Chicken and Gravy Recipe

There’s nothing quite as comforting as Chicken and Gravy—a warm, hearty, and satisfying dish that brings cozy, home-cooked goodness to your table. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery biscuits, this dish is all about rich, savory flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken.

This easy homemade chicken and gravy recipe is made with simple ingredients like juicy chicken, a flavorful homemade gravy, and seasonings that create the perfect balance of taste. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing Sunday dinner.

If you love Southern-style comfort food, this Chicken and Gravy is going to be your new favorite! Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
• 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings stick better and ensures a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

4. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side (for breasts) or 6-7 minutes per side (for thighs), until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—it will finish cooking in the gravy.
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

7. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
8. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, until the flour turns light golden brown. This is called a roux and helps thicken the gravy.
9. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
10. Add the milk (or heavy cream), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
11. Bring to a gentle simmer and let the gravy cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Gravy

12. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy.
13. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
14. Stir the gravy occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

15. Once done, remove from heat and let the dish sit for a couple of minutes.
16. Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

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Tips for the Best Chicken and Gravy

• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for even more flavor. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
• Make It Creamier: Swap out the milk for heavy cream for a richer gravy.
• Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of soy sauce for an umami boost.
• Thicker Gravy: If you want the gravy even thicker, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy while simmering.
• Use Homemade Chicken Broth: If you have homemade broth, use it for the best flavor!

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Freezing:

• Freeze the chicken and gravy together in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Variations

• Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:
  • Add seasoned chicken to a slow cooker.
  • Mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, and seasonings, then pour over the chicken.
  • Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  • Shred the chicken and serve with the thickened gravy.
• Instant Pot Chicken and Gravy:
  • Use the Sauté function to sear the chicken.
  • Add chicken broth, seasonings, and 1 can of cream of chicken soup.
  • Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes (12 minutes for thighs), then quick-release.
  • Stir in heavy cream or milk and thicken with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
• Mushroom Chicken and Gravy:
  • Sauté sliced mushrooms with the butter before adding flour to make a delicious mushroom gravy.
• Spicy Chicken and Gravy:
  • Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a spicy kick.

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Nutrition Details (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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FAQ

1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and heat it in the gravy for 5 minutes before serving.

2. Can I make this without flour?

Yes! Replace the flour with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the gravy.

3. What can I serve with Chicken and Gravy?

It pairs well with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttery biscuits
• Rice or egg noodles
• Roasted vegetables

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with olive oil and the milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk.

5. How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and remove it from heat once it reaches 165°F.

This Chicken and Gravy is warm, cozy, and packed with flavor! Whether for a weeknight dinner or a Sunday feast, it’s a meal that never disappoints. Try it tonight and let me know what you think! 🍗😊

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