The smell of chicken and gravy in the kitchen reminds me of cosy Sunday dinners from my childhood. The rich flavours and tender chicken brought our family together. It’s a classic comfort food dish that never goes out of style.
Today, I’m excited to share my foolproof recipe. It’s perfect for any family gathering. You’ll be serving up a homestyle meal that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Why This Classic Comfort Food Dish Is a Family Favorite
Country Fried Chicken and Gravy is a comfort food loved by many. It brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It’s a dish that makes families gather around the dinner table.
The chicken is tender and juicy, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. It’s easy to see why it’s a favourite in many American homes.
Traditional vs Modern Preparation Methods
Traditionally, the chicken is pan-fried to get a crispy crust. This method involves dredging the chicken in seasoned flour and cooking it in hot oil. It makes the chicken perfectly cooked.
In modern times, you can make it in a slow cooker. This way, the chicken becomes tender and the gravy simmers to perfection.
Benefits of Making Gravy From Scratch
Making Country Fried Chicken and Gravy at home has its perks. You can control the flavour and ingredients of the gravy. This makes the gravy richer and more satisfying than store-bought ones.
Creating a flavorful roux and building the gravy’s texture is rewarding. The result will impress your family.
| Traditional Preparation | Modern Slow Cooker Variation |
|---|---|
| Pan-frying chicken to create a crispy crust | Slow-cooking chicken to achieve a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture |
| Preparing gravy from scratch using a roux | Slow-cooking chicken to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone texture |
| Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes |
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Gravy Recipe
To make the ultimate chicken and gravy dish, you need the right ingredients. This classic comfort food needs tender chicken, rich gravy, and the right flavours. Let’s look at what you need to make this delicious meal at home.
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 4 “steaks”
- Olive oil for cooking the chicken
- Versatile seasoning blends, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and steak seasoning
Gravy
- All-purpose flour for thickening the gravy
- Unsalted butter for the roux
- Beef or chicken stock, using Better Than Bouillon as a recommended brand
- Milk or heavy cream for added richness
- Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavour
With these easy crockpot chicken and chicken gravy ingredients, you’re set to make a dish your family will adore. The secret is finding the right mix of chicken, seasonings, and gravy. This will give you a dish full of flavour and texture.
Kitchen Equipment and Tools You’ll Need
To make perfect crockpot meals with chicken and gravy, you need the right tools. A large, heavy skillet and essential gravy-making utensils are key. The right cookware can help you achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Recommended Cookware
A quality pan or skillet is the base of a great chicken and gravy dish. Look for a large, deep, heavy-based frying pan or skillet. It should fit several chicken breasts. This ensures even heat and prevents sticking, helping you get a golden-brown sear.
For a slow cooker version, a reliable crockpot is essential. Choose one that fits your chicken and gravy comfortably. The slow heat of a crockpot makes the chicken tender and juicy.
A meat thermometer is a must-have. It ensures your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Essential Utensils for Gravy Making
- Whisk: This tool is crucial for smooth, lump-free gravy. Its tines blend flour and liquids well.
- Wooden Spoon: A sturdy wooden spoon is great for stirring the gravy. It prevents it from sticking to the pan.
- Measuring Cups: Precise measurements are key for the perfect gravy consistency. Keep a set of measuring cups handy.
Also, a Better Breader Bowl helps with breading the chicken neatly. Tongs, a slotted spoon, and a ladle are useful for preparing and serving your chicken and gravy dish.
Preparing the Chicken for Cooking
Creating the perfect chicken and gravy dish starts with how you prepare the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts in half from top to bottom to make them thinner. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to add flavour.
Next, set up a breading station. Mix flour with paprika, oregano, and steak seasoning in a shallow bowl. Coat the seasoned chicken in this flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly covered on all sides.
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to both sides. of the chicken.
- Prepare a flour mixture in a shallow bowl, adding desired seasonings.
- Dip the chicken in the flour mixture, coating all sides.
For slow cooker recipes, skip the breading. Just season the chicken with the same spices and put it in the crockpot. This way, the chicken stays tender and juicy. It will soak up the gravy flavours as it cooks.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 1 pound |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Black Pepper | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 cup |
| Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
| Oregano | 2 teaspoons |
| Steak Seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
Secret Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Gravy
Making the perfect homemade gravy is all about a few tricks. It’s worth the effort for that rich, velvety texture and bold flavour. Start with a good stock base and learn to make a roux.
Choosing the Right Stock Base
For the best flavour, use beef stock or broth as your base. It gives a strong, savoury taste that goes great with chicken. Adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the umami flavour.
Perfecting the Roux Technique
- Melt butter or oil from cooking the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour to create a smooth, paste-like roux.
- Cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour in the stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end.
- Add salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting if necessary.
Follow these homemade gravy tips to make restaurant-quality gravy at home. The secret is using the right stock and mastering the roux. This way, you’ll get a smooth, flavorful gravy every time.
Step-by-Step Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Craving a classic comfort food dish? This chicken and gravy recipe is perfect. It’s easy to follow and makes a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. You can choose to cook it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Either way, your family and friends will love it.
Stovetop Chicken and Gravy
First, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs. Warm up a big pan over medium-high heat, then pour in some oil. Fry the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Take the chicken out of the pan and put it to the side.
Next, make the gravy in the same pan. Mix flour into the pan to make a roux, then add chicken stock or broth. Season the gravy with salt, pepper, and more herbs or spices. Let it simmer until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
When the gravy is ready, put the chicken back in the pan. Let it simmer in the gravy for 5-10 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
For a hands-off approach, use the slow cooker. Place seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Whisk together the gravy ingredients (chicken broth, flour, seasonings) and pour it over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the gravy is thick.
Serve this delicious chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favourite side. Enjoy the comforting flavours and savour every bite of this homemade classic.
Slow Cooker Variation for Tender Results
Use a slow cooker for easy, tender chicken with gravy. This method lets flavours blend over time. It’s great for busy days or lazy weekends.
Time and Temperature Guidelines
Just put chicken, cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and water in your slow cooker. ook for 6 to 8 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. Wait until the chicken is tender and the gravy thickens.
Adjusting Seasonings for Slow Cooking
- Flavours get stronger in the slow cooker. You might need to adjust the seasoning later.
- Add sour cream or cream cheese to the gravy for a creamy touch.
- Try fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the taste.
The slow cooker makes slow cooker chicken cream of chicken soup and crockpot chicken and gravy easy. It develops rich flavours with little effort. Enjoy this easy version of a classic dish!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts | 1 lb |
| Frozen or Fresh Sliced Portobello Mushrooms | 8 oz |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Cooking Time on Low | 6-8 hours |
| Cooking Time on High | 3-4 hours |
| Calories per Serving | 123 |
| Servings | 8 |
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken and Gravy
There are endless ways to pair side dishes with homemade chicken and gravy. You can make a full meal or just add to the comfort food taste. Many tasty options are available.
Serving chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or white rice is a favourite. The creamy base goes well with the savoury gravy and chicken. For a healthier choice, try green beans, snow peas, zucchini, cauliflower, or broccoli.
For a heartier meal, pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread. These are great for soaking up the gravy. You can also serve it over thick, fluffy waffles for a twist on chicken and waffles.
Choose side dishes that match the rich flavours of chicken and gravy. With some creativity, you can make this dish into a full and satisfying meal. Your family and guests will love it.
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.)
- Buttered egg noodles or pasta
- Cornbread or biscuits
- Garlic bread or rolls
- Creamy coleslaw
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fried okra
- Potato salad
With so many delicious options, you’ll find the perfect sides for your chicken and gravy. This will make a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your homemade chicken and gravy. By following simple guidelines, your leftovers will stay fresh and tasty.
First, store the chicken and gravy separately. Put the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to 3 days. Store the gravy in a separate airtight container too, and keep it in the fridge for the same time.
To reheat, the microwave is quick and easy. Add a bit of water to the gravy to make it smooth again. Heat the chicken and gravy separately. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For longer storage, freeze both chicken and gravy for up to 3 months. But, the texture might change after thawing and reheating. Try to use your frozen leftovers within the recommended time.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade chicken and gravy for days. You won’t have to worry about quality or safety.
| Storage Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover Chicken | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 months |
| Leftover Gravy | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 months |
Common Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Results
Getting the perfect chicken and gravy at home can be a challenge. But, with some troubleshooting tips, you can achieve restaurant-quality results. These tips will help you fix lumpy gravy, adjust thickness, and season it just right.
Fixing Lumpy Gravy
Don’t worry if your gravy is a bit lumpy. There are simple ways to fix it. First, pour the gravy through a fine strainer to remove any lumps. You can also use an immersion blender to make it smooth.
Adjusting Thickness and Seasoning
If your gravy is too thin, just cook it for a bit longer. This will help it thicken up. For a faster solution, stir in a cornstarch mixture until it’s the right consistency.
If it’s too thick, whisk in some stock or milk to thin it out. When seasoning, taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs. This ensures the flavours match the chicken perfectly.
For slow cooker recipes with frozen chicken, you might need to thicken the gravy more. These tips will help you make the perfect chicken and gravy every time.
Conclusion
Homemade chicken and gravy is a comfort food classic. It’s delicious and satisfying for the whole family. You can choose between a traditional pan-fried version or a slow-cooked one. This dish can be made to fit your taste.
You can make your chicken and gravy even better by learning to make restaurant-quality gravy from scratch. The right techniques and ingredients are key. This guide will show you how to get that rich, velvety texture and bold flavours.
Why not make homemade chicken and gravy tonight? Serve it with your favourite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttermilk biscuits. With some practice, you’ll make chicken and gravy that’s as good as any restaurant’s, right in your kitchen.