There is little that warms the soul quite like a comforting plate of homemade classics, and this Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe truly hits all the right notes. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, creamy gravy bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The aroma alone invites memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge yourself on a quiet night, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for hearty, old-fashioned goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward yet indispensable, each contributing a layer of flavor, texture, or richness that makes this chicken and gravy irresistibly delicious. You’ll find that these pantry staples come together in harmony to create a truly classic dish.
- Chicken breasts: Using thinner, split breasts ensures quicker, even cooking and tender meat throughout.
- Olive oil: Provides a subtle richness that helps brown the chicken beautifully without overpowering the dish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and gravy.
- Butter: Adds a luscious, creamy base to the gravy and helps build rich flavor.
- Chicken base (Better Than Bouillon recommended): Concentrated and flavorful, it intensifies the savory depth of the gravy perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The magic ingredient that thickens the gravy to silky perfection.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Give the gravy a subtle aromatic boost without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors.
- Chicken stock: Delivers essential broth flavor and moisture for a rich, well-rounded gravy.
- Water: Helps adjust the consistency and lighten the gravy slightly for the perfect pour.
- Heavy cream (optional): For those who love an extra creamy, indulgent touch in their gravy.
How to Make Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture
Start by blending the flour with onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This dry mixture is your secret to flavorful gravy and thickening agent combined. Mixing these ingredients evenly ensures every spoonful of gravy is perfectly seasoned.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Lightly season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in olive oil over medium heat. The goal here is to get a nice golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Cooking each side for about five minutes until the temperature hits 165°F gives you beautifully cooked chicken to nestle in the gravy later.
Step 3: Build the Base for Your Gravy
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then melt butter in the same skillet along with the chicken base. This creates an intensely savory foundation for your gravy, and using the pan leftover from cooking the chicken adds an extra dimension of flavor from the browned bits.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle your flour mixture over the butter and chicken base, stirring constantly. This step is key; your roux needs just enough time to cook off any raw flour taste while turning a pale golden color, which takes anywhere from 30 seconds to a minute. This also lays down the thickening power for your gravy.
Step 5: Create and Thicken the Gravy
Gradually pour in chicken stock while scraping up those prized browned bits from the bottom of the pan — this is where the deep flavor lives. Add water and whisk steadily to ensure a lump-free sauce. Let the gravy gently simmer to thicken, concentrating the flavors and creating that perfect velvety texture.
Step 6: Finish and Combine
For lovers of creaminess, stir in the heavy cream now. You can choose to shred the chicken or leave it whole, then nestle the meat back into the gravy along with any juices. Allow everything to simmer a little longer so the flavors meld beautifully, sending the dish from simple to spectacular.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Give your gravy a final taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve it steaming hot over mashed potatoes or rice — the perfect canvas to soak up all that luscious sauce. This classic combination is soul-satisfying and utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings bright color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich gravy beautifully. For an extra touch, a pinch of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper can add a subtle kick and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
The creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice you serve with this dish are essential for soaking up every drop of gravy. For added texture and balance, consider steamed peas, sautéed green beans, or roasted carrots — these mild sides round out the meal with vibrant color and crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, then generously ladle the gravy on top so it cascades invitingly. For a rustic feel, serve it family-style in a large skillet straight from the stove. Alternatively, spoon the chicken and gravy into warm biscuit halves for a delightful sandwich variation that takes leftovers to a new level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the components together ensures the chicken remains moist and the gravy doesn’t dry out, so reheating is just as enjoyable as the first feast.
Freezing
This Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe also freezes well for longer storage. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, leaving room for expansion. It can keep well frozen for up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal on busy nights.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it back up to that silky consistency you adore.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Do I have to use heavy cream in the gravy?
Nope! The heavy cream is optional and mainly used to make the gravy richer and creamier. The gravy will still be delicious and flavorful without it, especially if you prefer a lighter sauce.
What can I use instead of Better Than Bouillon chicken base?
If you don’t have chicken base, a good quality chicken broth or stock will work fine. Just keep in mind that the bouillon adds concentrated umami flavor, so you might want to taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Make sure your chicken base or broth is gluten-free as well, and you’re all set for a safe and tasty meal.
What are some good leftovers ideas for this dish?
Leftovers are perfect over toast for an open-faced sandwich or tossed with cooked pasta or rice for a quick, comforting bowl. You can also use the shredded chicken and gravy as a filling for savory pies or pot pies to extend the enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
This Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe encapsulates everything that makes comfort food so treasured: simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and that unbeatable flavor that feels like a warm family embrace. I encourage you to dive in, make it your own, and savor every bite. Trust me, this is one dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Print
Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homestyle Chicken and Gravy recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides for a satisfying classic dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts; or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. This seasoned flour will be used later to thicken the gravy.
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy Base: Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter and chicken base to the pan, stirring until the butter has melted and the chicken base is fully incorporated.
- Create a Roux: Sprinkle the prepared flour mixture over the melted butter and chicken base in the skillet. Stir continuously to form a roux, cooking it for 30 seconds to 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Gradually pour in the chicken stock while scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Then add water and whisk continuously to ensure a smooth gravy without lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Finish the Gravy and Combine: Stir in the optional heavy cream for richness. Shred the chicken or leave it whole, then return it along with any juices to the skillet. Simmer the combined mixture for a few minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as necessary with additional salt and pepper. Serve the chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes or rice. Optionally, add peas and garlic bread on the side for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Using chicken base like Better Than Bouillon enhances the depth of flavor in the gravy.
- Splitting chicken breasts makes them cook faster and more evenly.
- Heavy cream is optional but adds a creamy texture and richness to the gravy.
- For thicker gravy, allow it to simmer longer or add a bit more flour in the roux.
- Serve immediately for best texture, or reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
