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This Chicken and Gravy Recipe is the easiest and most flavorful meal you can make with minimal effort. It’s ready to serve in just 30 minutes. Using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, you can serve it over hot steamed rice with mashed potatoes and green beans. It’s super easy and sure to become a family favorite.
I’ve been making this Chicken and Gravy for a long time, and it’s always my favorite to come back to, especially when I’m stumped on what to make for dinner. It’s also one of those meals that my whole family really enjoys. You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love Chicken and Gravy
Quick and Tasty: You can make this meal in just 30 minutes with a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something fast and delicious for a hearty dinner.
Crowd Favorite: The juicy chicken and savory gravy create a cozy, comforting flavor that feels like a warm hug. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family meals or solo dinners.
Versatile and Pantry-Friendly: You don’t need fancy ingredients—most of what you need is already in your pantry. This dish pairs well with just about anything, from mashed potatoes to steamed veggies.
Chicken and Gravy Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients needed to make this simple chicken and gravy recipe. Feel free to jump to the full recipe card for all the steps and instructions.
Chicken: I chose boneless, skinless chicken for this Simple Chicken and Gravy to keep the meal lean and delicious. But it’s also possible to use chicken thighs instead. Just remember that you must extend the cooking time to make them juicy and delicious.
Seasonings: You can use any chicken seasoning mix you prefer, such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or a garlic herb blend, as they all work great! I always use Italian seasoning for perfectly seasoned chicken and gravy. It adds a versatile blend of herbs like rosemary, basil, and oregano, making the chicken juicy and flavorful every time.
Butter or Oil: You can use butter or any type of vegetable oil you prefer. I like olive oil; it adds the best flavor and works well when cooking with high heat.
Aromatics: Use onions and garlic for the most aromatic flavor. I always mince fresh garlic myself for the best taste. You can also add celery for extra flavor to your dishes.
Chicken stock: For more flavor, you could use stock, but broth is also an option if you prefer. I always choose low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt in my dishes.
Sour Cream: This adds great creaminess to your gravy. I highly recommend including it. Sour cream makes the gravy smooth and gives it a bit of a sour taste. For a lighter option, you can swap it with Greek yogurt or softened cream cheese.
Potatoes or Rice: Serve your chicken and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a satisfying and wholesome dish. Both options soak up the gravy and make the meal filling.
Equipment
Equipment required for this recipe
How to make chicken and gravy
To prepare the chicken and gravy recipe, you need to start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, then cut the boneless chicken breasts in half to make them thinner, which helps them cook quickly.
Step 1: Season the chicken – Start by seasoning the chicken in a small bowl with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to give it a stronger herb flavor. Add some olive oil to help the seasonings stick. Keep in mind that there’s no need for extra salt, as both the chicken gravy and soup already have it. Set the seasoned chicken aside for 10 minutes. Cut the onion, slice the celery, and mince the garlic during this time.
Once the chicken is seasoned, take about one tablespoon of the seasoning mixture and put it in a separate container to season the gravy. Once the chicken is seasoned, take about one tablespoon of the seasoning mixture and put it in a separate container to use for seasoning the gravy.
Step 2: Sear the chicken – In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and sear your chicken on both sides for about 3-5 minutes until perfectly golden brown, adding butter once it’s flipped to make it taste even better. I highly recommend not covering the pan with a lid, as it will make the chicken steam instead of sear. Once all the chicken is seared, remove the pieces from the skillet and set them aside on a plate or in a bowl.
Step 3: Make the Gravy – Place the rest of the butter in the pan over medium heat and let it melt completely. Add the Italian seasoning and sprinkle in the flour, mixing everything together with a spoon or whisk. Cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light caramel color.
Slowly pour the chicken broth, stirring the whole time to make a thick, smooth gravy. Add a spoonful of sour cream when the broth starts to thicken, and mix well for a creamy, tangy sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken and Gravy – Taste for seasoning and adjust it if necessary. Bring the chicken back to the skillet and place it in the creamy gravy. Cover the skillet and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, tender and moist. Enjoy!
What to serve with Chicken and Gravy
This easy chicken and gravy recipe is one of my favorite meals, and my whole family loves it! I enjoy serving it over hot steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which perfectly soak up the gravy, making for super comfort food.
For veggie sides, I go with steamed green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or roasted carrots. You can even add a simple salad to go along with the chicken.
Leftovers and storage
Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing is a great option to keep the leftovers for a longer period. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just a reminder, the texture might change over time when you thaw and reheat it because of the gravy.
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using the microwave quickly on low heat until it’s warmed through, stirring it a bit to keep it from drying out. If the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of boiling water to bring back that creamy, smooth texture you desire.
You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Just stir the chicken pieces a bit until they’re warmed through.
Easy Chicken And Gravy Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
20
minutesTotal time
30
minutesThis quick Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a flavorful, comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes with minimal effort using pantry staples. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, and green beans for a delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
1 Large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt & pepper, Garlic powder ( To taste )
1 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter ( Divided )
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
1 tbsp sour cream
Parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add flour to the skillet, stirring to coat the onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes, then slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring to keep the gravy smooth. Once it thickens, add sour cream and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the gravy. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using bone-in chicken instead of boneless. It takes a bit longer to cook, but it makes the gravy richer.
- If the gravy thickens too much, add a little extra chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want a slightly lighter gravy with a bit more tang.
- To make it even creamier, add a small splash of heavy cream when stirring in the sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
FAQ for Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well if you want a quicker cooking time. Bone-in chicken usually adds more flavor to the gravy, but both are tasty. It’s up to you and what you prefer.
Can I skip the sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can skip it or use Greek yogurt as a substitute. The sour cream adds a creamy texture and slight tang, but the recipe will still be tasty without it.
How can I thicken the gravy more?
If the gravy isn’t thick enough, mix some extra flour with water to make a slurry. Stir it in while cooking and give it a minute or two until it thickens up the way you like.
Can I use regular chicken broth instead of low-sodium?
Yes, but keep in mind that regular broth can make the gravy salty. If you’re using it, consider using less salt on the chicken or tasting the gravy before adding more seasoning.
What sides go well with chicken and gravy?
Chicken and gravy pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. These sides soak up the gravy, making each bite more flavorful and filling.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to eat. Just add a little extra broth or water if the gravy thickens too much in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the stovetop or microwave, and add a splash of water or broth if the gravy gets too thick.
