it’s time to create a delectable gravy. This gravy will elevate the entire dish. The secret to an exceptional gravy lies in a few simple steps.
Creating a Roux with Butter and Flour
After cooking the chicken, butter is melted in the same skillet. Flour is then whisked into the butter to create a roux. This roux will serve as the thickening agent for the gravy.
Adding Chicken Broth and Seasoning
Chicken broth is gradually whisked into the roux, along with additional seasonings. This creates the base of the gravy. This step infuses the gravy with a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
Thickening the Gravy with Cornstarch
Cornstarch is mixed with a small amount of broth and then whisked into the simmering gravy. This thickens it to the desired consistency. This simple technique ensures that the gravy has a velvety, well-developed texture.
By following these steps, you’ll end up with a flavorful, perfectly thickened gravy. This gravy will make your homemade chicken dish truly shine.
Finishing Touches
As the chicken and gravy come together, we add a rich and creamy touch. Greek yogurt or heavy cream is stirred in. This makes the sauce creamy and adds extra richness.
This step not only boosts the flavor but also makes the sauce silky. It coats the chicken beautifully. This simple touch makes the dish go from good to extraordinary.
Choosing Greek yogurt or heavy cream makes the gravy perfect with the chicken. The creamy part blends well with the other flavors. It creates a balance that makes your taste buds happy.
Adding Greek Yogurt or Cream for Richness
- Once the gravy is thick enough, take the skillet off the heat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or heavy cream until it’s fully mixed in.
- This adds a luxurious texture to the gravy, making it richer and creamier.
- Check the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed to get the flavors right.
This simple step turns a good chicken and gravy dish into an amazing one. The creamy gravy coats the chicken perfectly. It makes a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions
After making this tasty chicken and gravy, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This dish goes well with many sides, making it a great dinner choice. Let’s look at some tasty ways to serve your homemade chicken and gravy.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice
This chicken and gravy is perfect with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. These sides soak up the gravy’s rich flavors. They add a comforting touch to the dish.
Vegetable Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve the chicken and gravy with steamed or sautéed veggies. Green beans, carrots, or broccoli are great choices. They add color and nutrients to your plate, balancing the dish’s richness.
For a full dinner, try adding a side salad or roasted or steamed veggies. You can choose from many options. Find what you like and what fits your diet.
No matter your choice, this chicken and gravy recipe will be a hit at home. Enjoy the cozy flavors and the joy of a meal made with love.
chicken and gravy recipe Variations
The recipe is for chicken breasts, but you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs too. Thighs might need a bit more time to cook through. You can also change up the seasoning to your liking, adding more spices or herbs.
Using Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts
Chicken thighs are a tasty substitute for breasts. They’re juicier and more flavorful. Just remember, they take a bit longer to cook, about 10-15 minutes more.
Adjusting Seasoning to Taste
You can tweak the seasoning to your taste. Want more spice? Less? Try different herbs and spices. Smoked paprika, dried thyme, or cayenne pepper can add a unique twist.
This recipe is all about flexibility. Make it your own by tweaking the ingredients. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and the gravy is rich and tasty.
Storage and Reheating
Enjoying a delicious chicken and gravy dish doesn’t have to end after the first meal. You can savor the flavors for days with proper storage and reheating. Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 4 weeks, but the gravy shouldn’t be frozen.
Refrigerating and Freezing Leftovers
- Store the chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer-term storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 4 weeks. Gravy, however, is not recommended for freezing as it may separate or become watery upon reheating.
- When ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reviving your leftover chicken and gravy is easy. Here’s how to do it:
- For the chicken, you can either use the microwave or a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat the chicken until it’s hot and steaming throughout.
- As for the gravy, it can be reheated in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling the gravy to prevent it from breaking down.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy your homemade chicken and gravy for days. Any leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 4 weeks, though the gravy is not recommended for freezing.
Tips and Tricks
Making a tasty chicken and gravy dish is simple. But, getting the gravy just right can take some effort. Whether it’s too thin or too thick, there are easy ways to fix it.
Adjusting Gravy Consistency
If your gravy is too thin, you can thicken it. Just mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water. Then, stir it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens up nicely.
But, if it’s too thick, thin it out with some chicken broth or water. Start with a little bit and add more as needed until it’s just right.
Substitutions for Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free Versions
To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of regular flour.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Gravy storage | Chicken gravy can last up to four days in the fridge in an airtight container. Or, it can last up to three months in the freezer. |
| Thickening gravy | You can make a new roux in a saucepan. Use a ratio of about 1 tablespoon of flour to 1 tablespoon of butter to thicken the gravy. |
| Removing lumps | To get rid of lumps, pour the gravy through a strainer. Or, use an immersion blender or blend it in a blender. |
| Flavor variations | For a different taste, add Cajun or Old Bay seasoning to the gravy. |
By using these tips, you’ll make a chicken and gravy dish that’s perfectly seasoned and textured. Enjoy your homemade meal with confidence!
Nutritional Information
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is packed with protein, offering 34 grams per serving. The gravy is creamy and tasty, but not too heavy. Greek yogurt adds extra calcium to the mix. Let’s look at the nutritional details of this dish:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 890 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | – |
| Net Carbs | 48g | – |
| Fat | 57g | – |
| Protein | 42g | – |
| Sodium | 1880mg | – |
This dish is not just about macronutrients. It also offers a lot of other important nutrients. One serving gives you 58% of the Daily Value of protein, 28% of the Daily Value of fiber, and 24% of the Daily Value of potassium.
The ingredients used are top-notch. You get chicken breasts or thighs, a creamy gravy, and Greek yogurt for extra richness and calcium. With over 30 grams of protein per serving, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
Conclusion
This chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick to make with basic ingredients. The result is juicy chicken in a rich gravy that everyone will enjoy. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a full meal.
The secret to this recipe’s success is in the preparation and cooking. Season the chicken well and sear it for that crispy skin and juicy inside. Making the gravy is easy, and it adds a velvety texture that goes great with the chicken.
If you’re looking for a quick dinner or a comforting meal, try this recipe. It’s sure to become a favorite. So, get your ingredients ready, turn on the stove, and enjoy a tasty homemade meal soon.