Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the heart of Southern comfort food with this irresistible Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy recipe! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken thighs nestled in a rich, creamy gravy that will make your taste buds dance with pure Southern delight. Whether you're craving a homestyle meal that reminds you of grandma's cooking or looking to impress your dinner guests with a classic Southern dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Take each chicken thigh and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the coated chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Once the chicken is browned, carefully flip the thighs over and cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and milk, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits into the gravy.
- Bring the broth and milk mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for about 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up in the gravy. Spoon some of the gravy over the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve the Southern Baked Chicken and Gravy hot, spooning additional gravy over the chicken. Enjoy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or collard greens!
Tips
- For the crispiest chicken skin, make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before coating them in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it provides even heat distribution and helps create a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't skip the deglazing step! Those browned bits at the bottom of the skillet are packed with flavor and will make your gravy incredibly delicious.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- For extra richness, you can substitute some of the milk with heavy cream in the gravy.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the simmering liquid to create a more robust sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 130mg
