Southern Chicken and Gravy

This Southern chicken and gravy recipe delivers oven-baked chicken thighs smothered in a rich, homemade gravy. Seasoned with classic Southern spices and cooked until golden and juicy, it’s comfort food at its finest — perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or warm biscuits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin and tender interior

• Rich, homemade gravy made right in the same pan

• Simple ingredients and easy prep

• No frying or stovetop mess — all baked in the oven

• Ideal for Sunday dinners, holidays, or cozy weeknights

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs (about 4 pounds)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 tablespoons flour

• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock

• 1/8 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Rub the chicken thighs all over with olive oil.

3. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spice mix evenly over each chicken thigh.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of the chicken stock with the flour until smooth. Add the remaining stock and Kitchen Bouquet (if using), and whisk until fully blended.

5. Pour the gravy mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs into the dish, skin side up.

6. Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Remove the chicken from the dish and whisk the gravy until smooth. If it’s too thick, stir in hot water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or fluffy biscuits.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 355 kcal per serving

Variations

• Use boneless, skinless thighs for easier serving (reduce cook time slightly)

• Add a pinch of cayenne for mild heat

• Swap chicken stock with low-sodium broth or homemade drippings for deeper flavor

• Add sliced onions or mushrooms under the chicken before baking for extra richness

• Make it dairy-free by ensuring the stock and seasonings are free from milk-based ingredients

storage/reheating

• Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

• Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the gravy

• You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring the gravy between rounds

• Freeze cooled chicken and gravy in separate portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work well. Reduce the baking time to about 30–35 minutes.

What is Kitchen Bouquet and is it necessary?

Kitchen Bouquet is a browning and seasoning sauce that adds depth and color to the gravy. It’s optional — you can skip it or substitute with a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire .

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can, but thighs are more flavorful and juicy. If using breasts, watch closely to avoid drying them out.

What can I serve this with?

Mashed potatoes, white rice, biscuits, cornbread, or even egg noodles are great options.

Is the gravy thick or thin?

It’s rich and moderately thick. You can adjust by adding more flour to thicken or more liquid to thin.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate the dish before baking. Let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Can I cook this in a cast iron skillet?

Yes, if your skillet is large and oven-safe. It adds great flavor and even browning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy.

How do I keep the chicken skin crispy?

Bake uncovered and avoid crowding the pan. This allows the skin to crisp up nicely.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely — use two baking dishes and rotate them in the oven halfway through cooking.

Conclusion

Southern chicken and gravy is a timeless comfort dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With simple spices, juicy chicken, and savory homemade gravy, it’s an easy weeknight winner or a classic Sunday centerpiece. Serve it over your favorite starch and enjoy every bite.

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