Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy

Indulge in the classic comfort of Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy. This recipe features juicy chicken coated in a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb crust, paired with a rich and savory gravy. Perfect for a satisfying dinner!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken. Finally, coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Gravy: For the gravy, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden.
6. Thicken the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens (about 5 minutes). Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
7. Serve: Serve the crispy baked chicken with a generous drizzle of the creamy gravy.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving (1 chicken piece with gravy)

Variations

• Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley into the flour mixture for additional flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
   Yes, but the cooking time will be shorter. Adjust according to the size and thickness of the pieces.
2. How can I make the gravy thicker?
   Simmer the gravy longer or add a bit more flour to reach your desired consistency.
3. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the gravy in advance and reheat it before serving. Add a bit more chicken broth or milk if it thickens too much.
4. What side dishes pair well with this meal?
   Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad complement this dish well.
5. Can I freeze the chicken and gravy?
   Yes, freeze the chicken and gravy separately. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
6. How do I achieve extra crispiness?
   Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the coating to set. Using panko breadcrumbs also contributes to extra crispiness.
7. Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
   Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko provides a lighter, crunchier texture.
8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Can I make this dish without the skin?
   Yes, though the skin adds extra crispiness and flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
10. Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
    Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have enough space on your baking sheets.

Conclusion

Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy is a delightful, comforting meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy chicken and creamy gravy for a classic dinner that everyone will love!

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