Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors: tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, topped with a smooth, flavorful gravy. It’s simple to make yet feels like a homemade, country-style feast. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken:
- 3/4 cup crushed cornflakes
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons fat-free evaporated milk
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons canola oil
Gravy:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup condensed chicken broth, undiluted
- 1 teaspoon sherry or additional condensed chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons minced chives
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish lightly.
- In a shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, thyme, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in evaporated milk, then coat evenly with cornflake mixture.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake chicken 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, prepare the gravy: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, pepper, and salt, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, condensed chicken broth, and sherry (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Stir in chives.
- Serve chicken topped with warm gravy.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Swap cornflakes for crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the coating for extra flavor.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme along with the chives.
- For a lighter version, bake chicken without pan-frying first.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin the gravy.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, coat the chicken in the cornflake mixture ahead, then bake and prepare the gravy when ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, whole or 2% milk works, but the gravy may be slightly less rich.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or rice complement this meal beautifully.
How do I keep the cornflake coating crunchy?
Serve immediately after baking. If needed, reheat in the oven rather than microwave to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
Country Chicken and Gravy is a classic, hearty dish that combines crispy, golden chicken with a creamy, flavorful gravy. Easy to make and full of comforting flavors, it’s a perfect choice for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you want a little taste of homemade comfort food.
Print
Country Chicken and Gravy
A classic, comforting dish featuring crispy, seasoned chicken coated in a cornflake crust, served with a rich, creamy homemade gravy.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
3/4 cup crushed cornflakes
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons fat-free evaporated milk
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup condensed chicken broth, undiluted
1 teaspoon sherry or additional condensed chicken broth
2 tablespoons minced chives
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, thyme, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in evaporated milk, then coat evenly with cornflake mixture.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake chicken 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, prepare the gravy: melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, pepper, and salt, cooking 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk, condensed chicken broth, and sherry (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Stir in chives.
- Serve chicken topped with warm gravy.
Notes
Swap cornflakes for crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the coating for extra flavor.
Use skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme along with chives.
For a lighter version, bake chicken without pan-frying first.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried and Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg