The Easy Chicken Rice and Gravy Recipe: A Delightful And Comforting Meal in Minutes

The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe is a classic comfort food everyone loves. This simple The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want a delicious meal for yourself, The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe is quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It’s a go-to meal when you’re looking for something easy yet hearty. Let me guide you through making The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups fresh chicken broth (or water with chicken bouillon)
• 1 packet of chicken gravy mix (or homemade gravy if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Guide to The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe

1. Prepare the Rice

Start by cooking the rice. Bring 2 cups of fresh chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the fresh rice and reduce the heat to low. Then cover it. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice becomes fully tender and all the liquid is absorbed. This is the base of The Easy Chicken Rice and Gravy Recipe. Once done, set the rice aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

While the rice is cooking, heat the fresh olive oil or butter in a large, clean skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with fresh salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Make the Gravy

Add the chopped fresh onion in the same skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the gravy mix to the pan, following the instructions on the packet. Add your prepared chicken gravy to the pan if you’re using homemade gravy. Stir carefully to combine, ensuring that there are no lumps. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.

4. Combine Chicken, Rice, and Gravy

Cut the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked rice to the skillet carefully with the gravy. Stir to combine the rice with the gravy, letting it soak up the flavors. Gently fold the chicken pieces, ensuring everything is coated with the savory sauce.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the rice, chicken, and gravy mixture into bowls. You may garnish with some parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe is warm, comforting, and ready to be enjoyed!

Serving and Enjoying The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe

To serve The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe, ladle a generous portion of the chicken, rice, and gravy mixture into each bowl. Be sure to get some of everything – tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich gravy. Encourage your guests or family members to savor each spoonful. The warmth and comfort of this meal are perfect for any time of the day, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a cozy evening at home.

Here are some Chef’s Tips for making your The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe even better

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick and easy, bone-in chicken (like thighs or drumsticks) can add extra flavor to your dish. The bones release more juices into the gravy, making it richer and more flavorful. After cooking the chicken, you can shred the meat or remove the bones before serving.

2. Brown the Chicken for a Richer Flavor

Brown the chicken on both sides before thoroughly cooking it for a richer flavor. Browning the chicken creates a caramelized crust that adds attractive flavor to the meat and the gravy. This step is the key to achieving a golden, savory dish.

3. Customize the Gravy with Fresh Herbs

While a pre-made gravy mix is quick and convenient, you can elevate the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Just chop them finely and stir them into the sauce while it simmers for an extra layer of flavor.

4. Make the Rice More Flavorful

Instead of cooking the rice in water or broth, infuse it with flavors by adding a bay leaf or a couple of whole garlic cloves while it cooks. This subtle infusion will make your rice extra tasty and elevate the entire dish.

5. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Overcooking the chicken can dry it out. Use an active meat thermometer to check for doneness and keep your chicken moist and tender. The internal temperature of the recipe should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet once it’s done to prevent it from drying out.

6. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet for Even Cooking

If you have one, use a cast-iron skillet to cook the chicken and gravy. Cast iron retains heat well, ensuring even cooking and a nice sear on the chicken. It also helps maintain the temperature when making the gravy so it thickens appropriately without burning.

7. Add a Splash of some fresh Cream for a Richer Gravy

For an extra creamy, smooth gravy, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking. It will give the gravy a velvety texture and richer flavor without overwhelming the dish.

8. Control the Salt with Broth

Be mindful of the salt content if you’re using store-bought chicken broth. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the seasoning of the gravy. You can always add more fresh salt to taste later, but it’s harder to fix if the dish becomes too salty.

9. Let the Gravy Simmer

Don’t rush the gravy. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes after you add the gravy mix or homemade base. This will allow the attractive flavors to meld together, and the gravy will thicken to the right consistency.

10. Garnish for a Fresh Touch

Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions just before serving. This adds color, freshness, and a slight crunch to balance the richness of the chicken, rice, and gravy.

Bonus Tip: Serve with a Side Salad or Steamed Veggies

Though The Easy Chicken Rice and Gravy Recipe is hearty, serving it with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad will add a fresh contrast to the dish’s richness, making it a more balanced meal.

With these chef’s tips, you can elevate your The Easy Chicken Rice and Gravy Recipe to the next level, ensuring a flavorful, satisfying, and professional-quality meal every time!

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown for The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe. The exact nutritional values will depend on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Based on four servings (adjustments can be made based on specific portion sizes)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 35-40g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 1-2g
• Fat: 12-15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-5g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 6-8g
• Cholesterol: 70-80mg
• Sodium: 600-700mg (varies depending on broth and gravy mix used)
• Potassium: 300-400mg
• Calcium: 30-50mg
• Iron: 2-3mg

Breakdown by Ingredient:

1. Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast)
   • Calories: ~165 per 4 oz (113g)
   • Protein: ~31g
   • Fat: ~4g (leaner compared to thighs)
   • Sodium: ~60-80mg (without added salt)
2. Rice (Long-Grain White)
   • Calories: ~205 per cup (cooked)
   • Carbohydrates: ~45g
   • Protein: ~4g
   • Fiber: ~1g
3. Chicken Broth (Low-Sodium)
   • Calories: ~10 per cup
   • Sodium: ~300mg (for low-sodium options)
4. Gravy Mix (Store-Bought)
   • Calories: ~50-80 per serving (depending on the brand)
   • Sodium: ~300-400mg (check label for specific sodium content)
   • Fat: ~2-4g (depending on the brand)
5. Olive Oil or Butter (for cooking)
   • Calories (Olive Oil): ~120 per tablespoon
   • Fat (Olive Oil): ~14g (with 2g of saturated fat)
   • Sodium: ~0mg
6. Onion (1 medium)
   • Calories: ~45
   • Carbs: ~11g
   • Fiber: ~2g
7. Seasoning (Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper)
   • Calories: Negligible
   • Sodium: Varies based on the salt used

Nutrition Tips for Adjustments

• For Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and a reduced-sodium gravy mix or make homemade gravy.
• For a Healthier Fat Profile, Consider using olive oil instead of fresh butter or cooking spray to reduce saturated fat.
• For More Fiber: Swap white rice for brown rice or a mixture of fresh rice and quinoa for added fiber and protein.

Here are some related recipe names that could complement or serve as alternatives to the Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
2. Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Rice
3. One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Vegetables
4. Southern-Style Chicken and Gravy with Rice
5. Garlic Butter Chicken with Rice
6. Chicken and Rice in Creamy Herb Sauce
7. Chicken and Rice with Lemon and Herbs
8. Chicken and Rice Skillet with Gravy
9. Baked Chicken and Rice with Gravy
10. Simple Chicken and Rice with Garlic Parmesan Gravy

These related recipes focus on variations of chicken and rice dishes, offering different flavor profiles, methods of preparation, and additional ingredients like vegetables, herbs, or creamy sauces. They could be great alternatives or additions to your recipe collection!

FAQ for The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe is an unbeatable comfort food that’s simple to prepare yet packed with flavor. You can create a meal that’s filling and satisfying for the whole family using essential ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, this delicious Chicken dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try The Easy Chicken Rice And Gravy Recipe today and enjoy the tasty, delightful, and warm savory goodness!