Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy

why make this recipe

This recipe gives you juicy baked chicken with a simple, creamy gravy. It uses few ingredients and cooks in one dish. You get a warm, home-style meal that fits weeknights or a small family dinner.

introduction

Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort dish. You brown the chicken, make a quick gravy from the pan, then bake everything until the chicken is tender. The gravy soaks into the chicken and gives a rich, homey flavor.

how to make Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy

You brown chicken pieces in a skillet, cook onions and garlic, stir in flour, and add broth and milk to make gravy. Put the browned chicken in a baking dish, pour the gravy over it, add thyme, cover, and bake until cooked through.

Ingredients :

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
7. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens.
8. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the gravy mixture over it.
9. Sprinkle thyme on top.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
11. Serve hot with rice or mashed potatoes.

how to serve Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy

Serve this dish hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. Add a green vegetable or a simple salad on the side. For more side ideas, see simple chicken side dishes.

how to store Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy

• Cool the chicken and gravy to room temperature before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
• To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring until warm. Add a splash of broth or milk if the gravy is too thick.

tips to make Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy

• Brown the chicken well for better color and flavor.
• Stir the flour into the onion and garlic so the gravy cooks without lumps.
• Pour liquids slowly and stir to keep the gravy smooth.
• Use a meat thermometer — chicken is done at 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking so juices settle.

variation (if any)

• Use only thighs for more moist meat, or only breasts for leaner meat.
• Add sliced mushrooms to the gravy for more flavor.
• Stir in a little heavy cream instead of milk for richer gravy.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for a mild kick.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw the chicken fully before cooking. Frozen chicken will not brown or bake evenly.

Q: Can I make the gravy thicker?
A: Yes. Mix a little extra flour with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the simmering gravy until it reaches the thickness you like.

Q: Can I skip browning the chicken?
A: You can, but browning adds flavor and better texture. The dish will still work without it, but it will be less rich.

Q: How long can I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat leftovers within 3 to 4 days if stored in the fridge. Heat until steaming hot throughout.

Conclusion

If you want another easy method, try this Homemade Baked Chicken and Gravy Recipe | I Heart Recipes for a similar take. For a southern-style version with extra tips, see Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy | Butter Your Biscuit.

Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy

A comforting dish featuring juicy baked chicken smothered in a simple, creamy gravy, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts You can use only thighs for moist meat or only breasts for leaner meat.
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk Alternatively, use heavy cream for a richer gravy.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Stir into the onion and garlic for smooth gravy.
• 1 piece onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme Can use fresh thyme for better flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken, and cook until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
7. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring to avoid lumps, until the mixture thickens.

Baking

1. Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the gravy mixture over it.
2. Sprinkle thyme on top.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Serving

1. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles with a side of green vegetables or a salad.

Notes

Cool the chicken and gravy to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently and add broth or milk for thicker gravy.