Southern-Style Chicken Gravy
This Southern-Style Chicken Gravy offers a rich, savory sauce with tender fried chicken, sautéed onions, and mushrooms, perfect for comforting family dinners. Its creamy mushroom flavor pairs beautifully with rice pilaf, making it a hearty, satisfying meal suitable for casual gatherings or weeknight comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions and drained sliced mushrooms in margarine until golden.
- Stir in cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, mushroom liquid, thyme, and pepper.
- Add frozen fully cooked fried chicken to the mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish.
- Serve the chicken and gravy over rice pilaf.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you prefer a healthier option, swap out the margarine for olive oil. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version using fresh mushrooms and cream for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken can be used as an alternative to the frozen fried chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern-Style Chicken Gravy over rice pilaf for a comforting meal. For added flavor, consider pairing it with steamed vegetables like green beans or a fresh salad. This dish also pairs beautifully with Garlic Sauced Chicken, making for a delightful, hearty dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much. You can also microwave in a covered dish, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern-Style Chicken Gravy contains roughly 531 calories, with 54g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (369% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (211% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1059mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken instead of frozen. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the gravy. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes of simmering should suffice depending on the size of the pieces.
What can I serve with this gravy?
This gravy is perfect over rice pilaf, but you can also try it with mashed potatoes or biscuits for a classic Southern experience. For a complete meal, add sides like collard greens or cornbread to enhance the flavor profile and texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gravy a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop. This method allows the flavors to meld even more, making the dish even tastier.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).