Easy Chicken Recipes with Gravy: Perfect Comfort Food

Easy Chicken Recipes with Gravy: Perfect Comfort Food

Growing up, the smell of homemade chicken and gravy in the kitchen was always warm and nostalgic. The chicken was tender and slow-cooked, served with savory gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes. It was the ultimate comfort food that fed both my body and soul.

As an adult, I still love those familiar flavors. I’m excited to share some of my favorite easy chicken recipes with gravy. They’re sure to become your new comfort meals.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken and gravy is a classic, satisfying comfort food dish
• The recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken, herbs, and seasonings to create a flavorful gravy
• The chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways, including slow-cooking, searing, and simmering
• Gravy can be thickened to your desired consistency using techniques like adding flour and water
• Chicken and gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal

Understanding the Magic of Chicken and Gravy Combinations

Chicken and gravy dishes are a comfort food favorite. They offer a satisfying and flavorful experience. The secret to their appeal is the harmony of flavors, kitchen tools, and ingredients.

Classic Flavor Pairings

Some flavor combinations in chicken and gravy are timeless. Tarragon, bay leaves, and mushroom bouillon enhance the chicken’s natural flavors. Together, they create a rich, comforting dish that warms the soul.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

The right kitchen tools are key for perfect chicken and gravy. A large, deep-sided skillet or slow cooker is best. They ensure the chicken is fully covered in flavorful gravy, making it tender and juicy.

Basic Ingredients Overview

The main ingredients for chicken and gravy dishes include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken broth or stock, all-purpose seasoning, fresh herbs, and flour. These simple elements create a comforting and flavorful meal for the whole family.

“The secret to the perfect chicken and gravy lies in the harmony of classic flavor pairings and carefully selected ingredients.”

Understanding the essential components unlocks the true potential of chicken and gravy dishes. It delivers a satisfying and delightful dining experience every time.

Best Cuts of Chicken for Gravy Dishes

Choosing the right chicken cuts is crucial for a delicious chicken dinner with gravy. Boneless chicken breasts are popular, but chicken thighs can also be great. Thighs are juicier and easier to break apart, making the gravy richer and more flavorful.

For a classic chicken gravy recipe, you can use 3 large boneless chicken breasts, about 2 pounds of meat. Or, you can use the same amount of bone-in or boneless chicken thighs. If using breasts, cut them in half lengthwise. This makes them thinner and ensures they cook evenly.

The choice between chicken breasts or thighs for your gravy dish depends on your preference. Both can be great, but the key is to cook the chicken well. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Secret Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Gravy

Creating the perfect chicken gravy involves a few secret ingredients. Explore homemade chicken gravy and learn how to make a creamy, rich gravy. Your family will love it.

Mushroom Bouillon Benefits

Mushroom bouillon is a secret ingredient that adds depth to chicken gravy. It brings an earthy, satisfying taste that pairs well with chicken. Just a teaspoon of mushroom bouillon can elevate your gravy’s flavor.

Herbs and Seasonings

The right herbs and seasonings can make your chicken gravy special. Tarragon adds a subtle licorice-like aroma. Bay leaves help round out the flavors. A dash of Montreal Steak Seasoning can add a complex layer to the gravy.

Specialty Spice Blends

For creamy chicken gravy, try specialty spice blends. Minced dried onion, sweet paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder add richness. These spices create a complex flavor that will impress everyone.

“The secret to a truly exceptional chicken gravy lies in the thoughtful selection of ingredients that work in harmony to create a flavor profile that is both comforting and complex.”

Chicken Recipes Gravy: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Making homemade gravy for your chicken dishes is simple. Follow these steps to make a gravy that everyone will love.

First, dry your chicken and season it with your favorite spices and herbs. Then, heat oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for 7 minutes on each side. This will give it a golden-brown crust.

Next, mix a chicken bouillon cube with water and add it to the pan. Add herbs and seasonings you like. Simmer, cover, and cook for about an hour. Then, break the chicken into small pieces with a fork.

1. Make a slurry by mixing flour and cold water until smooth.
2. Stir the slurry into the chicken mixture and cook for 15 more minutes. This will thicken the gravy.

For a quicker method, use a pressure cooker. Add chicken, broth, and seasonings to your Instant Pot. Cook at high pressure for 6 minutes, then let it release naturally. The chicken will be very tender, and you can make a quick gravy with the cooking liquid.

With these easy steps, you can make delicious chicken recipes gravy, easy chicken gravy, and homemade chicken gravy. Your meals will taste amazing!

Creating the Perfect Homemade Gravy Consistency

Getting the right consistency is crucial for delicious homemade chicken gravy. Whether it’s for a classic Sunday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, perfecting gravy can make your chicken dishes stand out.

Thickening Techniques

The secret to a rich creamy chicken gravy is in thickening. Start by making a roux, a mix of flour and fat. This helps the gravy bind and reach the right consistency. Use 1 tablespoon of flour for every 1/4 cup of fat, like butter or pan drippings.

If your gravy is too thin, here’s a trick: Mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cold water or broth. Stir this slurry into the simmering gravy. Let it cook a few minutes until it thickens up.

Troubleshooting Common Gravy Issues

Gravy can sometimes be tricky. If it’s too thick, add more broth or milk to thin it. If it’s too thin, just simmer it until it’s right. Season with salt and pepper, and feel free to add herbs or spices to enhance the flavor.

Remember, the secret to gravy consistency is patience and detail. With practice, you’ll make silky-smooth homemade chicken gravy that everyone will love.

Southern Style Chicken and Gravy Variations

Comfort food lovers can’t get enough of southern chicken gravy and tender country fried chicken. This combo is a big hit in Southern cuisine. It’s a favorite for those who love hearty, satisfying meals.

The secret to great Southern-style chicken and gravy is in the prep. The chicken is first breaded and fried until golden. This step adds a nice crunch and makes the gravy taste richer.

1. Start by dredging the chicken (preferably bone-in, skin-on pieces) in a seasoned flour mixture, often made with a blend of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Next, dip the floured chicken in a beaten egg wash, and then return it to the flour mixture, ensuring a thorough coating.
3. Carefully fry the breaded chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per side.

Now, let’s make the gravy. Use the flavorful oil from frying the chicken to make a roux. Cook flour and oil together until it’s golden. Then, add milk or cream slowly, and season with salt and pepper. This makes a rich, velvety gravy.

Finally, simmer the fried chicken in the gravy. This lets the meat soak up all the flavors. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, with buttery corn and warm rolls for a comforting meal.

“There’s nothing quite like a plate of hot, crispy country fried chicken smothered in velvety southern chicken gravy to warm the soul and satisfy the appetite.”

Quick Pressure Cooker Chicken and Gravy Methods

For busy weeknights, the Instant Pot and other pressure cookers are true lifesavers. They make delicious Instant Pot chicken and gravy quickly. You can enjoy homemade chicken and gravy in a fraction of the time it takes traditionally.

Instant Pot Tips and Tricks

To make perfect pressure cooker chicken and gravy in your Instant Pot, start by placing 2.5-3 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half, in the inner pot. Sprinkle 2 packets (0.87-oz each) of chicken gravy mix and your desired seasonings over the chicken, without stirring. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium quick chicken gravy broth and secure the lid. Cook at high pressure for 6 minutes, then allow for a natural pressure release.

Time-Saving Techniques

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred or slice it.
• To thicken the gravy, stir in a 10.5-oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup.
• Return the shredded chicken to the gravy and stir to combine.

This simple Instant Pot chicken and gravy recipe is ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or noodles for a complete and comforting dinner.

For added flavor, try incorporating ranch dressing mix or other seasoning blends into the gravy. Bone-in chicken thighs can also be used, with an increased cooking time of about 5 minutes. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this pressure cooker chicken and gravy dish any night of the week!

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Enjoying a chicken dinner with gravy can be made even better with endless side dishes. Try serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. For something more filling, pair it with buttery noodles or flaky biscuits.

To balance the meal, add a refreshing side salad or tender green beans. For a Southern-style feast, include sweet corn and warm rolls. Don’t forget the classic open-faced sandwich for a delightful twist.

Choosing the right side dishes is key to a great chicken dinner with gravy. Whether you stick to traditional options or get creative, there are countless ways to make your meal perfect.

“The key to a perfect chicken dinner with gravy is finding the right balance of flavors and textures in the side dishes.”

Conclusion

Easy chicken recipes with gravy are a comforting and tasty way to enjoy a classic dish. You can make them on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. The secret to great chicken and gravy is knowing the right ingredients, techniques, and variations.

This guide has given you the tools to make delicious chicken and gravy at home. You’ll learn about the spices, seasonings, and how to get the perfect gravy. Try different chicken cuts and explore regional flavors to make your meals special.

Whether you want a Southern-style chicken and gravy or a quick Instant Pot version, there’s a lot to try. Let these recipes become a part of your cooking routine. Enjoy the comfort and flavor they bring to your table.