This Comforting Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is like a warm hug on a plate! Juicy pieces of chicken are cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for any day!
When I make this dish, the aroma draws everyone to the kitchen. I love to serve it over mashed potatoes or rice—because who can resist that delicious gravy? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are my favorite for this recipe they stay juicy and flavorful. If you prefer, drumsticks or breasts will work too, just adjust the cooking time.
Flour: This helps thicken the gravy. If you need a gluten-free option, use cornstarch mixed with water as a substitute—just add it later in the cooking.
Chicken Broth: Low sodium is best to control salt levels. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. If you don’t have broth, water works but won’t have much flavor. Adding some extra herbs can help!
Whole Milk or Cream: I love using cream for richness, but whole milk works well too for a lighter version. You could also use plant-based milk, but make sure it’s unsweetened to avoid a flavor clash.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken Skin?
Getting that crispy skin is easier than you might think! Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry chicken; pat it down with paper towels.
- Season with salt and pepper generously to help flavor and moisture.
- Heat your oil well before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the skin.
- Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, cook in batches to maintain the heat.
Cooking until the skin is golden brown gives you that satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken tender inside. Trust me, it’s worth the extra time to get it right!
Comforting Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or preferred chicken pieces)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. The end result is a delightful, hearty meal perfect for comforting any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This step helps ensure they get nice and crispy. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
2. Dredging the Chicken:
Next, lightly coat the chicken in 1 tablespoon of flour, shaking off any excess. This will help to thicken the gravy later and give a crispy exterior to the chicken.
3. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces skin-side down and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip them to brown the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
4. Making the Gravy Base:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, toss in the chopped onions. Cook until they become soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant!
5. Thicken the Gravy:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a roux. This will help thicken your gravy nicely!
6. Adding the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Add the dried thyme and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it thick it up for about 3-5 minutes.
7. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the milk or cream, and then return the chicken pieces along with any juices back to the pan. Cover and let it simmer gently over low heat for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
8. Final Seasoning and Serving:
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley if desired, over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered noodles for that comforting homestyle feel!
FAQ for Comforting Homestyle Chicken and Gravy
Can I Use Boneless Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer. Just reduce the cooking time a bit, as boneless pieces will cook faster—about 15-20 minutes should suffice.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream or Milk?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have a dairy-free requirement, you can substitute the cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor, so add seasonings to taste!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave while adding a splash of broth or water to maintain the gravy’s creamy consistency.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and gravy! Just let it cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop.
