Description
This comforting Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful homemade gravy. Made with simple pantry staples like butter, flour, chicken stock, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is perfect served over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal. Easy to prepare within 30 minutes, it’s ideal for family dinners or satisfying weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts (or 4 medium/small chicken breasts)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Gravy
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp chicken base (recommend Better Than Bouillon brand)
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Serving Suggestion
- Instant Pot mashed potatoes or preferred mashed potatoes
- Optional sides: peas or garlic bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Set this mixture aside for use in the gravy.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chicken Base: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add butter and chicken base to the skillet, stirring to melt and combine.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the seasoned flour mixture into the pan. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to one minute, forming a roux.
- Add Liquids and Thicken: Slowly pour in chicken stock while scraping up all browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add water and whisk to prevent lumps. Allow the gravy to simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish the Gravy: Pour in heavy cream if using, stir to combine.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy: Shred the cooked chicken if desired and add it back into the gravy along with any collected juices. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to meld flavors.
- Season to Taste: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Note that the salt from the chicken base, stock, and chicken should be sufficient.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Pair with peas or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Additional Suggestion: For another comforting dish, try the Chicken and Stove Top Stuffing Casserole recommended by the author.
Notes
- Only lightly salt the chicken breasts initially; the gravy and stock provide sufficient saltiness.
- Be sure to scrape the pan bottom when adding stock to incorporate all flavor bits into the gravy.
- Optional heavy cream adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter gravy.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- Enjoy with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice according to preference.
- Try pairing with garlic bread and peas for a classic home-style meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American