Few things compare to the hearty satisfaction of a homemade chicken and gravy recipe. This dish is both delicious and comforting, making it perfect for family meals or cozy nights at home. The creamy, flavorful gravy combined with tender shredded chicken is a match made in culinary heaven. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this dish and suggest internal linking opportunities from relevant content at Avery Recipes to enhance your recipe journey.
Why Make Chicken and Gravy at Home?
Homemade chicken and gravy offers a depth of flavor that is hard to replicate with store-bought options. You can control the ingredients, adjusting for flavor and dietary needs. Plus, this is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, this recipe is versatile and easy to make.
There are other reasons why making your own chicken and gravy can be superior. For one, you get to enjoy the freshness of homemade food, and you can tailor the recipe based on what you have available in your pantry. Whether it’s the butter or the type of chicken broth you use, everything can be customized to your preference.
If you’re looking for other chicken-based dishes, you might enjoy this simple guide on how long to brine chicken, which can help make your chicken even more tender before adding it to your gravy. Brining is a technique that enhances the flavor and moisture of your meat, and it’s especially useful if you’re preparing this recipe with fresh chicken.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best chicken and gravy, you need simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups shredded chicken (leftover, rotisserie, or freshly cooked)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 cup flour (for thickening)
- 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to make a rich, flavorful gravy that complements the chicken perfectly. The addition of thyme infuses the dish with a fresh, herbal flavor that lifts the gravy from ordinary to exceptional. And don’t worry, if you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, dried thyme works just as well.
The beauty of this recipe is that it relies on pantry staples, which means you can whip it up without a trip to the store. And if you’re curious about other ways to cook your chicken, this resource on keeping thin chicken breasts moist is invaluable for ensuring juicy meat every time. You can apply this technique to your chicken and gravy recipe to make it even more succulent.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Gravy
Making chicken and gravy from scratch might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how to make it in five easy steps:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- If you’re using leftover chicken, simply shred it into bite-sized pieces. For fresh chicken, you can boil, roast, or pan-sear it until fully cooked, then shred. Set aside the shredded chicken while you prepare the gravy.
- You can also use rotisserie chicken from the store, which saves time and adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
2. Infuse the Butter with Thyme
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the thyme sprigs and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Remove the thyme, leaving any loose leaves in the butter.
- The thyme adds a subtle, fresh flavor to the gravy that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter and the chicken.
3. Make the Roux
- Once the butter is infused with the thyme, stir in the flour to make a roux. A roux is simply a mixture of fat and flour used to thicken sauces and gravies. Cook the roux for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown. This step helps remove the raw flour taste.
- The roux is essential for giving the gravy its smooth, velvety texture.
4. Add the Chicken Broth
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Start with a small amount of broth and whisk vigorously to create a smooth mixture, then add the remaining broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken into a smooth gravy.
- Keep whisking to avoid any lumps and to ensure the gravy is creamy and consistent. The key here is patience, adding the broth slowly and whisking thoroughly will give you the best results.
5. Season and Combine
- Once the gravy has thickened, season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional). Stir in the shredded chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully heated through.
- The seasoning can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you like a bit more garlic or pepper, feel free to add more.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about chicken and gravy is its versatility. You can serve it in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some popular serving suggestions:
- Over mashed potatoes: This is the classic combination that never fails. The creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base for the rich, flavorful gravy.
- With rice: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the chicken and gravy over steamed rice. The rice absorbs the gravy, making each bite full of flavor.
- Over pasta: For a twist on the traditional dish, try serving the chicken and gravy over pasta. Wide egg noodles work particularly well, but you can use any type of pasta you like.
If you’re looking to pair this dish with a starchy side, consider making these twice-baked mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent meal. Twice-baked potatoes are creamy on the inside with a crispy, golden crust on the outside, making them the perfect accompaniment to this rich dish.
Add Some Vegetables
For a more balanced meal, consider adding some vegetables to your chicken and gravy dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Sautéed mushrooms: Add them to the gravy for an earthy, savory flavor.
- Peas: Stir them in at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve the chicken and gravy alongside roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Variations on Chicken and Gravy
While the classic version of chicken and gravy is always a hit, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
1. Adding Vegetables
If you want to make the dish a bit heartier and more nutritious, consider adding vegetables. Some great options include:
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor to the gravy.
- Onions: Caramelized onions provide a sweet contrast to the savory gravy.
- Peas: Stir in some peas at the end for a pop of color and sweetness.
Adding vegetables not only boosts the nutritional content of the dish but also enhances its flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have in the fridge.
2. Trying Different Herbs
While thyme is the traditional herb used in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other herbs based on your preference. Here are a few ideas:
- Rosemary: Adds a piney, aromatic flavor that pairs well with chicken.
- Sage: Brings a warm, slightly peppery flavor to the dish.
- Parsley: A mild herb that adds a touch of freshness and color.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs to create your own version of chicken and gravy.
3. Using Different Meats
Although chicken is the star of this recipe, you can use other meats as well. For example:
- Turkey: A great option if you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal.
- Beef: Swap out the chicken for shredded beef to create a heartier, more robust dish.
If you’re in the mood for something different, check out this chicken pot pie pasta recipe for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
Storing and Reheating Chicken and Gravy Recipe
One of the best things about the chicken and gravy recipe is that it stores and reheats beautifully. This makes the chicken and gravy recipe a great option for meal prep or for enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers from Your Chicken and Gravy Recipe
If you have any leftovers from your chicken and gravy recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken and gravy recipe will stay fresh and delicious, and the flavors will even deepen as they sit.
Reheating Your Chicken and Gravy Recipe
To reheat the chicken and gravy recipe, place it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the stovetop method is preferable for maintaining the best texture and flavor of the chicken and gravy recipe. For additional tips on how to properly reheat leftover chicken while keeping it moist, check out this guide on reheating leftover chicken.
FAQs
Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy a day in advance. Reheat it on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture. If it thickens too much, add a little extra chicken broth to loosen it up.
Yes, chicken and gravy freeze well. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. If the gravy is too thick after reheating, simply add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, you can use vegetable broth or a bouillon cube dissolved in water as a substitute. Either option will still provide the depth of flavor needed for the gravy.
You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. To use cornstarch, dissolve 2 tablespoons in a small amount of cold water before adding it to the hot gravy. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
Chicken and gravy will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness.
While this recipe is designed for chicken, you can easily substitute turkey or beef if you prefer. The cooking process remains the same, and both meats will work well with the rich, flavorful gravy.
Conclusion
Making chicken and gravy from scratch is easier than you might think, and the result is a comforting, flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your own variations to make it truly yours!
For more recipe ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out Avery Recipes. From simple chicken dishes to indulgent desserts, you’ll find plenty of delicious meals to try.