When you’re craving comfort, nothing hits the spot quite like a chicken and gravy recipe. It’s warm, filling, flavorful, and versatile—making it ideal for a weeknight dinner, Sunday supper, or a soul-soothing meal on a rainy day. Whether spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes, ladled onto rice, or served with buttery biscuits, this dish brings everyone to the table.
In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through how to make juicy, well-seasoned chicken paired with silky, homemade gravy. You’ll learn how to cook the chicken using different methods, master the perfect roux, fix common mistakes, and discover how to serve and store this dish like a pro.
Why This Chicken and Gravy Recipe Works
- Comforting and rich – Each bite is packed with savory, satisfying flavor.
- Customizable – Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even rotisserie chicken.
- Easy to scale – Feed a family or make a single portion.
- Pantry-friendly – Uses ingredients you likely already have.
- Perfect leftovers – Even better the next day!
Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Add ½ cup of milk or heavy cream if you’re after a richer, creamier gravy—totally optional, but definitely delicious.
Tip: Swap in bone-in chicken for even more flavor, especially if you’re baking or slow-cooking.
How to Make Chicken and Gravy from Scratch
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Choose from one of these three methods based on your preference:
Pan-Fried Chicken (Quick & Flavorful)
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat until it’s melted and shimmering, ready to kick off your cooking.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Transfer to a plate and reserve the pan drippings for gravy.
Baked Chicken (Juicier & Healthier)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Slow Cooker Chicken (Tender & Set-It-and-Forget-It)
- Season chicken and place in a slow cooker.
- Add 1 cup of broth and cook:
- LOW: 6–7 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
- Shred or slice before adding gravy.
Step 2: Make the Gravy
Pan Gravy from Scratch
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk it constantly for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color—this creates the base for your gravy.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups of broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—this is where the flavor really starts to build.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Optional: Stir in ½ cup milk or cream for a rich finish.
Fix a Thin Gravy: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the simmering gravy.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Gravy
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Spoon gravy over the top.
- Let it gently simmer for a few minutes to give the flavors time to come together and deepen.
Delicious Variations to Try
Southern-Style Chicken and Gravy
- Use buttermilk-fried chicken for crispy texture.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the gravy for Southern heat.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Gravy
- Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before making the roux.
- Finish the gravy with heavy cream for richness.
Cajun Chicken and Gravy
- Use Cajun seasoning on the chicken.
- Add bell peppers and celery to the gravy base.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Gravy
- Mashed Potatoes – The gold standard for soaking up gravy.
- Fluffy Biscuits – Ideal for dipping and savoring every last drop.
- Steamed Rice or Brown Rice – Simple and effective as a base.
- Egg Noodles – Tossed in butter and topped with gravy—comfort food bliss.
- Roasted Vegetables – Add texture and nutrients to the plate.
- Cornbread – Slightly sweet and crumbly, a Southern staple.
Tips for a Flawless Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Use pan drippings – They add unmatched flavor depth to your gravy.
- Cook gravy low and slow – This prevents curdling and ensures even thickening.
- Season in layers – From chicken to gravy, taste and adjust throughout.
- Avoid overcooking chicken – Use a thermometer to hit that perfect 165°F.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze it in portion-sized containers, and it’ll keep well for up to 3 months—perfect for easy meals later on.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth and warm over low heat.
- To reheat in the microwave, cover it and warm in 60-second bursts, giving it a stir between each round to heat it evenly.
Common Chicken and Gravy Mistakes (And Fixes)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Chicken too dry | Use thighs or bone-in cuts; don’t overcook |
| Gravy too salty | Add cream, unsalted broth, or a peeled potato while simmering |
| Gravy too thin | Add a cornstarch slurry or simmer longer |
| Lumpy gravy | Whisk constantly; strain through a fine mesh sieve if needed |
| Bland flavor | Use seasoned broth, add Worcestershire, herbs, or umami-rich ingredients |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the key to flavorful gravy?
Use pan drippings, season in layers, and let it simmer gently to develop depth.
2. Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the chicken cooking step and reheat rotisserie chicken in the gravy.
3. What’s the best thickener for gravy?
Start with a flour-based roux for traditional flavor. Cornstarch works well for a gluten-free option.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just skip the milk or cream and use oil or plant-based butter.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Gravy Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s comfort in a skillet. With tender chicken, rich homemade gravy, and endless serving options, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to time and time again.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals ahead, or feeding a hungry group, this recipe’s got you covered—it’s easy to adapt, full of flavor, and totally satisfying.
Now that you’ve mastered the method, it’s time to get cooking. Grab your skillet and treat yourself to a classic dinner that never goes out of style.