Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite

Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite

I still remember the first time I made this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite for my daughters. My youngest was going through that picky eating phase, and my oldest was buried in homework, stress-eating whatever she could grab. Mateo suggested we create something comforting yet simple—a dish that felt like a warm hug after a long day.

We experimented in the kitchen together, and this creamy, savory chicken gravy was born. Both girls cleaned their plates that night, and it’s been a weekly staple ever since. This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite brings everyone to the table with smiles.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms basic pantry ingredients into something extraordinary. The rich, velvety gravy coats tender chicken pieces perfectly. Moreover, it works beautifully over fluffy rice or tender noodles.

My family requests this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite at least twice a month. It’s become our go-to comfort food when life gets hectic.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Gravy Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite checks every box for busy families. First, it requires minimal prep time—just about 10 minutes. Second, you likely have most ingredients already in your pantry. Third, kids genuinely enjoy eating it without complaints.

The recipe also offers incredible versatility. You can serve this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite over white rice, brown rice, egg noodles, or even mashed potatoes. Additionally, the mild flavors appeal to children while still satisfying adult palates. Mateo often adds extra herbs when he makes his portion, but the kids prefer the classic version.

Furthermore, this dish comes together in one pot, meaning less cleanup. As a mom juggling work, family, and everything in between, I appreciate recipes that don’t create mountains of dishes. This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite delivers comfort without the chaos.

Budget-friendly ingredients make this recipe even more appealing. You don’t need expensive cuts of meat or specialty items. Simple chicken breast or thighs work wonderfully. The gravy relies on pantry staples like flour, butter, and broth to create its signature creaminess.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite takes just minutes. I keep these items stocked because we make this recipe so frequently. Here’s everything you need:

Ingredient Amount Notes
Boneless chicken breast 1.5 pounds Cut into bite-sized pieces
Butter 4 tablespoons Unsalted preferred
All-purpose flour 4 tablespoons For thickening
Chicken broth 2 cups Low-sodium recommended
Heavy cream 1 cup Half-and-half works too
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon Adjust to taste
Onion powder 1 teaspoon Adds depth
Salt 1 teaspoon To taste
Black pepper ½ teaspoon Freshly ground
Olive oil 2 tablespoons For cooking chicken
Cooked rice or noodles 4 cups For serving

The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite remain wonderfully straightforward. I love that nothing exotic or hard-to-find makes the list. Everything comes from standard grocery store aisles.

Substitutions & Variations

This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various substitutions that work perfectly.

For the protein, you can substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs offer more flavor and stay moist even if slightly overcooked. Turkey breast also works wonderfully in this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite. My daughter’s friend is allergic to poultry, so I’ve successfully made this with pork tenderloin as well.

Regarding dairy alternatives, swap heavy cream for coconut cream if you’re dairy-free. The flavor changes slightly, but it remains delicious. You can also use milk thickened with a cornstarch slurry instead of cream for a lighter version.

Add vegetables to boost nutrition. Frozen peas, diced carrots, or sliced mushrooms blend seamlessly into this recipe. My oldest daughter loves when I add spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. These additions don’t compromise what makes this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite so appealing to children.

For the base, try serving over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Mashed potatoes create an ultra-comforting variation. Mateo sometimes makes fresh pasta, and this gravy works spectacularly over homemade noodles too.

This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite adapts beautifully to different preferences and dietary needs. For a refreshing side, consider trying a Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill: Best Recipe Ever that complements the dish perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite follows a simple process. I’ve perfected these steps through countless preparations. Let me walk you through each one.

Step 1: Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt completely. The butter should foam slightly but not brown. This forms the base for your creamy gravy.

Step 3: Sprinkle flour over the melted butter. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn slightly golden and smell nutty. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency in your Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite.

Step 4: Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously. The mixture will thicken as you add liquid. Continue whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well to combine. Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens nicely. The consistency should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Pour in heavy cream and stir thoroughly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes. The chicken absorbs the flavors beautifully during this time.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Some families prefer more salt, others like extra pepper. This flexibility makes the Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite perfect for everyone.

Step 8: Serve immediately over hot rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, though my kids prefer it plain.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee success every time. These tips come from both my experience and Mateo’s professional chef insights.

First, cut chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking throughout. Nobody wants some pieces overcooked while others remain underdone. I aim for roughly one-inch cubes, which cook quickly and stay tender.

Second, don’t skip the roux-cooking step. Cooking flour in butter eliminates that raw flour taste. Additionally, it helps create a smooth, lump-free gravy. Patience here pays off significantly in the final result of your Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite.

Third, whisk constantly when adding liquids. This prevents lumps from forming. If lumps do appear, don’t panic. Simply strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before returning it to the pan.

Fourth, use low-sodium broth. This gives you better control over the salt level. Different brands contain varying sodium amounts, so starting with low-sodium prevents over-salting.

Fifth, let the gravy simmer adequately. Rushing this step results in thin, watery gravy. The simmering time allows flavors to meld while the gravy reaches perfect consistency. Your Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite deserves those extra minutes.

Finally, prepare your rice or noodles beforehand. Time everything so your base stays hot when the gravy finishes. Cold rice doesn’t absorb the delicious gravy as well.

After making this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite countless times, I’ve learned several tricks that guarantee success every time. To elevate your meal further, check out this delicious creamy tuscan orzo that pairs wonderfully with the gravy.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite store beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. I often double the recipe intentionally to have lunches ready for the week.

Store the gravy and chicken mixture separately from rice or noodles. Place cooled gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The separation prevents the rice from becoming mushy as it absorbs liquid.

For reheating, transfer the desired amount to a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. The gravy thickens during refrigeration, so that extra liquid helps tremendously.

Microwave reheating works too. Place gravy in a microwave-safe bowl, add a tablespoon of broth, and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot throughout. This method works great for individual portions of your Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite.

Freezing is absolutely an option. Pour cooled gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving an inch of headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture remains remarkably good after freezing.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite stands wonderfully on its own, certain sides elevate the meal even further. My family enjoys various combinations depending on our mood and what’s in season.

Steamed broccoli provides a perfect healthy contrast. The mild vegetable doesn’t compete with the creamy gravy. Instead, it adds color, nutrition, and a pleasant texture contrast. My youngest actually eats her broccoli when I serve it alongside this dish.

A simple garden salad with Italian dressing offers freshness. The acidic dressing cuts through the richness beautifully. I keep pre-washed salad greens on hand for quick assembly. This combination makes the Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite feel like a complete, balanced meal.

Garlic bread is another family favorite pairing. The crusty bread soaks up extra gravy wonderfully. Mateo sometimes makes homemade rolls, which the girls adore. Any bread option enhances this comforting dinner.

Roasted green beans with garlic also complement this dish nicely. The slightly caramelized edges add depth. Plus, green beans are kid-friendly vegetables that most children willingly eat.

For a heartier meal, serve roasted or mashed potatoes alongside. Yes, this means double starches, but sometimes comfort food calls for exactly that. The different textures make it interesting rather than redundant.

While this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite stands wonderfully on its own, certain sides elevate the meal even further. For a fun and tasty addition, try making Pizza Rolls Air Fryer that your kids will love.

FAQs

Can I Make This Creamy Chicken Gravy Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently when ready to serve.

Add extra broth if the gravy thickens too much during storage. This makes weeknight dinners incredibly easy.

How Can I Make the Gravy Thicker?

If your gravy seems too thin, create a slurry with equal parts cornstarch and cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering gravy. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, simply simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite. Skip the chicken-cooking step entirely.

Simply shred or cube the rotisserie chicken and add it when you return the cooked chicken to the gravy. This saves significant time on busy nights.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free Friendly?

You can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The ratio remains the same.

Serve over rice rather than noodles, or use gluten-free pasta. The Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite tastes just as delicious.

What’s the Best Type of Noodles to Use?

Egg noodles work wonderfully with this dish. Their wide, flat shape holds the gravy beautifully. However, any pasta shape works—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. I’ve used whatever we have on hand, and the Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite never disappoints regardless of noodle choice.

Creamy chicken gravy is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce, often served over rice or noodles. This comforting meal is a favorite among families, especially for its simplicity and ability to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a staple in many households. Learn more about this dish’s variations and history in this gravy article.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 485
Total Fat 24g
Saturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 135mg
Sodium 620mg
Total Carbohydrates 35g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 2g
Protein 32g

This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite provides excellent protein for growing children and active adults. The nutrition values assume serving over white rice with standard portions. Values change slightly depending on whether you choose noodles or rice, and which type of each you select.

The recipe offers a balanced macronutrient profile. The protein from chicken supports muscle growth and repair. Carbohydrates from rice or noodles provide energy for busy days. The fats from butter and cream create satisfaction and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

While this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite isn’t specifically a diet food, it fits perfectly into a balanced eating plan. The portion sizes are reasonable, and the ingredients are wholesome. My family enjoys this comfort food without guilt, especially when we pair it with plenty of vegetables.

This dish has truly earned its place as a staple in our home. The combination of simplicity, flavor, and kid-approved taste makes it irreplaceable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving comfort food, this Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite delivers every single time.

Mateo and I hope your family loves it as much as ours does. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite

Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles A Kid Friendly Favorite

This Creamy Chicken Gravy Over Rice Or Noodles is a comforting dish that transforms basic pantry ingredients into something extraordinary. The rich, velvety gravy coats tender chicken pieces perfectly and works beautifully over fluffy rice or tender noodles, making it a kid-friendly favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups cooked rice or noodles

Method
 

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt completely.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add garlic powder and onion powder. Stir well to combine and let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and stir thoroughly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  8. Serve immediately over hot rice or noodles.

Notes

This recipe is versatile; you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, use dairy alternatives, or add vegetables for nutrition. Store leftovers separately from rice or noodles to prevent mushiness.

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