The Best Homestyle Chicken And Gravy Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

When comfort calls, this homestyle chicken and gravy recipe swoops in like a warm culinary hug.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly in a rich, velvety sauce that speaks directly to your soul.

Every forkful promises pure, nostalgic satisfaction with classic flavors that transport you to grandmother’s kitchen.

The secret lies in simple ingredients blended with love and care.

Fresh herbs and carefully seasoned chicken create a meal that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through hearty, home-cooked goodness.

Your dinner table will come alive with this irresistible comfort classic.

Why Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Comforts

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can create a delicious meal without stress.
• Searing chicken and carefully developing the roux create deep, rich flavors that transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
• This one-pan meal comes together quickly, delivering maximum taste with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy families craving a satisfying dinner.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding herbs, adjusting seasoning, or serving over different sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for endless meal variations.

Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy

• Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean cut that provides the primary protein for this homestyle dish.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful base for the gravy.
• Flour: Serves as the primary thickening agent for the gravy, creating a silky texture.

• Chicken Stock: Provides a rich, savory foundation for the gravy.
• Water: Helps adjust the consistency of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): Adds a luxurious, creamy element to the gravy.

• Chicken Base: A concentrated flavor enhancer that adds depth and saltiness to the dish.

Steps for Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.

Be careful not to oversalt since chicken base and stock already contain sodium.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Roux

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add butter and chicken base to the same pan.

• Butter
• Chicken base

• All-purpose flour
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Stir thoroughly and cook for 30-60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste.

Step 4: Develop Rich Gravy

Gradually pour chicken stock into the pan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

Add water and continue whisking until gravy thickens.

If desired, incorporate heavy cream and stir to blend.

Step 5: Combine And Simmer

Shred or slice cooked chicken and return to the pan along with accumulated juices.

Allow mixture to simmer for several minutes, helping flavors meld together.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste gravy and adjust seasonings as needed.

Consider adding a pinch of black pepper or extra garlic powder for enhanced flavor.

Pro Tips for Homestyle Chicken

• Get a perfect golden-brown crust by patting chicken breasts dry before cooking, ensuring maximum flavor development and crispy exterior.
• Whisk continuously and slowly when adding stock to roux, using a silky-smooth motion to guarantee a velvety, lump-free sauce every time.
• Adjust gravy consistency by simmering longer for thicker sauce or adding extra stock if too dense, creating your ideal texture.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during simmering to elevate the dish's aromatic profile and add subtle complexity.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, gently reheating with a splash of chicken stock to maintain moisture and freshness.

Best Ways to Store Chicken and Gravy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken and gravy will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Place chicken and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chicken and gravy into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying. Stir gently and warm slowly, stirring occasionally until heated completely through.

Pairing Options for Chicken and Gravy

Pairing Flavor Boosters: Complementary Delights for Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

• Roasted Root Vegetable Medley: Toss carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and thyme to create a colorful, earthy side that balances the rich, creamy gravy.
• Tangy Apple Slaw: Whip up a crisp coleslaw with shredded green apples, cabbage, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Companion: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's creamy texture and enhance the savory chicken flavors without overpowering the meal.
• Crusty Herb Bread: Serve warm, rustic bread with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and garlic to soak up the delicious gravy and add a delightful textural element to the plate.

Different Takes on Chicken and Gravy

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version while maintaining the rich, creamy texture.
• Low-Sodium Hero: Swap chicken base with low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt, perfect for heart-conscious individuals watching their sodium intake.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk creamer, creating a lighter sauce that's friendly for those avoiding dairy products.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken breasts with turkey breast or lean pork cutlets for a different protein option that still delivers the same comforting home-style experience.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great! They’re often more flavorful and juicy. Just ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature when cooking.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Use the same measurements and follow the same cooking process for the roux.

• What if I don't have chicken base?

You can replace chicken base with additional chicken stock or bouillon cubes. The key is maintaining the rich, savory flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and gravy keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of stock if it seems dry.

Homestyle Chicken And Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Homestyle Chicken and Gravy brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, delivering rich, savory flavors that wrap you in warmth. Tender chicken swimming in creamy gravy promises a delicious journey through classic American comfort cuisine you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts (split lengthwise into thinner breasts) or 4 medium/small chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Gravy Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (Better Than Bouillon brand)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by delicately seasoning both surfaces with kosher salt and black pepper, exercising restraint due to the inherent saltiness of the chicken base and stock.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place chicken breasts and sear for approximately 5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low. Incorporate butter and chicken base, stirring until fully melted. Gradually sprinkle flour mixture, blending thoroughly and allowing it to cook for 30-45 seconds to eliminate raw flour undertones.
4. Gradually stream chicken stock into the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lump formation. Introduce water while maintaining consistent whisking until gravy begins to thicken. If desired, incorporate heavy cream and stir until fully integrated.
5. Deconstruct chicken into shredded or sliced pieces, returning them to the gravy along with any accumulated juices. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for several minutes, facilitating flavor infusion and melding.
6. Conduct a final flavor assessment, making subtle seasoning adjustments with additional black pepper or garlic powder if necessary. Ensure balanced and harmonious taste profile before serving.

Notes

• Reduce sodium intake by using low-sodium chicken stock and minimizing added salt for health-conscious cooks.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for more tender, flavorful meat that stays juicy during cooking.
• Create a gluten-free version by using cornstarch instead of flour and ensuring gluten-free chicken base.
• Elevate the dish’s richness by adding a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during gravy preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg