I still remember the evening my grandmother served her chicken and gravy recipe. The aroma of sizzling chicken, simmering onions, and gravy thickened to velvety perfection drew us in before the plates hit the table. That dish became my blueprint for comfort cooking. So whenever I crave warm nostalgia, I turn to this chicken and gravy recipe that brings familial coziness to our dinner table.
This chicken and gravy recipe slots into so many occasions, it’s weeknight dinner gold, festive holiday fare, and a go-to when friends come over. Made in one pan with minimal fuss yet full of flavor, it strikes the perfect balance of hearty and elegant. You’ll find yourself returning to it again and again.
Table of contents
Why This Chicken and Gravy Recipe Works So Well
This chicken and gravy recipe stands out because of its layers of flavor and savvy technique. First, you sear seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown, which locks in juices and builds a flavorful base. Then, you create the gravy in the same pan, scraping up browned bits from the bottom—those little caramelized bits punch up the flavor.
The gravy combines sautéed onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and chicken stock thickened with a little flour to create a luscious texture that coats the chicken beautifully. A splash of cream or milk at the end finishes it with silkiness and richness.
This method works whether you’re using bone-in thighs, boneless breasts, air fryer chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. The gravy adapts accordingly. You can make it gluten-free by swapping in cornstarch or tapioca flour, or dairy-free with coconut milk instead of cream. This adaptability makes it perfect for various dietary needs or meal planning.
Recipe Card
Chicken and Gravy Recipe
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes350
kcalThis easy chicken and gravy recipe features tender chicken breasts pan-fried to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy made from simple pantry ingredients.
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Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 cutlets)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp onion powder
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Season the Gravy: Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion powder. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the gravy over the top. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
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Pro Tips to Nail Your Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked without being dry.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the gravy in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat and add freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
- Customize the Gravy: Add mushrooms or onions for extra flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
Storage steps
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variants of This Chicken and Gravy Recipe
1. Country-Style Chicken and Gravy
Use bone-in chicken thighs, add diced carrots and celery, and finish with sour cream for tangy depth. Serve over mashed potatoes or biscuits.
2. Garlic Herb Chicken and Gravy
Sauté extra garlic, fresh rosemary, and thyme. Use white wine to deglaze. The result is an herby, aromatic gravy that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
3. Spicy Cajun Chicken and Gravy
Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning before searing. Add diced bell peppers and finish with cream and a dash of hot sauce for a Southern twist.
4. Mushroom Chicken and Gravy
Include sliced cremini or button mushrooms with the onions. Their earthiness adds depth. Serve over egg noodles for a hearty dish.
Your Questions Answered
If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the simmering gravy and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. For a gluten-free option, arrowroot powder also works well.
While you can use boneless skinless breasts, bone-in chicken thighs or legs bring more flavor. The bones infuse the gravy as the chicken simmers, making it richer and more satisfying. You can also use rotisserie chicken if short on time, just reduce the simmering time.
Lumpy gravy usually comes from adding flour or thickener directly into hot liquid. To avoid this, make a roux first by cooking flour in butter or oil, then whisk in broth gradually. If lumps still form, strain the gravy before serving.
The Coziest Chicken and Gravy Recipe You’ll Ever Make
This chicken and gravy recipe is one of those rare dishes that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough to serve at a dinner gathering. It delivers big on flavor without complicated steps, and it fills the kitchen with that warm, savory scent that makes everyone wander in asking, “What’s for dinner?”
The flexibility is another win, you can use different cuts of chicken, play with the seasoning, or add in veggies to make it your own. Plus, it’s a great recipe to batch cook for meal prep. Leftovers never go to waste.
So go ahead grab your skillet, season that chicken, and let the aroma of homemade comfort fill your kitchen tonight.
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