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Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

Classic Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Delight

Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, homestyle meal that brings everyone together. The Classic Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Delight is one such dish that embodies the essence of home cooking with its rich flavors, tender chicken, and savory gravy, all made with everyday ingredients that are easily accessible. This recipe is not only a testament to the simplicity and elegance of traditional cooking but also a versatile canvas that allows for creativity and personal touches, making it a perfect fit for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish promises to delight with its ease of preparation, impressive results, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

Why This Works

  • Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of herbs, spices, and the natural flavors of the chicken and vegetables creates a balanced and satisfying taste experience. Moreover, the ingredients are common and can be found in most supermarkets, making this dish highly accessible.
  • Ease of preparation: The steps involved in preparing the Classic Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Delight are straightforward and easy to follow, requiring minimal culinary expertise. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a stress-free cooking experience.
  • Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers impressive results. The presentation, coupled with the aromatic and flavorful outcome, makes it a standout for any occasion, all achieved with surprisingly minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  2. Step 2: Dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary, then sprinkle the additional 2 tablespoons of flour to make the roux for the gravy. Whisk continuously over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture is lightly browned and has a nutty aroma. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it thickens into a rich gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: To serve, place a chicken breast on each plate and spoon the warm gravy over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for a fresh and appealing presentation.

Handy Tips

  • For an extra crispy coating on the chicken, you can chill the floured chicken breasts in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating adhere better.
  • When making the gravy, it’s crucial to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do encounter lumps, try whisking in a small amount of hot water or broth to smooth out the gravy.
  • Consider using homemade chicken broth for the gravy for an even more robust flavor. Simply simmer chicken bones in water with some vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, then strain and use the broth.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right heat is key to cooking the chicken evenly and preventing it from burning. For the initial browning, medium-high heat is ideal. However, once you add the gravy ingredients, reducing the heat to medium-low can help prevent the gravy from boiling too vigorously and becoming too thick. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish primarily comes from the crispy exterior of the chicken breasts, achieved by dredging them in flour and then searing them in a hot skillet. To enhance this crunch, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in a softer coating. For an extra crunchy coating, you can also try adding some panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

  • One of the most useful tricks in making a delicious gravy is to not discard the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan after cooking the chicken. These bits are packed with flavor and can be easily loosened with a bit of liquid (broth or wine) and then incorporated into the gravy for added depth of flavor.
  • For easier cleanup, line your skillet with aluminum foil before cooking, especially when making the gravy. This can help contain any spills and make washing up much simpler.

Storage Tips

  • Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store them separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy. When reheating, you can simply place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through, and reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally.
  • For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked chicken and gravy separately. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 4 months, and frozen gravy can last for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed above.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While the Classic Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Delight is typically served as a main course, components of the dish can be gifted, especially the homemade gravy or chicken broth. Consider packaging these in decorative jars or containers, tied with a ribbon and accompanied by a handwritten recipe card or a set of instructions for use. For a more substantial gift, you could prepare the entire dish, portion it into individual servings, and freeze them, providing a thoughtful and ready-to-eat meal for friends or family in need.

Flavor Variations

  • Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or smoked paprika to give your chicken a unique flavor profile.
  • Creative toppings: Once the chicken is cooked, consider adding some creative toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of grated cheese to enhance the flavor and presentation.
  • Ingredient swaps: For a healthier version, you could swap the butter for a lighter oil or use gluten-free flour for the coating. Additionally, using different types of protein like pork chops or turkey breasts can offer a nice variation to the classic chicken recipe.

Troubleshooting

  • Texture problems: If your gravy turns out too thick, whisk in a bit of hot water or broth. If it’s too thin, try whisking in a small amount of flour or cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it without creating lumps.
  • Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of a particular spice or ingredient, don’t hesitate to substitute with something similar. For example, if you don’t have garlic powder, you could mince a fresh garlic clove and sauté it lightly before adding the flour for the gravy.
  • Over/undercooking signs: Ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. If the chicken is undercooked, it will feel soft and squishy to the touch, while overcooked chicken will be dry and hard. Adjust your cooking time as needed to achieve perfectly cooked chicken.

FAQs

  • Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both the cooked chicken and the gravy for later use. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready for a meal.
  • Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
  • Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe can be doubled or even tripled if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet to cook the chicken in batches if necessary, to prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

The Classic Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings people together with its comforting flavors and hearty portions. Whether you’re a fan of traditional cooking or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and techniques to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. The joy of cooking lies not just in the eating, but in the sharing and the love that goes into preparing each meal. So go ahead, get cooking, and enjoy the delight of a homemade meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Classic Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Delight

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken and a rich, savory gravy, made with everyday ingredients and simple cooking techniques.

⏱️ Prep Time
15m
🔥 Cook Time
30m
⏰ Total Time
45m
🍽️ Serves
4 servings

🥘 Ingredients

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1
    Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2
    Dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in flour, coating them evenly.
  3. 3
    Cook the chicken in a skillet with butter and olive oil until browned and cooked through.
  4. 4
    Make the gravy by whisking flour into the skillet, then gradually adding chicken broth and milk, cooking until thickened.
  5. 5
    Serve the chicken with the warm gravy spooned over the top, garnished with chopped parsley or thyme.

📊 Nutrition

Calories: 420 calories

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