Pan Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy

Introduction

Pan-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy is a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts with a rich, velvety cream gravy. This classic recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, offering a delicious balance of savory flavors and creamy textures. The chicken is seasoned and pan-fried to perfection, then topped with a flavorful gravy made from the pan drippings, chicken broth, and heavy cream. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that can be made in just over 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

What You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

To prepare this delicious Pan-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Large skillet: For frying the chicken and making the cream gravy.
  • Shallow dish: For dredging the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture.
  • Tongs or spatula: For handling the chicken breasts during cooking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Whisk: For stirring the gravy to ensure it’s smooth and lump-free.

Key Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, providing a juicy and tender base for the dish.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, creating a crispy coating.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall depth of flavor in the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a beautiful color to the chicken.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in the chicken and gravy.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for frying the chicken, giving it a crispy, golden-brown crust.
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the gravy and helps sauté the garlic.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the gravy with a rich, savory aroma.
  • 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the gravy, adding depth and flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety texture in the gravy.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the gravy.
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a hint of herbal freshness to the gravy.

Ingredient Preparation

Proper preparation of the ingredients ensures that the chicken is crispy and flavorful, and the gravy is smooth and rich.

Preparing the Chicken

  1. Dredge the Chicken Breasts: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. This seasoned flour mixture creates a flavorful, crispy crust when the chicken is pan-fried.
  2. Prepare the Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sear the chicken quickly, creating a golden-brown crust while keeping the interior juicy and tender.

Instructions

Cooking the Chicken

  1. Pan-Fry the Chicken: Add the dredged chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures the chicken is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Making the Cream Gravy

  1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Sautéing the garlic in the pan drippings adds a rich, savory base to the gravy.
  2. Deglaze the Skillet: Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add flavor to the gravy, making it more complex and delicious. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
  3. Add the Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The cream and seasonings transform the pan drippings into a rich, velvety gravy that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.

Finishing the Dish

  1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cream gravy over them. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.
  2. Serve the Dish: Serve the pan-fried chicken with cream gravy hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The creamy gravy adds richness and flavor to the crispy chicken, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Serving

Pan-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy is best served immediately after cooking to enjoy the crispy chicken and warm, creamy gravy at their best. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or buttered noodles, which can soak up the delicious gravy. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or any occasion where you want to serve a special, home-cooked meal.

Storage

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the gravy needs loosening. Be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating to maintain its tenderness.

Variations

Customizing Your Chicken Dish

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit different tastes:

  • Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
  • Cheesy Gravy: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the gravy for an extra rich and cheesy sauce.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a bit of heat.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs, but the cooking time will be longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, though the gravy will be less rich. You may need to add a bit more flour to thicken the sauce if using milk.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop when ready to serve. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.

What other sides go well with this dish?

Besides mashed potatoes and vegetables, you can serve this dish with rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complement the richness of the gravy.

Conclusion

Pan-Fried Chicken with Cream Gravy is a classic, comforting dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with a rich and creamy gravy. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any night of the week, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With its simple preparation and indulgent flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it today and enjoy the comforting, home-cooked taste of pan-fried chicken with a decadent cream gravy!

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