Easy Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe That Tastes Like Home

Soul-warming homestyle chicken and gravy speaks directly to comfort food lovers seeking a nostalgic meal.

Tender meat swimming in rich, velvety sauce represents pure culinary happiness for many hungry families.

Traditional kitchens have long celebrated this classic combination as a symbol of home-cooked warmth.

Generations of cooks have perfected the delicate balance between seasoned protein and smooth, savory gravy.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish crafts simple ingredients into something magically delicious and deeply nourishing.

Memories of grandma’s cooking often center around meals just like this one, filled with love and incredible flavor.

Your dinner table will come alive with anticipation and joy when this comforting recipe arrives steaming hot.

Why Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Hits the Spot

• Savor Comfort Food Simplicity: This homestyle chicken and gravy recipe delivers ultimate comfort with minimal effort, creating a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: The entire dish comes together in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and allowing home cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or multiple pots.
• Customize Your Creaminess: The optional heavy cream lets you control the gravy's richness, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs while ensuring a velvety, luxurious texture.

Key Ingredients in Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that forms the main dish base. Fresh, boneless cuts work best for even cooking.
• Chicken Base: Concentrated flavor enhancer that adds depth to the gravy. Select a high-quality brand for rich taste.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for layering flavor and enhancing chicken's natural taste. Freshly ground pepper provides more intense flavor.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that provide subtle, rounded background notes. Choose pure, unadulterated powder without additional fillers.

• All-Purpose Flour: Primary thickening agent for creating smooth, rich gravy. Use fresh, sifted flour for best results.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux. Unsalted butter gives better control over overall salt content.
• Chicken Stock: Core liquid component that provides deep, savory flavor to the gravy. Low-sodium stock allows more seasoning flexibility.
• Water: Helps adjust gravy consistency and volume. Use clean, filtered water for pure taste.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): Provides extra luxurious, creamy texture to the gravy. Full-fat cream delivers the most indulgent result.

How to Make Homestyle Chicken and Gravy from Scratch

Step 1: Gather Flavor Boosters

• Flour
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Set this magical mixture aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165°F. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create a Delicious Base

Lower skillet heat to medium-low. Add butter and chicken base, stirring until melted. Sprinkle in your seasoning mixture. Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds to develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Build Creamy Gravy

Slowly pour chicken stock into the skillet. Whisk gently to blend and scrape up those tasty browned bits. Add water and continue whisking until smooth. Let mixture simmer and thicken.

Step 5: Add Luxurious Finish

Optional: Pour in heavy cream for extra decadence and silky texture. Stir to incorporate.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Shred chicken if desired. Return chicken to gravy, including any delicious collecting juices. Simmer a few minutes to marry flavors.

Step 7: Serve with Love

Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Consider adding peas or garlic bread on the side for a complete meal.

Smart Tips for Flavorful Chicken and Gravy

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Create Smooth Roux: Whisk the flour mixture consistently and quickly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth gravy texture.
• Control Gravy Thickness: Simmer the gravy slowly, stirring occasionally, to reach your preferred consistency – add more stock if too thick or continue cooking if too thin.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Use high-quality chicken base or homemade stock for a richer, more complex taste profile in your gravy.
• Keep Chicken Juicy: Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, removing chicken from heat at exactly 165°F to maintain tenderness.

How to Store and Reheat Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate cooked chicken and gravy in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and protect against bacterial growth. Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze Method: Transfer cooled chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheat Technique: Thaw refrigerated or frozen chicken and gravy in the microwave or stovetop. Warm gradually over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock if the gravy seems too thick. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Serve immediately after reheating to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Great Sides to Serve with Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

• Pair with Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich, buttery mashed potatoes create the perfect base for soaking up the luxurious homestyle chicken gravy. Their smooth texture complements the tender, shredded chicken beautifully.
• Match with Crisp Chardonnay: A medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes cuts through the gravy's richness while enhancing the dish's savory flavors. Its light acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Green Beans: Bright, slightly charred green beans add a fresh, green element to the plate. Their subtle garlic undertones harmonize with the chicken's seasoned profile and provide a nutritious vegetable side.
• Complement with Buttermilk Biscuits: Warm, flaky biscuits are ideal for mopping up extra gravy. Their tender crumb and slight tanginess balance the rich, creamy chicken dish perfectly.

Different Ways to Enjoy Chicken and Gravy Again

• Rustic Ranch Chicken: Replace chicken base with ranch seasoning mix. Add diced bell peppers and swap olive oil for bacon fat for deeper flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Incorporate dried oregano, basil, and thyme into flour mixture. Use extra virgin olive oil and add crumbled feta cheese before serving for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix chili powder and cumin into seasoning blend. Include diced green chilies in gravy and top with fresh cilantro. Serve over Mexican-style rice for extra kick.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms before creating roux. Add mushroom broth alongside chicken stock and include a splash of white wine for earthy, rich undertones.

Homestyle Chicken And Gravy Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homestyle Chicken and Gravy brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with tender chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy. Hearty and satisfying, this classic recipe promises warmth and nostalgia that will transport you to grandma’s kitchen with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts (or 4 medium/small chicken breasts)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 4 tablespoons (57 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (e.g., Better Than Bouillon)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Finishing Ingredients:

• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream (optional)

Optional Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Peas
• Garlic bread

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Instructions

1. Craft a seasoning blend by whisking together flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Reserve this aromatic mixture for later use.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature and cook chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and melt butter with chicken base, creating a flavorful foundation. Sprinkle the prepared flour mixture into the pan, stirring constantly for 30-45 seconds to develop a rich, golden roux.
4. Slowly stream chicken stock into the skillet, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and incorporate the browned pan drippings. Add water and continue whisking until the mixture becomes silky and smooth.
5. Allow the gravy to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thick, luxurious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
6. For enhanced creaminess, gently stir in heavy cream, creating a more indulgent sauce.
7. Optionally shred the cooked chicken and return it to the gravy, along with any accumulated juices. Gently simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the succulent chicken and velvety gravy atop creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, accompanied by steamed green peas or crusty garlic bread.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, preventing undercooking.
• Create a smooth gravy by whisking continuously and adding liquid gradually to avoid lumps.
• Customize the dish by experimenting with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in the seasoning mix.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain its juicy texture and redistribute internal moisture.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or skip the cream entirely.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg