Pic Credit: familyfoodonthetable
Chicken and gravy are always something that warms up the dining table because of its comforting nature. This simple chicken and gravy recipe is for those busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you want a hearty meal. Tender chicken, smothered in rich, savory gravy paired with homemade mashed potatoes or rice, goes right on. Now, let’s discuss step by step how you will prepare this dish at home.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
To make this delightful Chicken and Gravy Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter (for richness)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the gravy)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for a savory base)
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for herbal notes)
- Salt and pepper
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are thick, it would be a good idea to slice them in half or pound them out to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and that the chicken does not dry out.
- Season Generously: Do not be stingy when seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. It gives more flavor to the overall dish.
- Meat Thermometer: You have to ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, also you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Chicken and Gravy Recipe: Easy and Delicious
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Choosing Chicken: For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can use thighs also if you want a much richer flavor. Times of cooking change.
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Homemade Broth: Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor. If store-bought, use low-sodium versions so that you have more control over the overall saltiness of your dish.
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Thickening Gravy: If you prefer your gravy to be even thicker, you can easily increase the level of flour in the making of the roux, or you may simply let it simmer longer until the gravy reduces.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Preparing the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally, if they are whole. This will make thinner cutlets that will help in cooking them faster and more evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels.
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Seasoning the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder-liberally. This helps to put flavor into the meat.
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Dredge Chicken: Dredge the chicken in flour, shaking off excess. This will help build a good crust when seared.
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Sear the Chicken: Using a large skillet, place the olive oil in it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Take the chicken out from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
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Prepare the Gravy: Put the skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt. When melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This helps get rid of the raw taste of the flour.
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Add Broth: Whisk in gradually the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps occur. Whisk smoothly. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme. Let gravy simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reaching desired thickness.
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Combine Chicken and Gravy: Add the browned chicken back into the skillet, coating with the gravy. Simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing flavors to marry. If the gravy becomes too thick, go ahead and thin it to desired consistency with some chicken broth.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Slow Cooker Option: If desired, make it completely hands-off by using your slow cooker. Season and sear the chicken as instructed above, then place it in the slow cooker with the ingredients for the gravy. Let cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and falls apart easily.
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Shredded Chicken Version: If you like your chicken to be shredded, after cooking the chicken breasts in the gravy until tender, use two forks to shred. Then add the shredded chicken back into the gravy for a good meal.
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Oven-baked: To oven bake, brown the chicken in a proper oven-safe skillet; then pour the gravy over the chicken, placing it into a preheated oven at 350°F or 175°C for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken has fully cooked.
EQUIPMENT
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Large skillet
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Meat mallet or rolling pin
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Whisk
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Plate for resting chicken
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top of the chicken and gravy for color and freshness.
Side Dishes: Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits for them to soak up all that wonderful gravy.
Add Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, a side of steamed green beans, corn, or even a salad can help cut the richness of the gravy.
Are you looking for another chicken cutlets dish? Italian Chicken Cutlets Recipe: Crispy & Delicious is a flavorful twist!