What’s the ultimate comfort food combo – is it chicken and rice smothered in a rich homemade gravy? This easy weeknight dinner staple is made with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a simple gravy recipe. Save this idea for a quick family favorite meal to try soon

Two Plates Filled with Chicken and Rice Covered in Gravy

Introduction

This classic comfort food dish is easier to make than you think, and the best part is, it uses everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and rich gravy is a match made in heaven, and with a few simple steps, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal prep master, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little comfort and joy to their meal routine. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of chicken and rice covered in gravy!

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This dish is all about balance, with the savory flavor of chicken and rice complemented by the rich, meaty flavor of the gravy. And the best part is, you can find all of the ingredients at your local grocery store, making it easy to whip up on a moment’s notice.
• Ease of preparation: One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, comforting meal on the table in no time. And because it’s so easy to make, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to spend more time relaxing and less time cooking.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite how easy it is to make, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and rich gravy is a classic for a reason, and with a few simple garnishes, you can make it look like a restaurant-quality meal.

Key Ingredients

So, what do you need to make this delicious dish? Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to get started: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 cups of uncooked white rice, 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 small onion, diced, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots, and 2 cups of gravy (you can use homemade or store-bought). You’ll also need some salt and pepper to taste, as well as any other seasonings you like. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite herbs and spices, or by using different types of protein or vegetables.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic, and season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, then add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Next, add the garlic, peas and carrots, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Step 3: While the rice is cooking, prepare the gravy. You can use homemade or store-bought gravy, whichever you prefer. If you’re using homemade, simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma, then gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking.
4. Step 4: To serve, slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the rice. Spoon the gravy over the top, then garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. You can also add some steamed vegetables or a side salad to round out the meal.

Handy Tips

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this recipe is to not overcook the chicken. You want it to be juicy and tender, not dry and tough. To avoid this, make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Another tip is to use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken broth and gravy. These are the foundation of the dish, and using low-quality ingredients can really affect the flavor. Look for broth and gravy that are low in sodium and made with wholesome ingredients, and don’t be afraid to add your own herbs and spices to give it an extra boost of flavor.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! You can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. Some other ingredients you might consider adding include diced bell peppers, chopped fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of grated cheese. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.

Heat Control

When it comes to cooking the chicken and rice, heat control is key. You want to cook the chicken over medium-high heat, so it gets a nice brown crust on the outside, but you also want to make sure it’s cooked through to a safe internal temperature. To do this, use a thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken, and make sure it reaches 165°F before removing it from the heat. For the rice, you want to cook it over low heat, so it simmers gently and absorbs all of the flavorful liquid. This will help the rice cook evenly and prevent it from becoming mushy or sticky.

Crunch Factor

One of the best things about this dish is the combination of textures – the crunchy vegetables, the tender chicken, and the fluffy rice all come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. To add some extra crunch to the dish, you might consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds, or some crispy fried onions or shallots. You could also add some crunchy vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or carrots, to the skillet with the chicken and cook until they’re tender but still crisp.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One of the most important things to keep in mind when making this recipe is to not overcrowd the skillet. You want to cook the chicken and vegetables in batches, so they have enough room to cook evenly and get a nice brown crust on the outside. This will help prevent the dish from becoming steamed instead of seared, and will result in a more flavorful and textured final product.
• Another tip is to use a flavorful oil, such as olive or avocado oil, to cook the chicken and vegetables. This will add a rich, nuanced flavor to the dish that you just can’t get from using a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe and add your own twists and turns. This might involve adding some spicy peppers or herbs to the skillet, or using different types of protein or vegetables to change up the flavor and texture. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.

Storage Tips

• One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores. You can refrigerate or freeze the cooked chicken and rice, and reheat it as needed. To refrigerate, simply cool the dish to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When reheating, you can simply microwave the dish or heat it in a skillet on the stovetop. If you’re reheating from frozen, make sure to thaw the dish first, then reheat as desired. You can also add some extra gravy or sauce to the dish when reheating, to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Finally, consider using a vacuum sealer or other airtight container to store the dish, as this will help prevent freezer burn and keep the flavors fresh. You can also label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of what you have in the fridge or freezer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking for a thoughtful and delicious gift to give to friends or family, consider packaging up a batch of this chicken and rice. You can transfer the cooked dish to a decorative container or jar, then add some garnishes like fresh herbs or edible flowers. You could also include some crusty bread or crackers on the side, to make it a complete and satisfying meal. Finally, consider adding a personalized note or card, to make the gift even more special and meaningful.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can add all sorts of different spices and seasonings to give it a unique flavor and twist. Some ideas might include paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Creative toppings: Another way to mix up the recipe is to add some creative toppings. This might include diced vegetables, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream or yogurt. You could also add some crunchy elements, like toasted nuts or seeds, to add texture and interest to the dish.
• Ingredient swaps: Finally, don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients and try new things. This might involve using different types of protein, like beef or pork, or substituting in different vegetables or grains. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: One of the most common issues with this recipe is texture problems. If the rice is too mushy or sticky, it might be because it was overcooked or because the wrong type of rice was used. To fix this, try using a different type of rice, like jasmine or basmati, or cooking it for a shorter amount of time.
• Ingredient replacements: Another issue you might encounter is ingredient replacements. If you’re missing a key ingredient, like chicken broth or gravy, you might need to substitute in something else. Some options might include using beef or vegetable broth, or making your own homemade gravy from scratch.
• Over/undercooking signs: Finally, make sure to keep an eye on the dish while it’s cooking, to avoid over or undercooking. If the chicken is cooked too long, it might become dry and tough, while if it’s not cooked enough, it might be pink and raw in the middle. To avoid this, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and make sure it reaches 165°F before removing it from the heat.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for up to 3 months. Simply cool the dish to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze.
• Is it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the ingredients of the chicken broth and gravy to ensure they are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed, to ensure the dish is cooked through and hot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for two plates filled with chicken and rice covered in gravy is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want to spend more time relaxing and less time cooking. And with its rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. So why not give it a try today, and see just how delicious and comforting it can be?