Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic

Chicken and gravy isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. The aroma of seasoned chicken sizzling in a skillet, the sight of golden-brown pan drippings turning into silky gravy — it’s pure culinary magic.

Here’s why people love this dish:

1. Simple ingredients, big flavor. You don’t need fancy ingredients — just basic pantry staples like flour, butter, and broth.
2. Versatile. Works beautifully with chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or even rotisserie leftovers.
3. Budget-friendly. Perfect for feeding the family without stretching your wallet.
4. Deeply satisfying. Creamy gravy and juicy chicken bring warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
5. Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this chicken and gravy recipe fits any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make the ultimate chicken and gravy recipe from scratch:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream (for creamier gravy)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning or thyme (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped.
• A pinch of smoked paprika for color

Follow these simple steps to make your chicken and gravy recipe taste like something straight from grandma’s kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat your chicken dry with paper towels — this helps it brown beautifully.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter.
• Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
• Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate, covered loosely with foil to keep warm.
• Tip: If you’re using bone-in or skin-on chicken, brown the chicken for 8–10 minutes per side, then finish it in the oven at 375°F until fully cooked.

Step 2: Make the Roux (Gravy Base)

• Don’t wash the skillet — those flavorful brown bits at the bottom are the secret to a rich gravy.
• In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter.
• Once melted, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of flour.
• Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon for 1–2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This is called a roux, and it’s what thickens your gravy while adding flavor.
• Tip: Be careful not to burn the flour. If it darkens too much, the gravy will taste bitter.

Step 3: Build the Gravy

• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, about ½ cup at a time, ensuring there are no lumps.
• Once all broth is added, pour in the milk or cream.
• Whisk continuously until the mixture thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
• Season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning to taste.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• When the gravy is smooth and luscious, reduce the heat to low.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning gravy over each piece.
• Cover and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up all that creamy goodness.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or a pinch of paprika before serving.
• The result? Juicy, flavorful chicken blanketed in velvety, golden-brown gravy.

Chicken and gravy are incredibly versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:

1. Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice. Creamy potatoes ideally soak up the gravy.
2. Rice or Egg Noodles: A lighter but satisfying base.
3. Buttermilk Biscuits: Ideal for Southern-style comfort food vibes.
4. Steamed Vegetables: Add balance and color to the plate with green beans, broccoli, or carrots.
5. Buttered Corn or Coleslaw: For a homestyle dinner spread.
6. Pro tip: Pour the leftover gravy over everything — potatoes, veggies, even toast. It’s that good.

Flavor Variations

This chicken-and-gravy recipe is endlessly adaptable. Try one of these tasty twists:

1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Gravy

   Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the pan after searing the chicken. Sauté until golden, then proceed with the roux and broth. The mushrooms add earthy depth to the sauce.

2. Garlic Herb Chicken and Gravy

   Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and a teaspoon of fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage) during the gravy step for a fragrant, aromatic twist.

3. Country Fried Chicken and Gravy

   Dredge your chicken in seasoned flour before pan-frying to create a crispy crust. Then make the gravy using the drippings for a down-home Southern classic.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

   Place chicken, chicken broth, and a can of cream of chicken soup in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, shred the chicken, and stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken. Easy and perfect for busy days.

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