Chicken & Turkey

Roast Chicken With Gravy

Name: Roast Chicken With Gravy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried rosemary; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

By Odette Greenwood · June 19, 2026 · Chicken & Turkey

Prep20 min

Cook50 min

Total70 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a roast chicken with gravy from scratch. It was a Sunday afternoon, and the aroma of roasting chicken filled the entire house, making everyone's mouth water. The best part was that it was incredibly easy to make, and the gravy added a rich, velvety texture that complemented the chicken perfectly.

As a home cook, I've always been fascinated by the art of creating protein-forward meals that are not only delicious but also easy to make. Roast chicken with gravy is one of my favorite dishes, and I'm excited to share my recipe with you. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering.

What makes this recipe special is the combination of a quick wet brine and a high-heat roast, which locks in the moisture and flavor of the chicken. The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that's sure to impress your family and friends.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making a delicious roast chicken with gravy, from prep to finish. You'll learn the techniques and tips that will make your dish stand out, and you'll be able to enjoy a homemade meal that's both satisfying and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a crispy skin that's sure to impress
The gravy adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the chicken perfectly
This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering
The recipe can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy home cooks
The dish is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients
This recipe is a great way to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade meal

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great roast chicken is to cook it at a high temperature, which helps to lock in the moisture and flavor. By using a wet brine, we add an extra layer of flavor and tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and delicious.

The gravy is also an essential component of this dish, as it adds a rich, velvety texture that complements the chicken perfectly. By using the pan drippings and some flour to thicken the gravy, we create a sauce that's both flavorful and satisfying.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the resting time, which allows the chicken to redistribute its juices and become even more tender. This step is crucial, as it makes the chicken easier to carve and more enjoyable to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including a whole chicken, some aromatics, and a few pantry staples. Make sure to choose a fresh, high-quality chicken, and don't hesitate to ask your butcher for advice if you're not sure what to look for.

When it comes to the aromatics, you can use your favorite herbs and spices to add flavor to the chicken. I recommend using a combination of onions, carrots, and celery, as they add a depth of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)Choose a fresh, high-quality chicken, and make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture
2 tbsp olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil that's rich in flavor and has a smooth texture
1 large onion, choppedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor, and mince it just before using to prevent it from losing its potency
2 carrots, choppedUse fresh carrots, and chop them into large pieces to add texture to the dish
2 celery stalks, choppedUse fresh celery, and chop it into large pieces to add texture to the dish
1 tsp dried thymeUse fresh thyme for the best flavor, and chop it just before using to prevent it from losing its potency
1 tsp dried rosemaryUse fresh rosemary for the best flavor, and chop it just before using to prevent it from losing its potency
1 tsp saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor, and adjust the amount to taste
1/2 tsp black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, and adjust the amount to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flourUse a high-quality all-purpose flour that's rich in texture and has a smooth consistency

Ingredients for Roast Chicken With Gravy

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy roasting panInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhisk

How to Make Roast Chicken With Gravy

1
Preheat your oven to 425 F (220 C), and make sure to place the rack in the lower third of the oven to allow for air to circulate around the chicken
2
Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels, making sure to remove excess moisture from the skin and cavity
3
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, making sure to rub the seasonings all over the skin and under the skin as well
4
Heat the olive oil in the roasting pan over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it's golden brown and crispy
5
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the roasting pan, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned
6
Place the chicken in the roasting pan, and put it in the oven to roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C)
7
Remove the chicken from the oven, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving
8
While the chicken is resting, make the gravy by whisking the flour into the pan drippings, and cooking for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and lightly browned
9
Gradually add 2 cups of chicken broth to the pan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and bring the mixture to a boil
10
Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook the gravy for 5-10 minutes, or until it's thickened and flavorful
11
Strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, and season with salt and pepper to taste
12
Carve the chicken, and serve it with the homemade gravy spooned over the top

Expert Tips

Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature
Don't overcrowd the roasting pan, as this can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to become more tender
Use a high-quality all-purpose flour to make the gravy, as this will help to thicken the mixture and add texture
Whisk constantly when adding the chicken broth to the pan, as this will help to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth gravy
Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, as this will help to bring out the flavors and add depth to the dish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not patting the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking, which can lead to a soggy skin and uneven cooking
Overcrowding the roasting pan, which can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and lead to a dry, overcooked bird
Not letting the chicken rest before carving, which can cause the juices to run out and the chicken to become dry and tough
Not whisking constantly when adding the chicken broth to the pan, which can lead to lumps and a grainy texture in the gravy
Not seasoning the gravy with salt and pepper to taste, which can lead to a bland, unappetizing sauce
Not straining the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve, which can leave behind solids and sediment and affect the texture of the sauce

Variations and Substitutions

Use different herbs and spices to add flavor to the chicken, such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried oregano
Add some acidity to the dish, such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar
Use different types of vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to add texture and flavor to the dish
Add some heat to the dish, such as a diced jalapeno or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes
Use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, to make the gravy
Add some cream or butter to the gravy to give it a rich, creamy texture
Use chicken broth instead of pan drippings to make the gravy, which can add more flavor and moisture to the sauce

What to Serve With Roast Chicken With Gravy

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over rice or noodles.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include serving it with a side of roasted root vegetables, such as carrots and parsnips, or with a side of sautéed spinach or green beans. You can also serve it with a side of homemade biscuits or cornbread for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetablesServe with a green salad and crusty breadServe with sautéed spinach and garlic breadServe with roasted root vegetables and homemade biscuits

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the chicken and gravy overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

When storing the dish, make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing, as this will help to prevent bacterial growth and keep the dish fresh. You can also store the chicken and gravy separately, which can make it easier to reheat and serve.

To freeze the dish, simply place the cooled chicken and gravy in airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, and store in the freezer until ready to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before cooking, and don't overcrowd the roasting pan

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months

What type of flour should I use to make the gravy?

Use a high-quality all-purpose flour to make the gravy, as this will help to thicken the mixture and add texture

Can I use chicken broth instead of pan drippings to make the gravy?

Yes, you can use chicken broth instead of pan drippings to make the gravy, which can add more flavor and moisture to the sauce

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply thaw the chicken and gravy overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through

Can I serve the dish with other sides?

Yes, you can serve the dish with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad

Is the dish gluten-free?

The dish can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour to make the gravy

The Full Recipe

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