Savory Chicken in Gravy is a comforting dish that brings the rich flavors of well-seasoned chicken and a thick, savory gravy to your dinner table. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners at home. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation method, you can enjoy a hearty meal that your family and friends will love.
Why We Love This Savory Chicken in Gravy Recipe
This Savory Chicken in Gravy recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, the combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and creamy gravy creates a taste experience that is both satisfying and delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds. Moreover, this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even crusty bread, it complements numerous sides effortlessly. Plus, this recipe allows you to modify the flavors to your personal taste, enabling you to experiment with different herbs and spices.
Ingredients about Savory Chicken in Gravy
For this savory dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken (breasts or thighs): 2 pounds
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion (chopped): 1 medium
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
- Chicken broth: 2 cups
- Soy sauce: ¼ cup
- Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Herbs (thyme or rosemary): 1 teaspoon
- Mashed potatoes or rice (for serving): As desired
How to Make Savory Chicken in Gravy Directions
Preparing Savory Chicken in Gravy is straightforward and quick. Start by gathering your ingredients and a large skillet. Heat the olive oil over medium heat; this sets the stage for delicious flavors. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant, which will take around 3-4 minutes. This initial step builds a wonderful foundation for your gravy.
Next, it’s time to add the chicken. You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and brown them on all sides. This process locks in the juices and enhances the flavors. Once the chicken has a golden exterior, sprinkle flour over the chicken. Mixing it well with the chicken and cooking a minute longer helps to create a roux, which thickens your gravy later.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce, stirring continuously. This constant stirring is key to ensuring that the mixture thickens evenly without lumps. After a few minutes of cooking, you will notice the gravy starting to come together. Season your dish with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs (thyme or rosemary). These herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish, making each bite delightful.
Allow the chicken to simmer in the gravy for about 20-30 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken is cooked through and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the gravy. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once everything is perfectly cooked, you can remove the skillet from heat and prepare to serve.
How to Serve Savory Chicken in Gravy
When it comes to serving your Savory Chicken in Gravy, there are several fantastic options. The most popular accompaniments are mashed potatoes or rice, which serve as a perfect base to soak up the rich gravy. For mashed potatoes, consider whipping them with a bit of butter and cream for extra creaminess. When nicely plated, spoon generous amounts of gravy over the chicken and the potatoes or rice to let those delightful flavors meld together.
You might also think about adding a side of green vegetables, like steamed broccoli or green beans, to balance out the meal. The savory goodness of the chicken pairs wonderfully with fresh greens, introducing more texture and flavors to the dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds color and a hint of freshness that elevates the entire presentation.
Expert Tips: Savory Chicken in Gravy
While this recipe is simple, there are a few expert tips that can enhance your Savory Chicken in Gravy. First, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If your skillet is too full, the chicken will steam rather than brown, affecting the overall flavor. It’s better to cook in batches if you have more chicken than fits comfortably in the skillet.
Another tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief pause allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in more tender chicken. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the gravy while cooking. For additional layers of flavor, you can incorporate mushrooms or bell peppers into your onion and garlic sauté step.
Lastly, always taste your gravy before serving and adjust seasoning as necessary. Perhaps it needs a bit more salt, or maybe a splash more soy sauce for that umami kick. Small adjustments can make a big difference in the final flavor profile of your dish.
How to Store Savory Chicken in Gravy
Storing leftovers from your Savory Chicken in Gravy is easy and can help you enjoy the flavors later. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. Your chicken and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to eliminate as much air as possible. Frozen Savory Chicken in Gravy will maintain its quality for up to three months. When ready to serve, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the stovetop or microwave, stirring well to recombine the gravy.
Variation of Savory Chicken in Gravy
There are countless ways to modify your Savory Chicken in Gravy recipe, making it even more suited to your taste preferences. For a citrusy twist, you can add a bit of lemon juice or zest to the gravy. This addition will brighten up the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
If you’re a fan of creamier gravies, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking. This will give you an ultra-smooth gravy that pairs magnificently with whatever side you choose to serve. For a robust flavor, adding a teaspoon of mustard can heighten the taste and introduce an exciting complexity.
For those looking to incorporate more vegetables, diced carrots, peas, or even corn can be added during the simmering stage. Not only will this make your dish more colorful, but it will also introduce extra nutrition to your meal. Whether you prefer classic flavors or experimenting with bold new additions, the versatility of this recipe makes it easy to tailor it to your liking.
FAQ about Savory Chicken in Gravy
What kind of chicken can I use for Savory Chicken in Gravy?
You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while breasts are leaner. Choose based on your preference.
Can I make Savory Chicken in Gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze it for long-term storage.
What can I serve with Savory Chicken in Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Adding a side of vegetables enhances the meal’s balance and nutrition.
How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?
If you find your gravy is too thin, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy while it simmers until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
This Savory Chicken in Gravy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, bringing comfort and warmth to your dining table with every flavorful bite.
Savory Chicken in Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken (breasts or thighs) Choose your preferred cut
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For cooking
- 1 medium Onion (chopped) Adds flavor base
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Enhances flavor
- 2 cups Chicken broth For the gravy
- ¼ cup Soy sauce Adds umami flavor
- 2 tablespoons Flour For thickening the gravy
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
- ½ teaspoon Pepper To taste
- 1 teaspoon Herbs (thyme or rosemary) For flavor
Serving Suggestions
- As desired Mashed potatoes or rice For serving alongside the chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and a large skillet.
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté until soft and fragrant (3-4 minutes).
Cooking
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet and brown on all sides.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken, mix well, and cook for an additional minute.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth and soy sauce while stirring continuously.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Allow to simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F).
Serving
- Serve the chicken with generous amounts of gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Consider adding a side of green vegetables and sprinkling chopped parsley on top.
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