Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe

When you’re craving a comforting and easy meal, there’s nothing quite like Chicken and Gravy. This dish is a classic favorite for its tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, it’s a meal that satisfies every time.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a hearty and delicious dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

One of the reasons Chicken and Gravy is a go-to recipe for many is its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it with almost anything from mashed potatoes to pasta.

Another advantage is that this recipe is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or preparing a simple meal at home.

How to Prepare the Chicken

To get the best-tasting chicken, it’s important to season it well and cook it to perfection.

1. Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. If you have time, let the chicken sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
2. Marinate (optional): For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and your choice of herbs for 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Gravy

A good gravy can make or break the dish, so follow these steps to ensure a smooth, flavorful sauce.

1. Start with a roux: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This creates a roux that will thicken the gravy.
2. Add the broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture begins to thicken.
3. Incorporate the milk: Add the milk or cream for a rich, creamy texture. Continue stirring until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
4. Simmer: Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cooking the Chicken

Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set it aside on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 2: Making the Gravy

In the same pan, make the gravy using the roux method described above. Once the gravy has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the gravy over the top.

Step 3: Simmer and Serve

Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for an additional 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors. Once done, serve hot with your choice of sides.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and Gravy pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include:

• Mashed Potatoes: The gravy is perfect for spooning over creamy mashed potatoes.
• Rice: Serve with steamed rice for a simple, hearty meal.
• Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits make an excellent companion to soak up all that delicious gravy.
• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans add color and nutrition to your plate.

Recipe Variations

Herb Gravy

For a more aromatic flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the gravy. These herbs enhance the dish with an earthy, comforting note.

Garlic Mushroom Gravy

Sauté mushrooms and garlic before making the roux to create a mushroom-infused gravy that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Smothered Chicken

If you prefer a heartier dish, you can make Smothered Chicken by cooking the chicken directly in the gravy. This allows the chicken to soak up even more flavor from the sauce.

Can You Make it Ahead?

Yes, Chicken and Gravy is a great dish to prepare in advance. You can cook the chicken and make the gravy separately, storing both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, warm the chicken and gravy together in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Gravy

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so make sure to cook them just until they’re done.
• Keep stirring the gravy: Whisking continuously while adding the broth will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• Season the gravy well: Taste as you go to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much flour: Overloading the roux with flour can lead to a too-thick gravy.
• Not browning the chicken enough: A good sear adds flavor and color, so don’t skip this step.
• Lumpy gravy: If the gravy becomes lumpy, whisk vigorously or use a strainer to smooth it out.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken and Gravy recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy gravy, it’s a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour.

FAQs

Can You Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply make the gravy and then add the chicken to heat through.

How Can I Make the Gravy Gluten-Free?

To make a gluten-free gravy, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can This Dish Be Frozen?

Yes, both the chicken and gravy can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken will add more flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How Can I Make the Gravy Thicker?

If the gravy is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and whisk it into the gravy until it thickens to your liking.

Yield: 4

Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe

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When you're craving a comforting and easy meal, there's nothing quite like Chicken and Gravy. This dish is a classic favorite for its tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy. Whether you're serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, it's a meal that satisfies every time.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer gravy)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for serving

Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Gravy In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Simmer the Gravy Add the dried thyme and season the gravy with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the gravy thickens.
4. Combine Chicken and Gravy Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the gravy. Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 5 minutes to soak up the flavors.
5. Serve Spoon the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, simmer it a bit longer to thicken. If it's too thick, add a little more chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy while it's simmering.

Storage: Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Protein Options: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.