Crispy, peppered chicken, slow-simmered in a luscious golden pan gravy. This dish isn’t just a meal it’s comfort on many levels.

Featured Standouts

Drumsticks

While any chicken piece can be used, drumsticks are the unsung heroes of this recipe. Their inherent flavor, combined with their budget-friendly nature, makes them ideal for slow simmering. As they cook, the bone marrow infuses the gravy with an unparalleled richness, contributing to the dish’s signature depth. The skin, when properly rendered and crisped, adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender meat.

Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is more than just a spicy kick. It is the secret ingredient that brings the quintessential Southern “zing” to the gravy. It doesn’t overpower. Instead, it brightens the rich flavors. It adds a subtle tang and warmth that ties all the components together. Its role is to enhance, not to dominate.

Butter + Flour (The Roux)

The foundation of any classic, silky Southern gravy is a well-made roux. This simple mixture of butter and flour is cooked until golden brown. It provides both the thickening power and a nutty depth of flavor. These elements are essential to the dish. It transforms ordinary pan drippings into a luxurious, smooth sauce. The sauce coats every piece of chicken. It begs to be sopped up with a biscuit.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST SOUTHERN CHICKEN AND GRAVY

Gluten-Free? No Problem

For those with dietary restrictions, achieving that classic gravy texture is still within reach. Simply substitute rice flour for traditional all-purpose flour when making your roux. The result will be a beautifully thickened gravy without compromising on flavor or consistency.

For a Lighter Gravy

The traditional gravy is rich and hearty. You can lighten it slightly by substituting a portion of the water with chicken broth. This adds another layer of chicken flavor while maintaining a delicious, less heavy consistency. Experiment with the ratio to find your preferred balance.

Reheat Gently

To preserve the silky-smooth texture of your gravy, reheat leftovers gently over low heat. If the gravy appears too thick or has separated slightly, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This can help refresh and re-emulsify it. It will bring the gravy back to its original glory. Avoid high heat, which can cause the gravy to become greasy or curdle.

Inclusive Adaptations

For Easier Cutting and Less Resistance

Opt for boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in drumsticks. The absence of bones makes the chicken much easier to cut and eat. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may find navigating around bones challenging.

For Limited Hand Mobility

To make preparation more accessible, use pre-trimmed chicken pieces available at most grocery stores. Alternatively, kitchen shears can be a game-changer. They allow for effortless cutting of chicken into smaller, manageable portions. You don’t need traditional knives, which can require more dexterity.

To Reduce Standing Time

If prolonged standing is a concern, the gravy can be prepared separately in advance. Cook the chicken as desired, and then simply add the cooked chicken to the pre-made gravy at the end. This allows for a more flexible and less physically demanding cooking process, breaking it down into manageable stages.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Skillet or sauté pan

whisk

tongs

mixing spoon.

SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO

Strawberry Coleslaw

Cucumber Vinaigrette

Griddle Pork chops and Onions

ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH

Grilled Garlic Parmesan Oysters

One-Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks & Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Cajun Barbecue Crab Legs

Recipe

Southern Chicken & Gravy

Crispy, peppered chicken, slow-simmered in a luscious golden pan gravy—this dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an embrace of Southern comfort at its purest. Every forkful delivers a harmonious balance of rich, savory, and spicy-smooth flavors, making it a beloved staple in homes across the South and beyond. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor achieved through time-honored cooking techniques.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb chicken drumsticks skin removed
• 1 Tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 onion diced
• 6 garlic cloves minced
• 2 Tbsp salt
• 2 Tbsp black pepper
• 1 Tbsp hot sauce
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 Tbsp butter
• 3 cups water

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and bouillon.
2. In a skillet, melt butter, add flour, and whisk until golden.
3. Slowly add water to make gravy base.
4. Add onion, garlic, and hot sauce; simmer.
5. Add chicken, cover, and cook until tender and gravy thickens, about 45 minutes.

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