Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: a truly irresistible Chicken and Gravy recipe that promises tender, moist pan-fried chicken breasts generously smothered in a rich, from-scratch gravy. This classic comfort food comes together effortlessly in just 30 minutes, making it a dream for busy evenings. Imagine perfectly cooked chicken, infused with savory seasonings, bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. Served over a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or your carb of choice, this meal is an explosion of satisfying flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This smothered chicken and gravy isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug on a plate. It transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary, old-fashioned dinner using only simple pantry staples. Whether you’re craving something warm, hearty, or simply crave the nostalgic taste of home cooking, this dish delivers every time. It’s a testament to how incredible meals don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. From searing the chicken to whisking up the silky gravy, each step is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
For those of us juggling demanding schedules, quick and easy weeknight recipes are essential. I constantly rely on meals that deliver big on flavor without monopolizing my time in the kitchen. This Chicken and Gravy recipe is a true game-changer, joining the ranks of other family favorites like Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken Bites and Easy Chicken Lo Mein. It’s about enjoying delicious, wholesome food with your loved ones, even when time is a luxury.
Why This Chicken and Gravy Recipe Will Become Your Favorite
There are countless reasons to adore this chicken and gravy dish, making it a staple in your meal rotation:
- A True One-Pan Wonder: Experience the joy of cooking an entire meal, from perfectly seared chicken to luscious gravy, all in a single skillet. This drastically cuts down on cleanup time, making those busy weeknights a breeze. Who doesn’t appreciate an easy one-pot recipe that delivers on both taste and convenience?
- Dreamy, Velvety Gravy: Prepare to be amazed by this homemade gravy. It boasts a depth of flavor that suggests hours of simmering, yet it comes together in mere minutes. Its rich, creamy texture is perfect for generously coating the chicken and is utterly divine drizzled over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a slice of crusty bread. You might even find yourself wanting to make extra!
- Effortless and Approachable: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making gravy from scratch. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, designed for cooks of all skill levels. With clear, easy-to-follow steps, anyone can achieve delicious results and confidently prepare a comforting meal.
- Packed with Hearty Flavor: Every bite of this chicken and gravy is bursting with savory goodness. The perfectly seasoned chicken pairs harmoniously with the deeply flavored gravy, creating a satisfying and comforting experience that truly hits the spot.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, this classic dish is also wonderful for a relaxed Sunday supper or even to impress guests without all the fuss. Its universally loved flavors make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken and Gravy
Crafting this flavorful chicken and gravy requires only a handful of common ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. To ensure even cooking and reduce overall cooking time, slice them lengthwise into thinner cutlets. This prevents the outside from drying out before the center is cooked through. You can also lightly pound them for consistent thickness.
- Flavorful Seasoning Blend: A balanced mix of Italian seasonings, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and salt forms the backbone of the chicken’s incredible taste. This blend infuses the chicken with aromatic and savory notes before it even touches the pan.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden-brown. Feel free to use your preferred high-heat cooking oil, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Unsalted Butter: The secret to a rich, velvety gravy. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the key thickening agent for our gravy, forming a roux when combined with butter. It creates a smooth, luscious texture.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our gravy. Opting for low-sodium broth is crucial, as it allows you to adjust the seasoning to your taste without the risk of over-salting. Both homemade and store-bought broths work wonderfully.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: A surprising but fantastic addition! Just a touch enhances the umami depth of the gravy, giving it a richer, more complex flavor profile without making it taste distinctly like soy sauce. Again, low-sodium is best to manage salt levels.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a final flourish of fresh color and a hint of herbaceous flavor. It’s the perfect garnish to elevate the presentation.
How to Master This Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious and satisfying chicken and gravy dinner:
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breast cutlets dry with paper towels – this helps achieve a better sear. Generously season both sides of the chicken with your Italian seasonings, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Sear the Chicken to Perfection: Heat a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they turn a beautiful golden-brown and are almost cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. It will finish cooking in the gravy.
- Craft the Roux: Using the same skillet (don’t clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about a minute, cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a light golden-brown roux. This is the base of your rich gravy.
- Build the Gravy’s Flavor: Gradually pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. As you whisk, scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the gravy. Stir in the onion powder, soy sauce, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it visibly thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering gravy. Allow the chicken to continue cooking in the sauce for another 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the sauce has further thickened and enveloped the chicken. The chicken will absorb the wonderful flavors of the gravy as it finishes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and the gravy is thick and glossy, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of your choice. Enjoy your homemade comfort meal!
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Gravy
- Evenly Sliced Chicken: Slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner, uniform cutlets ensures they cook evenly and quickly. If you use thick, uncut chicken breasts, the exterior might dry out before the center reaches a safe temperature. Alternatively, you can pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for similar results.
- Achieving the Perfect Sear: For a beautiful golden crust on your chicken, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper browning.
- Check for Doneness: The safest way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Lump-Free Gravy: To avoid lumps in your gravy, sprinkle the flour gradually into the melted butter while whisking constantly. When adding the chicken broth, pour it in slowly while continuously whisking. This creates a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for added depth in your gravy. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also boost the savory notes.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the gravy for a subtle kick.
- Chicken Variations: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, you can easily swap them for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs generally cook a little faster. If using skin-on chicken breasts, sear them skin-side down first until crispy, and when returning them to the gravy, keep the skin facing up to maintain its crispness.
- Gravy Consistency: If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little extra chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Rest the Chicken: After the dish is complete, allowing the chicken to rest in the gravy for a few minutes before serving helps the juices redistribute, resulting in even more tender and moist chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Gravy
The ultimate pairing for chicken and gravy is undoubtedly creamy homemade mashed potatoes – they soak up the delicious gravy perfectly. However, this versatile dish also pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread for dipping. For a balanced meal, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots, or a fresh garden salad.
You can achieve fantastic results with a simple non-stick skillet or a classic cast iron pan. Both work well for searing the chicken and building the gravy. A large pan with ample surface area is ideal to ensure you don’t overcrowd the chicken, allowing it to sear properly rather than steam. A 10-12 inch skillet is usually sufficient for 2-4 chicken breasts.
To store any delightful leftovers, transfer the chicken and gravy together into an airtight food storage container. Refrigerate promptly, and your leftovers will remain delicious for 3 to 4 days. Storing them together ensures the chicken stays moist and continues to absorb the gravy’s flavor.
Absolutely! Both the chicken and gravy are freezer-friendly, making this a great make-ahead meal. Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For best results, reheat leftovers gently. Place the chicken and gravy in a covered skillet or saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. Stir occasionally and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the gravy seems too thick, allowing it to warm through without drying out the chicken. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.
More Creamy Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you love creamy, comforting chicken dishes, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:
- Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Creamy Mushroom Steak
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta
- Creamy Red Pepper Rigatoni Pasta
- Creamy Sundried Tomato Chicken Thighs
I genuinely hope you find as much joy in preparing and savoring this incredible Chicken and Gravy recipe as I do. It’s a simple yet profoundly satisfying dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Give it a try, enjoy every delicious bite, and consider sharing this comforting classic with your friends and family!
Easy Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 teaspoon low sodium soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts halves with Italian seasonings, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Heat a large skillet with oil on a medium flame, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add the butter. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle the flour and cook for a minute, whisking constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and whisk simultaneously to prevent lumps. Add in the onion powder, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
- Transfer the chicken back to the skillet and cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish the chicken and gravy with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes or your preferred side.
Notes
- Feel free to add fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for added flavor.
- Slicing the chicken breasts evenly helps them cook faster and more uniformly, preventing dryness.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- For a spicy kick, add red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the gravy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute; adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs cook slightly faster.
- If using skin-on chicken breasts, sear skin-side down first for crispness. Keep the skin facing up when simmering in the gravy.
Nutrition
Calories: 275 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 492mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg