This crispy baked chicken with gravy delivers an irresistible combination of golden, crispy skin and a rich, velvety gravy that will make your taste buds dance with delight. The seasoned chicken thighs roast to perfection, locking in juicy tenderness, while the creamy gravy adds the perfect finishing touch. It’s a meal that’s sure to satisfy both your cravings and your family.
Perfect for any dinner gathering, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to serve at your next family gathering, this crispy baked chicken with gravy will definitely be the star of the table. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the delightful flavors makes it a timeless recipe that never disappoints.
Full Recipe:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden brown.
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Flip chicken over and transfer skillet to the oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and cream, whisking until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon gravy over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and thyme before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy
Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy is one of those timeless comfort foods that never fails to impress. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a busy weeknight or serving guests at a dinner party, this dish is bound to be a hit. The combination of perfectly roasted chicken thighs with crispy, golden skin, complemented by a rich and creamy gravy, creates a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some easy cooking techniques.
The Perfect Chicken Thighs for This Recipe
While you can certainly use other cuts of chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, creating that delicious golden crunch everyone loves, while the meat stays juicy and tender. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out quickly, thighs remain moist and flavorful, even after roasting. The bone also adds extra flavor, which is why it’s a preferred choice for dishes like this one.
Why Baking Is the Best Method
Baking the chicken in the oven allows the skin to crisp up evenly without the mess of frying. It also ensures that the meat stays tender, cooking through at a consistent temperature. By roasting the chicken in the oven, you can let it cook undisturbed, which means less attention is needed compared to stovetop frying. Additionally, the oven method frees up space for you to prepare the gravy and any side dishes you plan to serve alongside the chicken.
The Art of Gravy Making
The gravy is what truly elevates this dish, taking it from a simple chicken meal to a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner. A good gravy starts with the flavorful bits left in the pan after cooking the chicken. After removing the chicken, you’ll use those bits—also known as fond—to make a roux by adding flour. This is then whisked into chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a smooth and rich sauce. It’s important to cook the gravy slowly, allowing it to thicken and develop its flavor. The result is a silky, creamy gravy that pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
Making the Gravy Your Own
While this recipe features a basic creamy gravy, it can be easily customized to suit your tastes or to pair with different sides. If you prefer a lighter gravy, you can substitute the heavy cream for half-and-half or even chicken broth. For a more savory flavor, try adding herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the gravy. You could also infuse the gravy with garlic or shallots for an extra layer of richness. The beauty of this dish is that the gravy can be modified based on what you have on hand, allowing you to experiment with different flavor profiles.
Serving Ideas and Side Dishes
Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Traditional sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement the dish perfectly, as they soak up the delicious gravy. You could also serve it with a simple green salad to add a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken and gravy. If you’re looking for something a little different, consider serving it with buttery corn on the cob or steamed green beans for a complete meal. The savory gravy also makes it a great match for fluffy rice, which will absorb all the flavors beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken
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Dry the Chicken Skin: One of the most important steps in achieving crispy skin is ensuring that the chicken skin is dry before you cook it. Pat the skin with paper towels to remove any moisture, which will help it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting the chicken, make sure the pieces aren’t touching each other. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin.
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Rest the Chicken After Roasting: Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.
Variations of Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes. For example, you can switch out the chicken thighs for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. Alternatively, you can add some heat to the gravy by incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you’re in the mood for a slightly different flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the gravy for a more complex taste. You could also experiment with adding mushrooms to the gravy for an earthy, umami-packed twist.
The Benefits of Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken
Bone-in, skin-on chicken is often considered the most flavorful option for roasted chicken dishes. The bone imparts extra flavor to the meat, and the skin keeps the chicken moist during cooking. The skin also helps to keep the chicken tender, as it acts as a barrier that prevents the moisture from escaping. Roasting chicken this way ensures that the result is a juicy and flavorful piece of meat with a deliciously crispy exterior.
Conclusion: A Timeless Comfort Food
Crispy Baked Chicken with Gravy is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special family gathering. The crispy skin and rich gravy are a combination that everyone will love, and the simple ingredients make it an easy recipe to pull together. By following a few key tips and techniques, you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Give it a try, and enjoy the flavors of crispy baked chicken and velvety gravy at its finest.