Chicken and Gravy: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Chicken and Gravy: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Breast boneless and skinless; ½ teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ¼ teaspoon Onion Powder; ¼ teaspoon Dried Thyme; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper plus extra for garnish if desired; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 3½ cup Chicken Broth divided (½ cup to cook the chicken and 3 cups for the gravy); 4 tablespoons Butter; ¼ cup All Purpose Flour; Chopped parsley or sliced green onions or chopped chives or sprinkle of paprika or extra black pepper for garnish optional

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s a simple magic to the smell of chicken and gravy simmering on a Sunday afternoon. That rich, savory aroma instantly makes a house feel like home, drawing everyone toward the kitchen. This timeless comfort dish is experiencing a well-deserved resurgence because, let’s be honest, sometimes we all crave that warm hug on a plate.

Contents show

This recipe delivers homemade comfort at its finest: tender chicken smothered in silky, golden gravy made from scratch. It’s truly amazing how a few pantry stapleschicken, butter, flour, and brothcan transform into something so deeply satisfying in under an hour. Think grandma’s Sunday dinner, made surprisingly weeknight-friendly.

Growing up, my grandmother, Julia, always emphasized that the secret to perfect gravy was patience and a good whisk. I’ve since refined her method, testing it countless times to make it foolproof for even the busiest families. The result? Gravy so smooth and intensely flavorful, you’ll want to pour it on everything. Trust me, this one’s a keeper for your recipe rotation.

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25-30 minutes | Yields: 4 servings

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Classic Chicken and Gravy

This isn’t just any comfort food chicken recipe; it’s the kind that evokes the cozy feeling of being wrapped in your favorite blanket on a rainy day. The chicken achieves incredible tenderness because we gently simmer it in broth, ensuring it stays moist throughout. And the gravy? It’s crafted directly from those same flavorful pan drippings, capturing every last nuance of taste.

What I appreciate most about this dish is its forgiving nature. The gravy thickens beautifully and effortlessly, and even if you’re new to making gravy from scratch, the clear, step-by-step method practically guarantees success. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour, using ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Close-up of a pan filled with golden brown chicken pieces and rich, bubbling homemade gravy, ready to be served.

The Magic Behind Perfect Homemade Chicken Gravy

The secret to silky, lump-free gravy begins with building a proper rouxa simple mixture of butter and flour cooked together until it’s golden and fragrant. By slowly whisking in the broth, continually stirring in small circles, you create an emulsion that transforms into liquid gold. Julia’s advice to add the broth gradually was spot-on, ensuring a perfectly smooth consistency.

Pro Tip: Always remember to collect any juices released by the rested chicken and stir them back into the gravy. These concentrated drippings are flavor powerhouses, making all the difference between good gravy and truly unforgettable gravy.

Gravy Consistency	What It Means	Quick Fix
Too Thick	Coats spoon heavily, doesn’t pour easily	Add warm broth, 1 tablespoon at a time
Too Thin	Runs off spoon like water	Simmer uncovered 2-3 more minutes
Just Right	Coats spoon but drips off smoothly	Perfect! Taste and adjust seasoning

Step-by-Step: From Pan to Plate

This easy chicken and gravy recipe excels at layering flavors efficiently, all within a single trusty skillet. The process begins with seasoning the chicken with a simple blend of herbs and spices, followed by pan-searing until beautifully golden. The magic truly unfolds when we introduce a splash of broth; it generates steam that gently finishes cooking the chicken to perfection, all while leaving behind those precious browned bits of flavor.

With the chicken resting, we then transform those same pan drippings directly into the rich gravy. This approach means no extra dishes and no wasted flavorjust pure, comforting efficiency. Finally, the shredded chicken is reunited with the finished gravy for the last few minutes, allowing it to soak up all those incredible savory flavors.

Season and sear: Achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken for maximum depth of flavor.
Steam-finish: Adding broth creates steam, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly moist and tender.
Build the gravy: Utilize every drop of those precious pan drippings as the flavorful base for your gravy.

Reunite: Return the shredded chicken to the gravy for a final simmer, creating the ultimate cohesive comfort dish.

Safety Note: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Smart Swaps and Simple Tweaks

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so don’t worry if you need to make a few substitutions. Chicken thighs work beautifully here if you prefer dark meat just adjust the cooking time slightly since they take a bit longer to reach 165°F. Low-sodium broth is perfect if you’re watching salt intake, and you can always taste and add more seasoning at the end.

Original Ingredient	Easy Swap	Notes
Chicken breast	Chicken thighs	Cook 2-3 minutes longer, equally delicious
All-purpose flour	Gluten-free flour blend	Use same amount, whisk thoroughly
Dried thyme	Fresh thyme (1 tsp)	Add with the butter for best flavor
Butter	Olive oil	Changes flavor slightly but works great

Serving Suggestions That Make It Special

There’s nothing quite like spooning this chicken and gravy over a mountain of fluffy mashed potatoes it’s the ultimate in cozy comfort food. But don’t stop there. Try it over buttery biscuits for a Southern-inspired twist, or serve it open-faced on thick slices of white bread like they used to do at old-fashioned diners.

For a slightly lighter approach, egg noodles soak up the gravy beautifully, and you can round out the meal with some steamed green beans or roasted carrots. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the whole plate sing.

Storage Tips and Leftover Magic

This dish actually gets better overnight those flavors have time to meld and deepen in the most wonderful way. Store everything together in the refrigerator for up to three days, and gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much while chilling.

Freezer-Friendly Note: The chicken and gravy freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally. It’s like having a home-cooked meal waiting in the wings for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast.

Expert Insight: The Art of Chicken and Gravy

Chicken and gravy is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary art that perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with tender protein. Mastering the gravy’s velvety texture is key, relying on gentle simmering to meld the chicken’s natural juices with your chosen thickener. This process creates a smooth, cohesive sauce that elevates the chicken’s inherent taste without ever overwhelming it, turning a simple meal into something truly special.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Perfecting My Family’s Chicken and Gravy

Years ago, I burned the gravy while chasing the kids, and that mistake taught me patience in the kitchen. After many tries, this chicken and gravy recipe finally feels like homerich, comforting, and just right. It’s the kind of meal that carries the warmth of family dinners and quiet Sunday afternoons.

FAQs ( Chicken and Gravy )

How do I make the gravy smooth and creamy?

Whisk the flour into melted butter or drippings before adding liquid to avoid lumps. Cook the roux gently until golden, then slowly add broth while stirring constantly. This method ensures a creamy, velvety texture without clumps in the gravy.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, leftover cooked chicken works well and can save prep time. Add it towards the end to gently heat through without drying out. This keeps the dish flavorful and tender while still enjoying homemade chicken gravy.

What’s the best side to serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes are the classic pairing and soak up the rich gravy perfectly. For a balanced meal, add steamed green beans or roasted vegetables. This combination creates a comforting and satisfying plate.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour. Use gluten-free broth and check all seasonings for hidden gluten. This maintains the same rich flavor without compromising safety.

What are the best tips for roasting chicken for gravy?

Use a whole chicken or thighs with skin for flavorful drippings. Roast at a high temperature initially to crisp the skin, then lower to finish cooking evenly. Save the pan juices to build a rich homemade chicken gravy.

Overhead shot of a platter piled high with tender chicken and rich, creamy gravy, ready for a family meal.

This chicken and gravy masterpiece comes together quickly, tasting as though it’s been simmering with love all afternoon. You’ll adore how the golden gravy beautifully coats every tender piece of chicken, filling your home with those inviting aromas that make everyone gather, eagerly asking, “When do we eat?” It’s true comfort food magic, consistently delivering satisfaction.

Consider serving this over fluffy buttery biscuits for a decadent Sunday brunch, or present it family-style with a generous helping of mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. The gravy reheats wonderfullysimply add a splash of broth to restore its silky texture. Here’s a smart trick I learned from Julia’s kitchen: freeze any leftover gravy in ice cube trays, then add them to soups or stews for an instant boost of savory flavor.

I genuinely love seeing families gather around this homemade chicken gravy! Please tag me in your cozy dinner photos. Did your own grandmother have a special gravy technique or a cherished comfort food recipe? There’s something truly beautiful and enduring about these handed-down dishes that bring us all closer. Save this recipe for your next family Sunday, and witness how it nourishes both bellies and hearts.