The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Hey there! Ready to discover your new favorite chicken and gravy recipe? I'm so excited to share this one with you because, honestly, it's like a warm hug on a plate! Every time I make this classic chicken and gravy recipe, my kitchen fills with the most amazing aromas, and my family comes running to see what's cooking. Trust me, this one's a total game-changer!

Classic Chicken and Gravy Recipe featuring a golden-brown chicken breast topped with creamy homemade gravy, served over fluffy mashed potatoes with a side of fresh green beans. A comforting and hearty meal perfect for dinner.

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Let me tell you why this classic chicken and gravy recipe is about to become your new favorite! I've spent years perfecting this chicken and gravy recipe, and there's just something absolutely magical that happens when tender, juicy chicken meets rich, homemade gravy – it's like they were meant to be together! And the best part? I've broken everything down into super simple steps that work like a charm every single time.

This homestyle chicken and gravy recipe solves all those common cooking challenges! You know how sometimes gravy can be a bit tricky, maybe turning out lumpy or bland? Well, those days are over! I've tested this recipe countless times (my family wasn't complaining!), and I promise you'll get that smooth, velvety gravy that's packed with flavor. And the chicken? Oh my goodness, it turns out perfectly moist and tender – the kind that makes everyone think you've been cooking all day!

Don't worry if you're just getting started in the kitchen – this easy chicken and gravy recipe is totally beginner-friendly! And if you're already a cooking pro, you'll love how these tried-and-true techniques give you restaurant-worthy results. Trust me, once you serve this up, everyone will be asking for your secrets!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken and Gravy Recipe Instructions
Hints and Tips
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Equipment For Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Storage Instructions
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch:
FAQ
How did your chicken and gravy recipe turn out?
Related
Pairing
The Best Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Ingredients

Before we start cooking up this amazing meal, let's gather everything we need. Don't you just love how simple these ingredients are? You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For Our Juicy Chicken (this is where the magic starts!):

4 chicken breasts (grab the boneless, skinless ones - they work best here!)
2 tablespoons olive oil (any kind you have in your pantry is perfect)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (fresh garlic works too, but powder makes it super easy)
1 teaspoon onion powder (adds amazing flavor without all the chopping!)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (this little herb makes such a big difference)
Salt and black pepper to taste (don't be shy with these!)

Fresh ingredients for Chicken and Gravy Recipe, featuring raw boneless chicken breasts on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Essential components for a flavorful and juicy chicken dish.

For Our Dreamy Gravy (get ready for the good stuff!):

Salt and black pepper to taste

4 tablespoons butter (real butter makes all the difference here, trust me!)

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (this is what makes our gravy thick and smooth)

2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought - both work great!)

½ cup heavy cream (this makes our gravy extra rich and velvety)

½ teaspoon dried thyme (yes, more thyme - it ties everything together!)

Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy Recipe including butter, flour, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, laid out on a wooden surface. Essential components for a rich and creamy homemade gravy.

Chicken and Gravy Recipe Instructions

Let's Start Cooking!

Step 1: Getting Your Chicken Ready (The Foundation of Deliciousness!)

First things first - grab some paper towels and pat those chicken breasts dry. This little step is super important for getting that gorgeous golden-brown crust we're after!
Now comes the fun part - let's season our chicken! Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Don't be shy with the seasonings - they're going to give us amazing flavor!
Time to heat up your skillet! Pour in that olive oil and let it get nice and hot over medium-high heat. You'll know it's ready when the oil shimmers a bit - that's your cue!

Step 2: Let's Cook That Chicken (Getting Excited Yet?)

Carefully place your seasoned chicken in the hot skillet - listen for that wonderful sizzle! That's the sound of deliciousness happening!
Here's where patience pays off - let it cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You're looking for that beautiful golden-brown color, and if you have a meat thermometer, we want to hit 165°F. (No thermometer? No worries - just make sure there's no pink in the middle!)
Once your chicken is cooked, give it a little rest on a plate and tent it with foil to keep all that juiciness in. Think of it as tucking your chicken in for a quick nap!

Step 3: Time for the Star of the Show - Our Gravy!

Here's a pro tip - use the same skillet! All those tasty bits from cooking the chicken are flavor gold for our gravy. Add your butter and let it melt over medium heat.
Sprinkle in the flour and start whisking - this is your arm workout for the day! Keep whisking for 2-3 minutes - we're building flavor here!
Now, slowly pour in your chicken broth while whisking. Take your time here, friend - this is how we get that silky-smooth gravy everyone loves!
Add your heavy cream and thyme - things are getting really good now! Keep that whisk moving!
Let everything simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it's thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper until it's just right for you.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together (The Grand Finale!)

Reunite the chicken with your gorgeous gravy by nestling it back in the skillet.
Now for the best part - spoon that velvety gravy all over your chicken. Go ahead, be generous!
Let everything hang out together for 2-3 minutes to get nice and hot.
Want to make it look extra fancy? Sprinkle some fresh thyme on top! (Plus, it makes your kitchen smell amazing!)

Hints and Tips

For extra flavorful gravy, don't clean the skillet after cooking the chicken and gravy recipe – those browned bits are full of flavor
Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold chicken straight from the fridge
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

This protein-rich dish can be adapted for various dietary needs. Serve with:

Mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy
Steamed vegetables for a complete meal
Rice or egg noodles as alternative bases

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for even juicier results
Create a gluten-free version using cornstarch as a thickener instead of flour
Add mushrooms to the gravy for an earthier flavor profile

Equipment For Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Large skillet or frying pan
Whisk
Meat thermometer
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and gravy recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if gravy is too thick

Top Tip

The key to smooth, lump-free gravy is to whisk constantly while adding liquid to the roux (butter-flour mixture). If you notice any lumps, strain the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Grandma's Magic Touch:

You know what makes this chicken and gravy recipe extra special? It's inspired by those cozy Sunday dinners at Grandma's house, where the kitchen always smelled amazing and every bite felt like a warm hug! My grandmother had this incredible way of turning simple ingredients into something absolutely magical, and this recipe carries all those special touches.

Just like Grandma taught me, the real secret to this homestyle chicken and gravy recipe isn't just in the ingredients – it's in those little moments of love you put into it. Things like taking your time to get that chicken perfectly golden (no rushing here!), whisking the gravy with patience until it's silky smooth (just like she used to do), and tasting as you go to get those seasonings just right.

FAQ

How can I make chicken gravy taste better?

To enhance your chicken and gravy recipe gravy's flavor, try these chef-tested tips: add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth, incorporate pan drippings from roasted chicken, use fresh herbs like thyme or sage, or stir in a touch of heavy cream. For extra richness, you can also add sautéed mushrooms, roasted garlic, or a splash of white wine to your gravy while simmering. Remember to always taste and adjust seasonings gradually.

What is the gravy from KFC?

KFC's signature gravy is a rich, savory sauce made primarily from chicken base, flour, and a special blend of seasonings. While the exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, you can create a similar homestyle gravy using chicken drippings, flour, broth, and a mix of black pepper, sage, and garlic powder. The key is gradually incorporating the liquid while whisking continuously to achieve that signature smooth texture.

What can I add to chicken gravy to make it thicker?

The most reliable way to thicken chicken and gravy recipe is to make a cornstarch slurry - mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering gravy. Alternatively, you can use a flour-butter paste (beurre manié), instant mashed potato flakes, or reduce the gravy by simmering it longer. Always add thickeners gradually while whisking to prevent lumps.

Can I use chicken broth instead of stock for gravy?

Yes, you can absolutely use chicken broth instead of stock in your gravy recipe! While stock is generally richer due to the gelatin from bones, modern chicken broth is a perfectly good substitute. To enrich store-bought broth, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter. Both options will give you delicious results in your homemade chicken gravy.

How did your chicken and gravy recipe turn out?

We bet your kitchen smells absolutely amazing right now! This comforting dish brings together tender, juicy chicken and silky-smooth gravy in a way that makes any dinner feel special. The rich, savory flavors and that perfectly golden-brown chicken are sure to make this recipe a regular in your cooking rotation!

If you're loving this kind of classic comfort food, you'll definitely want to try our Boursin Cheese Pasta Recipe next – it's another simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Did you make this chicken and gravy recipe? We'd absolutely love to hear all about it! Drop a star rating below and share your cooking adventure in the comments. Did you add your own special touch? Maybe you threw in some mushrooms or tried a different herb blend? Every comment helps other home cooks feel confident in giving this recipe a try!

Don't be shy about sharing photos of your masterpiece – we love seeing how each person makes this recipe their own! Your experience might be exactly what another cook needs to feel inspired to get in the kitchen.

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Pairing

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