Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings the taste of Southern cooking right to your kitchen. With tender chicken and a rich, zesty gravy, this meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and sure to please anyone who loves a bit of spice.
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Why Make This Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious meal that combines comfort and a kick of flavor, Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy is the answer. This recipe is not only easy to make but also uses simple ingredients that are often found in your pantry. The spicy Cajun seasoning elevates the dish and makes it a standout at any dinner table. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds!
How to Make Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients:
- 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces bell peppers (sliced, any color)
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
Directions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, followed by the sliced onions, bell peppers, and diced celery. Sauté the veggies for 4-5 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour while avoiding burning it.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add chicken bouillon powder and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened, about 2-4 minutes.
- Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the skillet with the gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated and nicely combined.
- Serve the spicy chicken and gravy over white rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Garnish with extra Cajun seasoning or parsley if you’d like.
How to Serve Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy
Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy can be served in many ways. It pairs exceptionally well with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm biscuits. You can also add a side of greens or a simple salad to balance the spices. Enjoy your meal hot, and don’t forget a little extra Cajun seasoning for those who love a kick!
How to Store Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth to loosen the gravy when reheating.
Tips to Make Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your taste.
- For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a nice golden brown color when cooking.
Variation
You can easily make this dish your own by adding different vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms. For a creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used. Adjust the cooking time as it will take longer to cook through.
2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make a simple Cajun substitute with paprika, cayenne, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
This Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy will soon become a family favorite, with its rich flavors and comforting feel! Enjoy!
Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning Plus extra to taste
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil Divided
For the Gravy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup yellow onion Thinly sliced
- 2 pieces bell peppers Sliced, any color
- 1 stalk celery Diced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Making Gravy
- Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, followed by the sliced onions, bell peppers, and diced celery. Sauté the veggies for 4-5 minutes until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Stir for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour while avoiding burning it.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps. Add chicken bouillon powder and more Cajun seasoning if desired. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and thickened, about 2-4 minutes.
- Chop or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the skillet with the gravy. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated and nicely combined.
Serving
- Serve the spicy chicken and gravy over white rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Garnish with extra Cajun seasoning or parsley if you’d like.
