This Creamy Chicken Gravy is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken with a velvety, rich gravy that’s full of flavor. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or warm biscuits, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal when you want something both indulgent and satisfying.
Key Information:
- Preparation time:
15 minutes
- Cooking time:
25 minutes
- Total time:
40 minutes
- Number of servings:
4
- Serving size:
About 1 cup
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories:
320 kcal
- Protein:
28g
- Carbohydrates:
10g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat:
9g
- Fiber:
1g
- Sodium:
600mg
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or
thighs, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 100g / 3.5 oz)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 500ml (2 cups) chicken broth
- 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon (15g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Method of Preparation:
- Sauté the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium
heat. Add the diced chicken, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and
cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the
chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the chopped onions
for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook
for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 2
minutes until the flour is lightly browned and well incorporated, forming
a roux.
- Add the Broth:
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid
lumps. Let the mixture come to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes until the
gravy thickens slightly.
- Incorporate the Cream:
Slowly stir in the heavy cream, followed by salt, pepper, paprika, and
thyme. Continue to simmer the gravy over medium-low heat for another 5 minutes
until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Return the Chicken:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat it in the
creamy gravy. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through
and the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with freshly chopped
parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a
comforting meal.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer a richer flavor, opt for chicken thighs
instead of breasts as they stay moist and tender.
- Control the Gravy Thickness: For a thicker gravy, let it simmer longer. If it's
too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra broth.
- Add Vegetables:
For a heartier meal, throw in some sautéed mushrooms or peas along with
the chicken.
- Season to Taste:
Always adjust salt and pepper levels at the end, as broth can vary in
saltiness.
- Make it Dairy-Free:
Substitute the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free
version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this gravy stores well in the fridge for up to 3
days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to
loosen it up if needed.
- Can I freeze the gravy? While you can freeze the gravy, be aware that the
texture of the cream may change slightly. Reheat slowly to maintain the
best consistency.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! If you have leftover chicken or rotisserie
chicken, simply shred it and add it to the gravy towards the end of
cooking.
- How do I make the gravy gluten-free? Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free
flour blend or use cornstarch (1 tablespoon mixed with cold water) as a
thickener.
- What can I serve this gravy with? This creamy chicken gravy is delicious over mashed
potatoes, steamed rice, or flaky biscuits. It also pairs well with roasted
vegetables or a side of crusty bread.
This Creamy Chicken Gravy is a warm
and satisfying dish that will fill your home with irresistible aromas. The
combination of tender chicken and rich gravy makes it a perfect choice for a
hearty dinner. Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the cozy,
comforting flavors of this classic recipe.