Looking for a cozy, homey meal that comes together quickly? This easy chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a rich homemade gravy makes for comforting comfort food without the sodium of canned soup. In just about 30 minutes and with simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty dinner the whole family will love.
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to make it your own!
This easy chicken and gravy recipe can be made any night of the week, bringing joy to your dinner table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream (for creamy gravy)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for flavor depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
All ingredients are pantry staples, making this recipe a go-to for an easy chicken and gravy dinner. You can swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat (see FAQ below).
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is comfort food at its finest, perfect for any family gathering.
Instructions
Get ready to enjoy an easy chicken and gravy recipe that is not only delicious but also quick to prepare!
Indulge in the warmth of this easy chicken and gravy recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl!
- Season and cook the chicken. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°Fusda.gov. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté onion and garlic. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan drippings; cook, stirring, until the onions are soft and translucent (about 2 minutes). This builds the flavor base for the gravy.
- Make a roux. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic. Stir continuously for 1 minute to form a light paste (roux). This cooks out the raw flour taste and will thicken the gravy.
- Stir in liquids. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir or whisk until the gravy thickens (2–3 minutes).
- Finish the gravy. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon gravy over the pieces. Add the fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) and Worcestershire sauce if using. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy is velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve. Transfer chicken to plates and spoon the hot gravy on top. Garnish with chopped parsley. This chicken and gravy is especially delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.
By following this easy chicken and gravy recipe, you will master the art of making delicious homemade gravy!
Tips for Success
- Even Thickness: For quick, even cooking, pound chicken breasts to similar thickness. This prevents dry edges and underdone centers.
- Don’t Skip the Roux: Allow the flour to cook for a minute with the onion and garlic; this small step ensures your gravy is smooth and free of raw flour taste.
- Deglaze the Pan: When you add the broth, scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those flavorful bits deepen the gravy’s taste.
- Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more broth or milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer or add a slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to thicken.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: Controlling the salt lets you season just right. Homemade gravy can quickly become too salty if canned broth or sauces are too salty. Starting with low-sodium broth puts you in charge of the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the chicken and savory gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort-food meal.
- Rice or Noodles: Serve over steamed rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up every last drop of the gravy.
- Vegetables: A side of green beans, roasted carrots, or steamed broccoli adds color and freshness. The hearty gravy pairs especially well with simple steamed or roasted vegetables.
- Biscuits or Bread: Warm dinner rolls or buttered biscuits are perfect for sopping up extra gravy.
- Family Style: This meal is great for a family dinner. Let everyone ladle their own gravy, and watch your loved ones enjoy the cozy, home-cooked flavors.
Alt text: A cozy plate of chicken with homemade gravy, served over mashed potatoes.
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a delicious dinner ready to go!
Try this easy chicken and gravy recipe with your loved ones and watch them smile with each bite!
Storage and Reheating
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare.
Follow these steps for the ultimate easy chicken and gravy recipe, guaranteed to impress your family and friends!
Every bite of this easy chicken and gravy recipe is packed with flavor and comfort.
Because this recipe uses real gravy (no canned soup stabilizers), store leftovers properly for best quality. Refrigerate the cooled chicken and gravy in an airtight container. According to USDA guidelines, meat-based gravy can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for 4–6 monthsmarthastewart.com. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently (add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick). When reheating chicken, ensure it reaches 165°F again for safetyusda.gov.
For freezing, let the dish cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and label with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that gravy can separate slightly in the freezer; whisk it well as it heats to re-emulsify the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Canned Soup: You get rich, homemade flavor by using pantry staples (broth, flour, herbs) instead of canned soup or gravy mix.
- Quick and Easy: With a few simple steps, dinner is done in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a wholesome meal fast.
- Comforting and Classic: Chicken smothered in gravy is classic comfort food. The savory aroma alone makes everyone feel at home.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and grown-ups alike love this dish. The creamy gravy and tender chicken are a hit even with picky eaters.
- Customizable: Use turkey or chicken thighs (see FAQs) or tweak the herbs (rosemary, sage, or thyme) to your liking. You can also make it gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour.
Alt text: Step-by-step process showing chicken cooking in a skillet, forming gravy.
FAQs
Share this easy chicken and gravy recipe with your friends and family for a meal they won’t forget!
Can I freeze chicken and gravy?
Yes! This homemade chicken and gravy freezes well. Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container. Per food safety guidelines, gravy and cooked poultry can be frozen safely for 4–6 monthsmarthastewart.com. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Turkey (such as cut-up breast or thigh meat) works great in this recipe. The cooking steps are the same, though turkey breast may cook a bit faster since it’s often leaner. Ensure turkey pieces reach 165°F as well. The rich gravy pairs beautifully with turkey and makes a nice variation—think “Turkey with gravy” any night!
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes. Dark meat like boneless thighs stays extra juicy and flavorful. You may need to cook thighs slightly longer (they’re thicker) or reduce the heat so they don’t burn. The result will be fall-apart tender meat and even more flavorful gravy from the extra fat.
How do I thicken the gravy if needed?
If your gravy is thinner than you like, make a cornstarch slurry: mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water, then whisk it into the simmering gravy. Cook a minute more until thickened. For thinner gravy, simply add more chicken broth or milk.
This classic easy chicken and gravy recipe will quickly become a staple in your home for its comforting flavors.
Let’s Make It!
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Drop a comment below, share a photo on social media, or pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later. Happy cooking and enjoy the comfort of homemade gravy!
Meta Title: Easy Chicken and Gravy (No Canned Soup!) – Quick Comfort Food
Meta Description: Make a cozy weeknight dinner with this easy chicken and gravy recipe from scratch (no canned soup!). Ready in 30 minutes and perfect over mashed potatoes.
Focus Keyword: easy chicken and gravy recipe
Easy Chicken and Gravy (No Canned Soup!)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or rosemary
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season & Sear: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Simmer until the gravy thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Combine & Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet. Add thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer another 5–7 minutes, spooning gravy over chicken.
- Serve: Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra richness, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for more texture and nutrition.
- To freeze: Cool completely, transfer to a container, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Enhance your dining experience by pairing this easy chicken and gravy recipe with your favorite sides!
Don’t forget to save this easy chicken and gravy recipe for your future meal planning!
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is a hit for potlucks and family gatherings.
Make this easy chicken and gravy recipe your go-to dish for family dinners!
Once you try this easy chicken and gravy recipe, you won’t want to make it any other way!
Remember, this easy chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for those who love comfort food!
Enjoy the flavors in this easy chicken and gravy recipe paired with your favorite sides!