Homestyle Chicken and Gravy: Classic Comfort Food Made Easy

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

Need some comfort food? This easy chicken and gravy recipe delivers tender shredded chicken in rich gravy, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect over mashed potatoes!

Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:33:11 GMT
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with shredded chicken and gravy, accompanied by a side of green peas and slices of bread. Save
A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with shredded chicken and gravy, accompanied by a side of green peas and slices of bread. | kitchenscroll.com

My grandma taught me this chicken and gravy recipe when I first started cooking and it's still my ultimate comfort food go to. Something magical happens when tender chicken meets rich savory gravy. I always serve it over a big mound of creamy mashed potatoes the way she did. One bite takes me right back to her kitchen on those cozy Sunday afternoons.

Pure Comfort in a Bowl

The secret is letting all those simple ingredients work their magic together. The chicken gets so tender while the gravy turns out perfectly rich and velvety every time. I love piling everything over fluffy mashed potatoes watching that gravy slowly drip down the sides. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch afterward and take a happy nap.

What You Need

  • Chicken Breasts: 2 large or 4 smaller boneless, skinless breasts, seasoned and cooked to tender perfection.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons salted, for creating the base of the gravy.
  • Chicken Base: 1 tablespoon, for a rich, concentrated flavor boost.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, to thicken the gravy.
  • Chicken Broth: 2 cups, for a flavorful liquid base.
  • Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon each, for savory seasoning.
  • Mashed Potatoes: 4 cups, for serving as the perfect foundation for the chicken and gravy.

Let's Get Cooking

Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
Make the Roux
Add butter and chicken base to the skillet. Stir until melted. Sprinkle in flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Create the Gravy
Slowly whisk in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Add 1/2 cup water and whisk to remove lumps. Simmer until thickened.
Add the Chicken
Shred or keep chicken whole, then return it to the gravy with any collected juices. Simmer for 2 minutes. Optionally, add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes into bowls and ladle chicken and gravy over the top. Garnish with extra black pepper for a final touch.
A person holds a bowl of creamy chicken gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes, accompanied by slices of bread and a small bowl of green peas. Save
A person holds a bowl of creamy chicken gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes, accompanied by slices of bread and a small bowl of green peas. | kitchenscroll.com

Perfect Your Gravy

If your gravy gets too thick just add a splash more broth or water. Too thin Let it simmer a bit longer or whisk in a little cornstarch mixed with water. I always taste and adjust the seasonings adding more garlic powder onion powder or my secret ingredient a pinch of poultry seasoning.

Save Some for Later

This chicken and gravy keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 4 days. When you're ready for round two just warm it gently on the stove adding a splash of broth or milk to get that perfect consistency back. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months it reheats like a dream.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Why not salt the gravy while cooking?

The chicken base and stock contain salt. Adding salt too early can make it too salty. Always taste at the end and adjust seasoning then.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, thighs work great and stay even more tender. Just cook them a few minutes longer to reach 165°F internal temperature.

→ How can I fix gravy that's too thick or thin?

For too thick, add more broth or water. For too thin, simmer longer or make a cornstarch slurry (2 tsp cornstarch + 3 tsp water) and whisk in while simmering.

→ Is the heavy cream necessary?

No, it's optional. The cream adds richness but the gravy is still delicious without it.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the gravy.

Chicken and Gravy

This comforting homestyle chicken and gravy features tender shredded chicken in rich, creamy gravy. Perfect over mashed potatoes.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Total Time Required
30 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Ideal for Beginners

Cuisine Style: American

Recipe Output: 4 Number of Servings (4 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Low in Carbs

What You'll Gather

Contains 01 items 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise.
Contains 02 items 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Contains 03 items Kosher salt and black pepper.
Contains 04 items 3 tablespoons butter.
Contains 05 items 1 tablespoon chicken base.
Contains 06 items 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
Contains 07 items 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
Contains 08 items 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
Contains 09 items 2 cups chicken stock.
Contains 10 items 1/2 cup water.
Contains 11 items 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Cook chicken in olive oil, 5 minutes per side.

Step 03

Remove chicken, set aside.

Step 04

Lower heat to medium-low.

Step 05

Add butter and chicken base.

Step 06

Mix flour and seasonings in bowl.

Step 07

Add flour mixture to pan, cook roux 30-60 seconds.

Step 08

Slowly add stock and water, whisk until smooth.

Step 09

Simmer until thickened.

Step 10

Add optional cream.

Step 11

Shred chicken, return to gravy.

Step 12

Simmer few minutes more, taste and adjust seasoning.

Important Tips

  1. Don't add salt until end - base and stock contain salt.
  2. Can thin with broth or thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet.
  • Whisk.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Dairy (butter, cream).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutrition info is provided as a guide and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 362
  • Fat Amount: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Protein Amount: 29 g