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A plate of spicy Southern chicken and gravy served over creamy mashed potatoes, topped with colorful bell peppers and garnished with herbs.
Linda

Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy

A bold, comforting Southern classic featuring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, silky gravy — perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or use boneless thighs for more richness
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning plus extra to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika smoked paprika recommended
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Olive oil divided
For the Gravy
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 0.5 cup Yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2 pieces Bell peppers any color, sliced
  • 1 stalk Celery diced
  • 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups Chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Chicken bouillon powder optional, for added depth

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 3–4 mins per side until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add onions, peppers, and celery. Sauté 4–5 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the veggies and stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Add bouillon and more Cajun seasoning to taste. Simmer 2–4 minutes until gravy thickens.
  6. Step 6: Chop or shred chicken and return to skillet. Simmer together 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Garnish as desired.

Notes

You can substitute Creole seasoning for Cajun for a milder, more herbal flavor. Use smoked paprika for deeper aroma, and add cream at the end for extra richness. Make it gluten-free with a GF flour blend.