My Love Affair with Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe—just reading that phrase makes me hungry! Still remember the first time I tried to make chicken and gravy from scratch. I was fresh out of college, armed with a cheap frying pan and way too much confidence. I had seen my grandma make it countless times—golden, juicy chicken swimming in rich, velvety gravy—so how hard could it be?
Turns out, very hard.
My first attempt was a disaster. The chicken was dry, the gravy was either too thin or too thick (somehow both?), and my kitchen looked like a flour bomb had exploded. I ended up eating sad, overcooked chicken with lumpy sauce, wondering where I had gone wrong.
Fast forward a few years, and I finally figured it out: chicken and gravy recipe is all about technique—knowing when to sear, when to simmer, and how to get that perfect, silky-smooth gravy. Now, it’s one of my go-to comfort meals, and I promise, with this easy recipe, you won’t make the same mistakes I did!
And if you love rich, comforting chicken dishes, you might also enjoy this chicken pot pie recipe—because what’s better than gravy AND a flaky crust? 😋
Why This Recipe Works
- Minimal Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Customizable – Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even bone-in cuts.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
If you’re a fan of simple, one-pan meals, then you’ll love this chicken meatballs recipe—juicy, flavorful, and perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or use homemade for extra flavor!)
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for a creamy version)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- Sautéed mushrooms (for an earthy twist)
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
- Paprika or cayenne pepper (for a little heat!)
For a southern-style twist, serve this chicken and gravy alongside sweet potato biscuits—they add a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich, savory gravy.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Chicken and Gravy recipe :
1. Prep the Chicken 🐔
- Pat your chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it sear beautifully.
- Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken for Maximum Flavor 🔥
- Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. (No need to cook it through yet—just get that delicious crust!)
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy 🍯
- In the same skillet, sprinkle in flour (or cornstarch) and whisk constantly for about 1 minute (this helps remove the raw taste).
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the gravy thicken for 2-3 minutes.
4. Simmer the Chicken in the Gravy
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning gravy over the top.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes (until the chicken is cooked through and tender).
- If using heavy cream, stir it in during the last 5 minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy! 🍽️
- Remove chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Spoon extra gravy over the top and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Gravy
🍚 Mashed Potatoes – The classic pairing that never fails.
🍞 Fluffy Biscuits – Perfect for sopping up that delicious gravy.
🥦 Roasted Vegetables – A fresh, healthy contrast to the rich sauce.
🍚 Rice or Egg Noodles – Soaks up the gravy beautifully.
For a Southern-inspired meal, consider serving your chicken and gravy with enhanced baked beans—they bring a savory-sweet balance that pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy.
The Great Gravy Debate: Thick or Thin? 🤔
Let’s talk about gravy preferences—because everyone has an opinion. Some people like their gravy thick and rich, where it clings to the chicken and coats every bite of mashed potatoes. Others prefer it silky and pourable, letting it soak into biscuits, rice, or noodles. So, which team are you on?
In my family, the great gravy debate is never-ending. My dad is a “gravy should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright” kind of guy, while my mom likes it light and smooth. So, whenever I make this Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe, I have to customize the gravy depending on who’s coming to dinner (yes, it’s that serious!).
If you like thicker gravy, try this:
- Add an extra tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Simmer the gravy a little longer to reduce it naturally.
- Stir in a bit of cream or butter for extra richness.
Prefer a thinner, silky-smooth gravy?
- Use more broth and less flour or cornstarch.
- Strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Add a small splash of white wine to thin it out and enhance the flavor.
No matter what side of the debate you’re on, one thing is certain: homemade gravy beats store-bought every time. And if you love making homemade sauces, check out this gravy troubleshooting guide for more expert tips!
So, tell me—what’s your perfect gravy consistency? Thick, thin, or somewhere in between? Drop a comment and let’s settle this debate once and for all! 🔥🍗
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Chicken and Gravy
1. Can I make this recipe without flour?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can use cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or even mashed potatoes to thicken the gravy. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water before adding it to the simmering broth. If you’re interested in more gluten-free cooking tips, check out this guide to gluten-free flours to find the best substitutes for thickening sauces.
2. How do I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy is too thin, don’t panic! Try one of these easy fixes:
- Cornstarch slurry – Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it into the simmering gravy.
- More flour – Whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour if you don’t mind a richer texture.
- Reduce the gravy – Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken naturally.
For more gravy-thickening techniques, this gravy troubleshooting guide breaks down different methods to get the perfect consistency.
3. What’s the best type of chicken to use?
This recipe works with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but if you have extra time, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will give you the richest flavor. The bones add depth to the gravy, making it extra savory. If you’re curious about the science behind why bone-in chicken is juicier, check out this cooking with bone-in chicken guide.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! For an easy slow cooker version:
- Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- Whisk together broth, flour, and seasonings, then pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in heavy cream at the end if making a creamy version.
If you love slow cooker meals, you’ll enjoy this ultimate guide to slow cooker cooking for tips on making your dishes even more flavorful.
5. Can I freeze chicken and gravy?
Yes! Here’s how to freeze it properly:
- Cool completely before storing.
- Freeze chicken and gravy separately for the best texture.
- Use airtight containers or freezer bags and store for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of extra broth.
Need more freezing and reheating hacks? This meal prep freezer guide will help keep your meals fresh and flavorful after freezing.
6. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
If you want to make dairy-free chicken and gravy, simply:
- Use olive oil or dairy-free butter instead of regular butter.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Use a dairy-free broth to keep the flavors rich.
If you’re interested in more dairy-free cooking tips, this dairy-free cooking guide has tons of great ingredient swaps.
7. What are the best side dishes to serve with chicken and gravy?
This dish pairs well with:
- Mashed potatoes (classic and comforting!)
- Buttery biscuits (for sopping up every last drop of gravy)
- Roasted vegetables (a light, healthy contrast to the rich sauce)
- Egg noodles or rice (for an easy, filling meal)
If you’re looking for more side dish inspiration, try these best side dishes for comfort meals for more ideas.
8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Adding vegetables can make this dish even more hearty and nutritious. Some great options include:
- Mushrooms – Add them while making the gravy for an earthy, rich flavor.
- Carrots and peas – Stir them in at the end for a pop of color.
- Spinach or kale – Wilt them into the sauce for added greens.
For more ways to sneak veggies into your meals, check out this guide to cooking with vegetables.
9. How do I make this recipe low-carb?
To make low-carb chicken and gravy, try these swaps:
- Use almond flour or xanthan gum instead of regular flour to thicken the gravy.
- Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted Brussels sprouts instead of potatoes.
- Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for fewer carbs.
If you’re following a low-carb diet, this beginner’s guide to low-carb eating has tons of great meal ideas.
10. How do I get the most flavorful gravy?
The secret to restaurant-quality gravy is layering flavors:
- Sear the chicken well – those browned bits at the bottom add so much depth!
- Use homemade broth if possible (it makes a huge difference!).
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or Worcestershire sauce.
If you want to elevate your gravy game, this ultimate gravy-making guide has professional tips to make your sauce extra rich and flavorful.
Chicken, Gravy, and a Whole Lot of Love
Here’s the thing about chicken and gravy: it’s not just food—it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to kick off your shoes, grab a big spoon, and savor every bite like it’s the best thing you’ve eaten all week (because let’s be real, it probably is).
This recipe has been my go-to for lazy Sundays, tough Mondays, and those random nights when I just need something cozy. It’s proof that simple ingredients can create pure magic—all you need is a good skillet, a little patience, and the courage to not overthink the gravy (trust me on this one).
And if you’re all about rich, saucy, comforting chicken dishes, do yourself a favor and try this butter chicken recipe next. Because honestly? Life is too short for dry chicken and boring meals. 🍗✨
Now, go grab a plate, pour on that gravy like it’s your job, and enjoy every single bite. You deserve it. ❤️