Delicious Chicken Legs with Gravy and Potatoes
Chicken legs with gravy and potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that has been a family favorite for generations. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken, creamy gravy, and hearty potatoes creates a satisfying and nourishing meal that will warm your soul.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with loved ones. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a dish that’s easy to master, yet delivers exceptional taste and texture.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What makes this chicken legs with gravy and potatoes recipe so special? For starters, the chicken legs are cooked to perfection, resulting in a crispy skin and juicy, tender meat that practically falls off the bone. The rich, savory gravy ties the dish together, adding depth of flavor and a velvety texture that complements the potatoes perfectly.
But it’s not just the taste that sets this recipe apart. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy the delicious flavors for days to come.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken Legs with Gravy and Potatoes ❓
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this chicken legs with gravy and potatoes recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, creamy potatoes, and a rich, savory gravy creates a comforting, homestyle flavor profile that has made this type of dish a perennially popular choice.
📝 How to Make Chicken Legs with Gravy and Potatoes Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken legs and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the drippings and whisk to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly golden.
• Step 4: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add the garlic, thyme, and cubed potatoes. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Return the browned chicken legs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy and potatoes. Cover the skillet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
• Step 6: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Baste the chicken with the gravy a few times during the cooking process.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 45-55 minutes
• Total time: 60-70 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie recipes, which can take up to 90 minutes to prepare, this chicken legs with gravy and potatoes dish saves you 20-30% of your cooking time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 786mg
These chicken legs with gravy and potatoes provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower florets or roasted radishes.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of the dairy milk.
• Added protein: Serve with a side of sautéed spinach or kale for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or onions to the gravy for additional nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken legs with gravy and potatoes.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
• Complement the dish with a light, refreshing white wine or a robust red wine, depending on your preference.
• For a cozy, family-style dinner, serve the chicken legs with gravy and potatoes alongside steamed broccoli or a fresh fruit salad.
• Create an inviting comfort food platter by arranging the chicken, potatoes, and gravy alongside warm rolls or biscuits, and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Lumpy gravy: To prevent lumps in the gravy, be sure to whisk the flour and liquid ingredients together thoroughly, and gradually add the liquid to the roux to allow it to thicken properly.
• Undercooked potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are cut into evenly sized cubes so they cook through at the same rate. If the potatoes are not tender after the recommended baking time, cover the dish and continue cooking until they reach the desired texture.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Avoid placing too many chicken legs in the skillet at once, as this can steam the meat rather than allowing it to brown properly. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• Forgetting to baste: Remember to baste the chicken legs with the gravy a few times during the cooking process to keep them moist and flavorful.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken legs with gravy and potatoes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the dish to cool completely, then portion it into individual servings and wrap each one tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 30 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat the chicken legs with gravy and potatoes, place the desired portion in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. The gravy may need to be thinned with a bit of broth or milk when reheating.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare this chicken legs with gravy and potatoes dish in advance. The unbaked dish can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months before baking. When ready to serve, simply thaw the dish in the refrigerator (if frozen) and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken legs with a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken legs (drumsticks and thighs) are the traditional choice, you can also use bone-in chicken breasts or a mix of chicken parts. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this dish to be dairy-free. Simply substitute the milk in the gravy with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or a dairy-free milk alternative. You can also use a dairy-free butter or olive oil in place of the regular butter or oil when making the roux.
What should I do if the gravy is too thick or too thin?
If the gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a bit more milk or broth until it reaches the desired consistency. If the gravy is too thin, make a slurry by whisking together 1-2 tablespoons of flour with a small amount of liquid, then slowly whisk the slurry into the gravy and allow it to simmer until thickened.
Can I add any additional vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, onions, or even mushrooms to the dish. You can sauté them along with the garlic before adding the broth and milk. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These chicken legs with gravy and potatoes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend feast, they’re sure to impress with their tender, juicy chicken, rich, savory gravy, and creamy, satisfying potatoes.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So why not give this delicious dish a try and enjoy the comforting, homemade goodness for yourself?
