The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe for Comforting Family Dinners

Comfort arrives swiftly with this classic chicken and gravy recipe that promises warmth in every bite.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet soul-satisfying dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in rich, velvety gravy create a meal that speaks directly to hunger and heart.

Generations have passed down this straightforward culinary tradition, perfecting each creamy spoonful.

Pantry staples merge into a harmonious blend of savory goodness that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Weeknight dinners transform into moments of pure satisfaction with this uncomplicated yet delicious meal.

Chicken and Gravy – Sunday Dinner Classic

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This chicken and gravy recipe transforms a basic protein into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Using a single skillet means fewer dishes to wash, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious food without extensive post-meal cleaning.
• Quick Protein Solution: Packed with flavor and protein, this dish provides a satisfying meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, giving families a nutritious dinner option.
• Versatile Serving Style: The recipe works beautifully with various side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Tender Chicken and Gravy

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut of meat that serves as the primary protein for this hearty dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that add depth and enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Butter: Provides a rich, golden base for browning the chicken and adds a smooth, creamy flavor.
• Flour: Helps create a roux and thickens the gravy to a perfect, silky consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and creates a flavorful, savory sauce that complements the chicken.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a subtle, clean flavor to the finished dish.

Steps for Making Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Spice Up The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and lavishly sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Make sure each piece gets a generous coating of these flavor-boosting seasonings.

Step 2: Sizzle And Brown

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until the exterior turns a rich, appetizing color.

Step 3: Temporarily Remove Chicken

Transfer the browned chicken to a clean plate, setting it aside while you prepare the magical gravy.

Step 4: Create A Silky Roux

In the same skillet with those delicious browned bits, whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

This will be the secret weapon for your incredible gravy.

• Flour
• Chicken broth

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Step 5: Simmer And Combine

Bring the gravy mixture to a gentle simmer.

Carefully return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Cook To Perfection

Cover the skillet and let everything cook together for 20-25 minutes.

During this time, the chicken will become tender and fully cooked, while the gravy transforms into a thick, velvety sauce.

Step 7: Plate And Garnish

Plate the chicken and generously spoon the rich gravy over the top.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips for Comforting, Rich Gravy

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect, crispy exterior when browning.
• Gradually add broth while whisking to prevent lumpy gravy, creating a smooth, silky sauce.
• Keep heat on low-medium to prevent chicken from drying out and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning for extra depth and aroma.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and forgiving option if breast meat tends to dry out.

Chicken and Gravy Variations for the Week

• Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace garlic powder with a blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic herb variation.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy and ensure the dish is gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Option: Swap regular chicken broth for a low-sodium version and reduce added salt to create a heart-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for those avoiding dairy products, maintaining the recipe's rich flavor profile.

Plating Chicken and Gravy with Finesse

• Comfort Plate Companion: Serve this hearty chicken with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the rich gravy perfectly.
• Veggie Side Delight: Roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans complement the savory chicken and add nutritional balance.
• Family-Style Presentation: Arrange the chicken on a large platter, generously pour gravy over the top, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a rustic, inviting look that encourages sharing.
• Bread Pairing Pleasure: Warm crusty bread or fluffy dinner rolls are ideal for mopping up extra gravy, ensuring no delicious sauce goes to waste.

Storing Chicken and Gravy Leftovers

• Transfer leftover chicken and gravy to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and gravy together to maintain moisture.
• Wrap chicken and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to prevent texture changes.
• Place chicken and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring gravy between intervals until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work great and provide more flavor and tenderness compared to chicken breasts.

• How do I prevent the gravy from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the flour slowly and consistently while adding chicken broth, and keep stirring to ensure a smooth, lump-free gravy.

• Is it okay to use dried herbs if I don't have fresh parsley?

Absolutely! Dried herbs like dried parsley or thyme can be a good substitute and still add nice flavor to the dish.

• What if I don't have a skillet?

You can use a large, deep pan or a Dutch oven as an alternative cooking vessel for this chicken and gravy recipe.

Chicken And Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and gravy promises comfort on a plate, bringing Southern home cooking straight to your kitchen. Richly seasoned chicken smothered in creamy gravy offers you a classic meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms the soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Seasonings and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Gravy Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1.5 to 2 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup whole milk or cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for deep flavor infusion.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden searing environment for the chicken.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, developing a rich caramel-brown crust on each side, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface.
4. Transfer browned chicken to a temporary plate, keeping the flavorful pan drippings intact.
5. Sprinkle flour into the skillet, whisking vigorously to transform the fat and flour into a smooth, golden roux.
6. Slowly stream chicken broth into the roux, continuously stirring to prevent any clumping and create a silky, uniform gravy base.
7. Allow the gravy to gently simmer and thicken, developing a rich, glossy consistency.
8. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the developing gravy.
9. Cover and let the chicken cook thoroughly at a low temperature for 20-25 minutes, ensuring complete cooking and allowing the gravy to reach optimal thickness.
10. Plate the chicken, lavishly draping it with the luxurious homemade gravy.
11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Melt butter completely before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in moisture and creates rich flavor.
• Whisk flour and broth slowly and consistently to prevent lumpy gravy, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
• Adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg