There’s a unique satisfaction in slowing down to a plate of homemade chicken and gravy. This warm, rich, and golden dish has captured hearts on Pinterest and TikTok, embodying the restful comfort you crave when the weather cools or your spirits need a lift. It’s wonderfully beginner-friendly, uses common pantry ingredients, and comes together in 45 minutes or less.
This recipe features tender chicken, seared to perfection in a single pan, then simmered in a thick, velvety homemade chicken gravy. Crafted from simple broth, aromatic garlic, and those flavorful pan drippings, it evokes the classic taste of Southern chicken and gravybut with an easier, lighter touch. It offers that nostalgic, “grandma-made” feeling, perfectly adapted for a busy Tuesday night. Serving it as a simple chicken dinner alongside fluffy mashed potatoes is pure bliss. All the delicious details are waiting for you in the blog!
I vividly recall Sunday mornings, watching gravy bloom in cast iron skillets, the flour whisked in with deliberate patience. I’ve refined this recipe through countless tests to achieve a gravy that’s perfectly silky with just the right cling. The key to its creamy texture, without needing heavy cream, lies in a simple technique you’ll master and love!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Gravy Recipe
This recipe hits all the right notes of cozy, nostalgic, and practical. Here’s why it’s bound to become a go-to:
One-pan wonder: Everything cooks up in a single skillet, making cleanup so easy.
Homemade magic: The gravy is made from scratch, but it’s totally beginner-friendlyno heavy cream needed for that creamy texture.
True comfort food: Tender, seasoned chicken paired with rich, golden gravy feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Perfectly flexible: Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or even over ricewhatever nostalgic pairing you love best.
Key Ingredients and What They Do
Each ingredient here serves a purpose to make this chicken and gravy shine. Let’s break it down:
Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken is lean and shreds beautifully into the gravy.
Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper adds a layer of savory depth.
Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and creates the base for our silky gravy.
Butter and flour: The classic roux combo ensures a creamy, lump-free gravy every time.
Optional garnishes: Herbs like parsley or chives add a fresh pop of color and extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Use low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake, and adjust seasoning at the end to taste!
How to Make Chicken and Gravy Step by Step
This process might sound fancy, but I promise it’s as simple as stirring a pot. Follow along:
Season and sear: Rub the spice mix on your chicken and sear it in olive oil until browned. This creates the flavorful drippings we’ll use later.
Simmer to tender: Add broth, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Let cool, then shred it with two forks.
Make the gravy: In the same pan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in the broth to form a smooth gravy.
Combine and finish: Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy and let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Pro Tip: Stir the gravy constantly while adding the broth to avoid lumps. If you’re new to roux-making, take your time!
Serving and Storage Tips
This dish is a classic comfort food, and luckily it’s just as practical as it is delicious:
Serving options: Pair your chicken and gravy with fluffy mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, or egg noodles. Want a nostalgic Southern vibe? Serve it over white bread for an open-faced sandwich!
Make ahead: Both the chicken and gravy can be prepped a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.
Storage: Leftovers? No problem! Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Tip
Fridge (sealed container)
Up to 3 days
Add broth and warm gently over low heat
Freezer (separate chicken and gravy)
Up to 3 months
Thaw overnight, reheat as above
Troubleshooting and Tweaks
Need a little help perfecting your gravy or tweaking the recipe? Here are some tips:
Gravy too thick? Thin it out with a splash of broth, a little at a time.
Too salty? Add a squeeze of lemon juice; the acidity balances out the salt.
No chicken breast? Try boneless thighsthey’re just as flavorful and shred easily.
Pro Tip: If your gravy has lumps, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving. No one will ever know!
Expert Insight: The Art of Perfect Chicken and Gravy
Mastering chicken and gravy is about balancing rich, savory flavors with the right texture. Slow-cooking the chicken not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a flavorful base for the gravy, ensuring every bite is juicy and comforting. Patience in this process truly elevates the dish.
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Perfecting My Classic Chicken and Gravy
After several attemptseach with a slightly different seasoning or thicker gravyI finally nailed the balance in this chicken and gravy recipe. It took time figuring out how to get the gravy silky without overpowering the tender chicken, but now it’s a comforting, reliable dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy evening.
FAQs ( Chicken and Gravy )
How do I make the gravy smooth and creamy?
Whisk the flour into melted butter or drippings before adding liquid to avoid lumps. Cook the roux gently until golden, then slowly add broth while stirring constantly. This method ensures a creamy, velvety texture without clumps in the gravy.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well and can save prep time. Add it towards the end to gently heat through without drying out. This keeps the dish flavorful and tender while still enjoying homemade chicken gravy.
What’s the best side to serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes are the classic pairing and soak up the rich gravy perfectly. For a balanced meal, add steamed green beans or roasted vegetables. This combination creates a comforting and satisfying plate.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour. Use gluten-free broth and check all seasonings for hidden gluten. This maintains the same rich flavor without compromising safety.
What are the best tips for roasting chicken for gravy?
Use a whole chicken or thighs with skin for flavorful drippings. Roast at a high temperature initially to crisp the skin, then lower to finish cooking evenly. Save the pan juices to build a rich homemade chicken gravy.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe effortlessly comes together, delivering that coveted homey, rich flavor in under an hour. With tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, homemade chicken gravy, it stands as a perfect simple chicken dinnerdesigned to warm both your kitchen and your soul. You’ll be amazed at how these familiar ingredients transform into such a cozy classic with minimal fuss.
Remember, don’t hesitate to customize! Swap chicken breast for thighs for an even juicier texture, or infuse fresh thyme for an aromatic, herbal twist. Leftovers are a delight and reheat beautifully; simply thin the gravy with a splash of broth if it becomes too thick. The key to that flawlessly smooth, creamy gravy, as I’ve learned, lies in slow, steady stirringa timeless technique reminiscent of those cherished Sunday rituals.
Did this recipe evoke any comforting memories for you? We’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, share your unique tweaks, or pass this recipe on to someone who appreciates a little comfort on their plate. From my kitchen to yours, this is truly a keeper you’ll want to make time and again.
Yesica Andrews
Chicken and Gravy: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
This easy chicken and gravy recipe features tender pan-fried chicken breasts simmered in a rich, homemade chicken gravy. Perfect as comfort food chicken, this dish combines the flavors of roasted chicken with gravy and creamy homemade chicken gravy to create a satisfying meal. Serve it over mashed potatoes or biscuits for a classic southern chicken and gravy experience that’s simple and delicious.
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper plus extra for garnish if desired
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
3½ cup Chicken Broth divided (½ cup to cook the chicken and 3 cups for the gravy)
4 tablespoons Butter
¼ cup All Purpose Flour
Chopped parsley, sliced green onions, chopped chives, sprinkle of paprika, or extra black pepper for garnish optional
Method
Add the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper to a small bowl. Stir to combine. Season the chicken on both sides with the mix.
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, but not smoking, add the chicken.
Cook the chicken for 3 minutes.
Turn each piece and cook for 2 minutes until browned.
Carefully, add ½ cup of chicken broth to the chicken. When the broth starts simmering, cover the skillet and lower the heat to medium-low.
Cook the chicken for 8-12 minutes or until cooked through (at least 165°F). Keep the broth at a simmer, raise or lower the heat as needed.
Take the skillet off the heat and remove the chicken. Place it on a rimmed plate or pan and allow it to cool.
There should not be too much liquid left in the skillet. Do not wash or wipe the skillet. Place it back over medium heat and add the butter.
When the butter is melted and foamy, add the flour. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring almost constantly.
Slowly add the chicken broth to the butter and flour mixture while briskly stirring. Continue stirring until the chicken gravy is smooth.
When the liquid starts to simmer, lower the heat to medium-low, cover and cook for approximately 8 minutes. Stir occasionally and keep at a simmer.
Meanwhile, shred the cooled chicken using two forks and add any juices collected on the plate to the gravy.
Add the shredded chicken to the gravy and stir to combine. Cook for 5 minutes on medium-low heat to let flavors combine.
Taste and add salt if needed.
Serve the chicken in gravy with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish and garnish with chopped herbs and a pinch of black pepper, if desired.
Notes
The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breast. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest part. Use low-sodium chicken broth if sensitive to salt and adjust seasoning as needed. Serving suggestions include mashed potatoes, biscuits, egg noodles, or open face on a slice of white bread.
