If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you’ve just found your new favorite: this Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, luscious gravy that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for weekday dinners or a weekend treat, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s both approachable and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the ease and deliciousness of this recipe will make it a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor and depth. You’ll notice how the basic pantry staples come together to build a perfectly balanced meal full of cozy, homemade goodness.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Slicing them into cutlets helps cook the chicken quickly and evenly.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic kick that complements the savory profile of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat for searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Used both for cooking and enriching the gravy with a silky texture.
- 2 tablespoons flour: The secret to thickening the gravy for that perfect consistency.
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the gravy, intensifying the chicken’s flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A balanced herb mix to elevate the savory notes in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and earthiness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and brightness right before serving.
How to Make Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
First, cut your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets, allowing even, faster cooking. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning sets the stage for deep flavor development as the chicken cooks.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Give the pan a moment to warm up well so your chicken gets a beautiful golden sear. Sear the cutlets for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re luscious and golden brown. Then transfer them to a plate to rest while you prepare the gravy.
Step 3: Make the Roux for Gravy
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet, enjoying how the buttery aroma fills your kitchen. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to eliminate that raw flour taste. This creates a roux, the thickening base for your luscious gravy.
Step 4: Whisk in Chicken Broth and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. The broth lends a rich, savory base while the Italian seasoning and onion powder add layers of herbal and aromatic depth that make the gravy truly irresistible.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Gravy
Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet along with any juices that have accumulated on the plate. Simmer everything gently for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F) and the gravy has thickened to your liking. Keep the heat low to avoid over-thickening while the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Give the gravy a taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. For a fresh, colorful finish, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top just before serving. This finishing touch adds brightness both in flavor and presentation, making it feel like a truly special meal.
How to Serve Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of finely chopped chives elevates not just the flavor but the overall appeal of your dish. Garnishes bring a fresh note that cuts through the richness and adds a lovely pop of color, making the meal feel complete and inviting.
Side Dishes
This chicken and gravy dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that savory sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a perfect texture contrast and balance the richness with natural sweetness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken cutlets over a bed of buttery egg noodles or even creamy polenta for a comforting twist. You can also spoon the gravy generously over a toasted baguette slice as an appetizer or present it alongside a simple salad for a balanced meal that’s both comforting and fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Consume within three days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken and gravy in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture of the chicken and avoid curdling the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving to keep that silky gravy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and a deeper flavor, which can be a delicious alternative in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with added bouillon cubes can work. Keep in mind the flavor might be a bit less rich, so adjust seasoning accordingly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it into a slurry with cold water before adding to the melted butter to avoid lumps.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it gets too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth or water to reach the perfect consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Green beans, mushrooms, or peas can be added either towards the end of cooking or served on the side to boost both nutrition and flavor variety.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like it’s been made with love, even on the busiest nights. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a classic comfort meal that delights everyone at the table. Give it a try, and I promise it will be one of those recipes you reach for again and again when you want something cozy, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Print
Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy chicken and gravy recipe features tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, homemade gravy made with butter, flour, and savory seasonings. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with straightforward cooking techniques to deliver a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season each cutlet generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the pan to heat up for several minutes until the butter melts and the oil is shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the gravy.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure the flour fully dissolves without lumps, creating a smooth gravy base.
- Season the Gravy: Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion powder to infuse additional flavor into the gravy.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken along with any juices collected on the plate back to the skillet. Simmer gently for another 4-5 minutes on low-medium heat, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the gravy thickens slightly. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle bubbling, avoiding excess thickening.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve the chicken hot with the rich gravy immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness (165°F internal temperature).
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- If gravy thickens too much, whisk in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh aroma but is optional.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
