Description
Southern comfort shines through this homestyle chicken and gravy recipe, delivering rich, hearty flavors from traditional kitchen wisdom. Home cooks can savor warm, satisfying layers of tender chicken smothered in creamy, herb-infused gravy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (large, split lengthwise into thinner breasts or 4 medium/small)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 4 tbsps (57 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsps (42 g) butter
- 1 tbsp chicken base (Better Than Bouillon)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional)
- Mashed potatoes (optional serving)
- Rice (optional serving)
- Peas (optional serving)
- Garlic bread (optional serving)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a fragrant seasoning mixture for later use.
- Chicken Cooking: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in heated olive oil over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked, reaching 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Roux Development: Lower skillet heat and melt butter with chicken base. Introduce the prepared flour mixture, stirring continuously to craft a golden, flavor-packed roux.
- Gravy Formation: Gradually pour chicken stock into the skillet, whisking energetically to eliminate lumps and incorporate pan drippings. Add water and continue whisking until achieving a smooth, silky texture.
- Sauce Refinement: Simmer gravy, stirring intermittently, until it thickens to a luxurious consistency that elegantly coats a spoon. Incorporate heavy cream for added richness and depth.
- Final Assembly: Shred cooked chicken and reintroduce to the gravy, allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serving Suggestion: Present the succulent chicken and velvety gravy atop mashed potatoes or rice, complemented by steamed green peas or crusty garlic bread.
Notes
- Master Seasoning Technique: Blend dry ingredients thoroughly before coating chicken to ensure even, flavorful coverage and prevent clumping.
- Temperature Control Matters: Cook chicken precisely at medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or drying out meat.
- Roux-Making Secrets: Continuously stir flour mixture for 30-45 seconds to prevent burning and develop deep, nutty flavor foundation for rich gravy.
- Creamy Gravy Perfection: Whisk chicken stock slowly and steadily to eliminate lumps, creating silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg