There’s something truly special about a classic comfort meal, and a delicious chicken and gravy recipe tops the list. This isn’t just any version; it’s an incredibly easy, flavorful, and from-scratch meal that brings warmth to your table. Forget canned soups or packaged mixes! You’ll create a rich, savory gravy and tender chicken that tastes homemade, all while keeping things simple and quick. Get ready to enjoy satisfying results with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Gravy Recipe
You’ll adore this homemade chicken and gravy recipe for so many reasons. It truly simplifies weeknight cooking without sacrificing flavor.
- Quick and Easy: This is a fantastic one-pan meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- From Scratch Flavor: You’ll create a rich, savory gravy from simple ingredients, ensuring a deep, authentic taste.
- Pantry Staples: All the ingredients are common items you likely already have, making grocery runs a breeze.
- Weeknight Winner: It’s an ideal, hearty dinner solution that feels special but is super approachable.
- Versatile Serving: Pair it with your favorite sides, from mashed potatoes to rice, for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone at the table, even picky eaters, will love this universally comforting dish.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this comforting chicken and gravy is straightforward. You’ll need simple staples for both the chicken and the rich, homemade gravy.
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (for seasoning chicken)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme
- 1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder (for gravy)
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with this wonderful dish! Feel free to customize it to your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken Cuts: While chicken breasts are quick, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders. You can adjust the cooking time as needed; the thighs may require a few extra minutes.
- Broth Options: Use either chicken broth or chicken stock. Stock often provides a richer, deeper flavor, but broth works beautifully. Opt for low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
- Butter Alternatives: If you don’t have butter, an equal amount of olive oil or another cooking oil can work for the roux, though butter adds a lovely richness.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or any other spices to suit your palate. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools to whip up this amazing chicken and gravy recipe. A few basic kitchen items are all it takes.
- A large skillet with a tight-fitting lid
- A whisk for smooth gravy
- A meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Two forks or a hand mixer for easy shredding
How To Make Chicken and Gravy
Creating this incredibly satisfying chicken and gravy recipe is simpler than you think. Follow these clear steps for a delicious, homemade meal.
- Prepare Chicken: Take your 1 lb chicken breasts and cut them in half lengthwise. This creates thinner pieces, which cook more quickly and evenly.
- Season Chicken: Season the sliced chicken liberally with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Ensure both sides are coated for maximum flavor.
- Make Roux: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet until it’s fully liquefied and bubbly.
- Add Flour: Once the butter has melted, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the skillet. Immediately start stirring.
- Cook Roux: Stir the butter and flour continuously with a whisk or spoon for a few minutes. This process, known as making a roux, cooks out the raw flour taste. It should form a thick paste.
- Whisk in Broth: Gradually pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly as you add it. This slow addition and continuous whisking prevent lumps and create a smooth gravy base.
- Add Gravy Seasonings: Stir in the 1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Also, add 1 tsp each of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix everything well to distribute the spices.
- Bring to a Bubble: Continue to stir the gravy and let it come to a gentle bubble. As it heats, the gravy will begin to thicken to a lovely, pourable consistency.
- Add Chicken: Carefully place your seasoned chicken pieces into the skillet. Make sure they are nestled into the gravy, partially submerged.
- Cover and Simmer: Cover the skillet with its lid. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chicken cook for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Thinner chicken pieces will cook faster, often around 12 minutes.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan or shred it directly in the skillet using two forks.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your warm, shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this chicken and gravy recipe is quite simple, but these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time.
- Cook Thoroughly: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safety and best texture.
- Perfect Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Too thick? Stir in a splash more chicken broth.
- Prevent Lumps: Whisk vigorously and continuously when adding flour to butter and broth to the roux. Adding liquid slowly helps immensely.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy just before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or your preferred herbs to achieve your ideal flavor profile.
- Optional Browning: For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the gravy.
- Faster Cooking: Slicing chicken breasts thinner truly speeds up the cooking time, ensuring a quick weeknight meal.
- Shredding Made Easy: Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pan. For even quicker shredding, a hand mixer works wonders for larger batches.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for family dinners. You can also easily store leftovers or adapt the dish to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meal with the perfect accompaniments to your savory chicken and gravy.
- Classic Pairing: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate partner, soaking up all that delicious gravy.
- Alternative Starches: Serve this dish over fluffy white rice, tender egg noodles, or even polenta for different textures.
- Other Sides: Don’t forget your veggies! Steamed green beans, sweet corn, or roasted carrots add color and nutrition. Warm, fluffy biscuits are also fantastic for soaking up every drop of gravy.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage helps you enjoy your homemade chicken and gravy for days to come.
- Cool Completely: Always let the chicken and gravy cool to room temperature before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing for Longer: For extended storage, freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating Tips: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the gravy back to its desired consistency.
Variations
Get creative with your basic chicken and gravy recipe! It’s a fantastic canvas for new flavors.
- Different Chicken Parts: Experiment with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even juicier results.
- Add Aromatics: Sauté some diced onions, minced garlic, or sliced mushrooms before adding the butter and flour to build a deeper base flavor.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, diced carrots, or even some spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Experiment with Herbs: Try adding a bay leaf during simmering, or fresh parsley or chives for garnish before serving. Rosemary or sage also complements chicken beautifully.
- Touch of Cream: For an extra decadent gravy, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the very end.
Nutrition
Making this chicken and gravy recipe at home gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs. The nutritional values can vary significantly based on your specific ingredient choices, such as using low-sodium broth or different chicken cuts. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown based on the listed ingredients.
| Nutrient | Amount (estimated per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10g |
| Cholesterol | 90-110mg |
| Sodium | 600-800mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10-15g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1-2g |
| Total Sugars | 1-2g |
| Protein | 35-40g |
Note: This is an approximation. For precise nutrition, calculate based on your exact ingredients.
FAQ
You’ve got questions, and we have answers about this easy and delicious chicken and gravy recipe!
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay even juicier. Just be aware they might need a few extra minutes to cook through to 165°F.
Chicken stock vs. broth?
Both are great choices! Chicken stock tends to be richer and more gelatinous, offering a deeper flavor, while broth is lighter. Use whichever you have on hand.
How to thicken gravy more?
If your gravy isn’t thick enough, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer. Alternatively, make a cornstarch slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until thickened.
How to avoid lumpy gravy?
The key is to whisk constantly when adding the flour to the butter and especially when slowly pouring the broth into the roux. Smooth, continuous stirring prevents lumps from forming.
Can I adjust seasonings?
Please do! This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to increase or decrease any of the listed spices, or add new ones like a pinch of dried rosemary or sage, to suit your taste preference.
Conclusion
This easy homemade chicken and gravy recipe truly brings comfort and deliciousness right to your kitchen table. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something so rich and satisfying, without any fuss or complicated steps. Emily’s kitchen is all about building your confidence, and you’ve just mastered a classic! Give this recipe a try this week and experience the joy of a truly homemade meal. Share your experiences and leave a rating; we love hearing from you!
According to the USDA, understanding safe internal cooking temperatures for poultry is crucial for ensuring food safety.
The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe – 5 Quick Steps
Equipment
- Skillet
- Lid
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
Seasoning for Chicken
- Salt for seasoning chicken
- Pepper for seasoning chicken
- Garlic powder for seasoning chicken
Gravy Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, then season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Make the Gravy Base
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter, then add flour and stir constantly for a few minutes until a roux forms and is well combined.
Cook Chicken in Gravy
- Pour in chicken broth and stir well, then season with all the listed spices. Once bubbling, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet.
- Ensure chicken is submerged in gravy, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Serve
- Shred the cooked chicken and serve immediately, ideally over mashed potatoes.