Chicken and Gravy Recipe – Easy & Delicious Homemade Dish

There’s nothing quite like homemade chicken and gravy to bring warmth and comfort to your dinner table. This classic dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and pairs well with so many sides—mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or even pasta!

Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a foolproof meal, this guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions, delicious variations, and pro tips to make your chicken and gravy extra flavorful.

So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started! 🍗😋

Step-by-Step detailed Instructions

Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken – Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the chicken.
2. Heat the Oil – In a large pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
3. Cook the Chicken – Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).
4. Remove & Rest – Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it lightly with foil while you make the gravy.

Make the Gravy

5. Melt Butter – In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
6. Add Flour – Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will remove the raw flour taste.
7. Pour in Chicken Broth – Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
8. Season the Gravy – Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
9. Simmer & Thicken – Let the gravy cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
10. Add Milk/Cream – Stir in milk or heavy cream and let it cook for another 2 minutes for a rich, creamy texture.

Combine & Serve

11. Return the Chicken – Place the cooked chicken back into the pan and spoon the gravy over it. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
12. Serve Hot – Enjoy your chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits!

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Chicken and Gravy

If you have leftovers from your chicken and gravy, don’t let them go to waste! There are so many delicious ways to repurpose this dish into something new. Here are some creative and easy meal ideas using your leftovers:

1. Chicken and Gravy Sandwiches

• Toast a soft bun or buttery biscuit and pile on warm shredded chicken and gravy.
• Add cheese, caramelized onions, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.

2. Chicken and Gravy Pasta

• Boil your favorite pasta (egg noodles, penne, or fettuccine).
• Mix in your leftover chicken and gravy for a rich, creamy pasta dish.
• Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top.

3. Chicken and Gravy Pot Pie

• Use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry.
• Mix leftover chicken and gravy with frozen peas, carrots, and corn.
• Fill the crust, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes, and enjoy a hearty homemade pot pie!

4. Chicken and Gravy Over Waffles

• Swap out fried chicken for shredded chicken and gravy on a warm waffle.
• Drizzle with hot honey or maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory twist.

5. Chicken and Gravy Stuffed Peppers

• Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mix of chicken, rice, and gravy.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

6. Chicken and Gravy Rice Bowl

• Heat up leftover rice and top it with chicken and gravy.
• Add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy onions for extra texture.

7. Chicken and Gravy Breakfast Skillet

• Sauté diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet.
• Add shredded chicken and gravy, then top with a fried egg.

8. Chicken and Gravy Casserole

• Combine chicken, gravy, cooked pasta, and shredded cheese in a baking dish.
• Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and bake until bubbly.

9. Chicken and Gravy Quesadilla

• Spread chicken and gravy inside a tortilla with some cheddar cheese.
• Grill until crispy, then cut into wedges and serve with sour cream or salsa.

10. Chicken and Gravy Soup

• Simmer your leftover chicken and gravy with chicken broth, diced potatoes, carrots, and celery for a warm, comforting soup.

Final Tip: Freeze Your Leftovers for Later!

If you don’t want to eat your leftovers right away, freeze them in an airtight container. Chicken and gravy lasts up to 3 months in the freezer and can be reheated for an easy meal anytime!

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some tasty recipe variations to try:

1. Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

• Place seasoned chicken and 1.5 cups of chicken broth in a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
• Remove chicken and make the gravy by stirring in ½ cup heavy cream and a cornstarch slurry.

2. Oven-Baked Chicken and Gravy

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sear the chicken in a pan for 3-4 minutes per side, then place in a baking dish.
• Pour the prepared gravy over the chicken and bake for 25 minutes.

3. Southern Fried Chicken and Gravy

• Instead of searing, coat the chicken in flour and spices, then deep-fry until crispy.
• Make a milk-based gravy using pan drippings and serve with buttermilk biscuits.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Gravy

This dish pairs well with many delicious sides! Here are a few must-try options:

🥔 Mashed Potatoes – The classic combo! Creamy potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly.

🍚 White or Brown Rice – Simple but satisfying, rice complements the rich gravy.

🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Balance the meal with some fresh veggies like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.

🍞 Buttermilk Biscuits – Soft, flaky biscuits are great for soaking up every drop of gravy.

🥗 Simple Green Salad – A fresh, crisp salad helps balance the richness of the dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Gravy

Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor! The bones and skin add richness to the gravy.

For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.

Let the chicken rest before slicing – This keeps it juicy and tender.

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.

If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the pan.

Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe

This **easy chicken and gravy recipe** is a quick, comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and smothered in a **rich, creamy gravy** made from scratch. Serve it over **mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits** for a satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, this recipe is **beginner-friendly** and can be adapted for slow cookers or oven-baking. Ready in just **30 minutes**, it’s the perfect **homemade comfort food**! 🍗😊

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• ### **For the Chicken:**
• – 2 large **chicken breasts** or 4 chicken thighs
• – 1 teaspoon **salt**
• – ½ teaspoon **black pepper**
• – ½ teaspoon **paprika**
• – ½ teaspoon **garlic powder**
• – 2 tablespoons **olive oil** or **butter**
• ### **For the Gravy:**
• – 2 tablespoons **butter**
• – 2 tablespoons **all-purpose flour**
• – 2 cups **chicken broth** low sodium
• – ½ cup **milk** or **heavy cream**
• – 1 teaspoon **onion powder**
• – ½ teaspoon **garlic powder**
• – Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• ### **Step 1: Cook the Chicken**
• **Season the Chicken** – Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder evenly over both sides of the chicken.
• **Heat the Oil** – In a large pan, heat olive oil or butter over **medium heat**.
• **Cook the Chicken** – Place the chicken in the pan and cook for **5-7 minutes per side**, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature **165°F / 75°C**).
• **Remove & Rest** – Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover it lightly with foil while you make the gravy.
• ### **Step 2: Make the Gravy**
• **Melt Butter** – In the same pan, melt **2 tablespoons of butter** over **medium heat**.
• **Add Flour** – Stir in the **flour** and cook for **1 minute**, stirring constantly. This will remove the raw flour taste.
• **Pour in Chicken Broth** – Slowly add the **chicken broth** while whisking to prevent lumps.
• **Season the Gravy** – Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• **Simmer & Thicken** – Let the gravy cook for **3-4 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
• **Add Milk/Cream** – Stir in **milk or heavy cream** and let it cook for another **2 minutes** for a rich, creamy texture.
• ### **Step 3: Combine & Serve**
• **Return the Chicken** – Place the cooked chicken back into the pan and spoon the gravy over it. Let it simmer for **2-3 minutes**.
• **Serve Hot** – Enjoy your **chicken and gravy** over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits!

Notes

– **Want a thicker gravy?** Add a mix of **1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water** and stir into the gravy.
– **Prefer extra flavor?** Add **mushrooms, onions, or fresh herbs** like thyme or rosemary.
– **No fresh chicken?** You can use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken—just shred it and mix it into the gravy.
– **Make it healthier** by using **low-fat milk** and **olive oil instead of butter**.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place seasoned chicken and broth in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Make the gravy separately and mix it in before serving.

What should I serve with chicken and gravy?

Mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or even buttered noodles pair perfectly! If you love classic Southern dishes, you might also enjoy this Chicken and Dressing Recipe for a heartier meal.

Can I store leftovers?

Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicier than chicken breasts.

How do I make the gravy gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.

Can I freeze chicken and gravy?

Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. If you’re wondering about freezing similar dishes, check out this guide: Can You Freeze Chicken and Dressing?.

Conclusion

This homestyle chicken and gravy recipe is simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just want a cozy meal, this recipe never disappoints.