Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe

One-Pan Easy Chicken and Gravy is a quick and simple recipe, perfect for busy nights. Enjoy hearty comfort food with minimal effort!

This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner. While it's common in many households, it is especially beloved in Southern kitchens, where it's often served with mashed potatoes or rice.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Special Tip:

 Brown the chicken slightly before cooking it through for a deeper flavor. This adds extra richness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Chicken:

• Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Gravy:

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
• Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Stir in the heavy cream or milk and continue whisking until the gravy thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the gravy.
• Let the chicken simmer in the gravy for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the gravy. Stir well, coating all the shredded chicken in the savory sauce.

Serve Easy Chicken and Gravy:

• Once everything is combined, serve the chicken with the creamy gravy over homemade mashed potatoes.

Tips for Variations, Substitutions, and Modifications

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a tangy twist.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use olive oil instead of butter and swap the cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Thicker Gravy: To achieve a thicker gravy, add a bit more flour. If the gravy gets too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Chicken Cuts: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.

What to Serve With

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes.
• Rice: Serve with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the gravy.
• Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, like green beans, carrots, or peas, complement this dish well.
• Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits are perfect for sopping up extra gravy.

Storage

• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container.
• Refrigeration: Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.

Tools You'll Need

• Skillet or frying pan
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer (optional)
• Tongs or spatula for handling the chicken