This easy homemade chicken and gravy recipe is a warm hug on a plate! Juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and smothered in rich, creamy gravy that’s sure to comfort everyone.
You can whip this up in no time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. I love pairing it with fluffy mashed potatoes—you know you want to make that saucy mess! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect here. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can use skin-on chicken for added flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Olive Oil or Butter: I prefer using butter for a richer taste, but olive oil works just as well. If you’re dairy-free, opt for a plant-based butter or oil. Both will help you achieve that nice sear on the chicken.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness. If you don’t have any, feel free to use water, but you might want to add a bit more seasoning. Vegetable broth is also a great substitute if you’re going vegetarian!
Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the gravy. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Just mix it with a little broth before adding it to prevent clumping.
How Do I Get a Great Gravy Consistency?
Getting the perfect gravy is all about the roux and whisking. Here’s the secret to achieving that smooth, creamy texture:
- Make sure to cook the flour with the onions for at least 1-2 minutes to eliminate that raw flour taste.
- When adding the broth, do it slowly while whisking to mix it in without lumps.
- Keep whisking as it cooks to help air incorporate into the gravy, making it nice and thick.
- If it gets too thick, simply add a little more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
By using these tips, you’ll have a delicious, smooth gravy to top your chicken. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Homemade Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes of your time. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the chicken and the ingredients, and then about 20 minutes to cook everything to perfection. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for a weekend dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds so much flavor to your dish!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and slightly translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. You want to catch those beautiful flavors!
4. Making the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic mixture in the skillet. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This helps to cook the flour and create a smooth roux, which will thicken your gravy.
5. Whisking in the Chicken Broth:
Slowly begin to whisk in the chicken broth. Be sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Those bits are packed with flavor and will enrich your gravy!
6. Adding Creaminess:
Next, add the milk or cream to the gravy. Stir nicely to combine everything. Continue to cook and whisk until the gravy thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. If it’s lumpy, keep whisking!
7. Final Seasoning:
If you’d like, stir in the dried thyme or poultry seasoning at this point. Taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Bringing It All Together:
Now it’s time to return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of that delicious gravy over the top of each piece. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and warm the chicken through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This chicken and gravy is best enjoyed hot, paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side. Enjoy your comforting, easy homemade chicken and gravy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. The best method is to transfer it to the fridge the night before. If you’re in a hurry, you can also place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Chicken and Gravy Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and make the gravy in advance. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the gravy if needed.
What Can I Use Instead of All-Purpose Flour to Thicken the Gravy?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, cornstarch works great! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, and add it to the gravy at the end, stirring until thickened. Alternatively, a gluten-free flour blend can also be used in the same amount as regular flour.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
