Few meals bring the level of comfort that chicken and gravy delivers. Whether it’s a quiet family dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this dish satisfies like no other. The combination of tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, savory gravy creates a warm, flavorful experience that is both hearty and nostalgic. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various methods of making chicken and gravy recipe, from stovetop to slow cooker to baked, and dive into different variations and sides to make the perfect meal.
Throughout this article, you’ll find internal links to other relevant recipes and tips that expand upon the dish, along with some helpful external resources for deeper dives. This guide ensures that whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, you’ll have all the tools to create a mouthwatering chicken and gravy recipe dinner.
Ingredients for Chicken and Gravy
The basic ingredients for chicken and gravy are accessible, easy to find, and customizable depending on your preference and dietary needs. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Butter
- Flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative)
- Chicken broth or stock
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Optional: heavy cream, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, mushrooms
This list can be tailored to create various types of gravy. For example, adding cream gives it a smoother, richer texture, while mushrooms bring an earthy, umami flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply replace the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, which thickens the gravy just as well. For those interested in taking things up a notch, homemade chicken broth will add an extra layer of flavor, making the dish even more flavorful and nutritious.
For more inspiration, explore how to adapt ingredients in classic recipes with this helpful guide on modifying traditional recipes for dietary needs.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
Your choice of chicken cuts can make a big difference in how your chicken and gravy turns out. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
- Chicken breasts: A leaner cut that cooks quickly. Great for those who prefer white meat.
- Chicken thighs: These are juicier and more flavorful, especially if cooked slowly. Thighs hold up particularly well in slow cooker recipes.
- Bone-in chicken: While it requires a bit more cooking time, bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the gravy and keeps the meat moist.
- Boneless chicken: Faster to cook and easier to serve but lacks the richness that bones provide.
For maximum flavor, consider brining the chicken before cooking. Brining enhances tenderness and allows the meat to retain more moisture. For a detailed guide on how to brine chicken properly, check out the ultimate chicken brine recipe.
Stovetop Chicken and Gravy Recipe
The stovetop method is fast and efficient, perfect for weeknight dinners when you want a comforting meal in under 30 minutes. This approach yields a rich, savory gravy and tender chicken that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder
Instructions:
- Season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens and coats the chicken.
Serve over mashed potatoes or biscuits to soak up every drop of that rich gravy. For a guide on making perfect mashed potatoes, check out this step-by-step mashed potato recipe.
Stovetop Variations
- Mushroom Gravy: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until tender, then proceed with the gravy-making steps. The mushrooms provide a savory, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Creamy Gravy: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the gravy at the end for an extra creamy texture. This is especially delicious when paired with mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits.
For more tips on elevating your stovetop dishes, check out our guide on creative stovetop cooking techniques.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
The slow cooker is ideal for hands-off cooking, and it works particularly well for chicken and gravy because it allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while simmering in rich, savory gravy. This method is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a comforting, ready-made meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 packet of chicken gravy mix (or homemade)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the sour cream just before serving if you prefer a creamier gravy.
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even over warm, buttery biscuits. For more slow cooker ideas, check out these hearty slow cooker recipes.
Slow Cooker Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For a one-pot meal, add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker. The veggies will absorb the flavors of the gravy and create a complete dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce to the gravy mix for a subtle heat that enhances the flavor profile.
Explore more ways to spice up your slow cooker meals with our guide to slow cooker recipe hacks.
Baked Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Baking chicken with gravy is another great method, especially if you prefer a more hands-off approach that still delivers juicy chicken with flavorful gravy. The oven method ensures that the chicken stays moist and the gravy thickens to a perfect consistency.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in for maximum flavor)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a hot skillet, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
- Pour the gravy over the chicken in the baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
This method pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For a sweet ending, pair this dish with a light dessert, like our banana pudding recipe.
Tips for Baking Chicken
- Crispy Skin: If using skin-on chicken thighs, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp up.
- One-Pan Meal: Add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes to the baking dish to create a complete one-pan meal.
For more one-pan recipe ideas, explore our article on sheet pan dinners.
Smothered Chicken and Gravy Recipe
For a Southern-inspired twist, try smothered chicken and gravy. This rich and flavorful variation is ideal for anyone who loves creamy, indulgent sauces and tender, juicy chicken. The gravy is thicker, often cream-based, and the chicken is typically bone-in, adding depth to the dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme
Instructions:
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, heat the butter over medium heat and sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add chicken broth while whisking. Stir in heavy cream and thyme.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the gravy over it, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the gravy thickens.
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or Southern-style buttermilk biscuits. For more Southern comfort food ideas, check out our guide to making the perfect buttermilk biscuits.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and gravy pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile meal that you can adapt based on your mood or what’s in your pantry.
Classic Sides
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that soaks up every bit of the rich gravy. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve your chicken over creamy mashed potatoes.
- Rice: For a lighter option, serve chicken and gravy over steamed rice. The rice will absorb the gravy and provide a satisfying base.
- Buttermilk Biscuits: Southern-style biscuits are perfect for dipping in the gravy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Balance the richness of the dish with roasted vegetables like carrots, brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
Creative Side Ideas
- Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try mashed cauliflower. It’s creamy and pairs perfectly with the rich gravy.
- Grilled Asparagus: A light, fresh side dish that adds a pop of color and flavor to the meal.
- Polenta: For an Italian twist, serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of creamy polenta.
For more side dish inspiration, check out our collection of comfort food side dishes.
Healthier Alternatives
While chicken and gravy is often considered a rich, indulgent dish, there are plenty of ways to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are some simple swaps:
- Low-Fat Milk: Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk for a lighter gravy.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the gravy, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Homemade Chicken Broth: Control the sodium content by using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
For more ideas on healthy recipe swaps, explore our guide to nutritious cooking.
FAQs About Chicken and Gravy
What can I use if I don’t have chicken gravy mix?
You can make your own by melting butter, whisking in flour, and gradually adding chicken broth. Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an added boost of flavor.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken your gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the simmering gravy. Let it cook until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe works wonderfully with leftover chicken. Simply prepare the gravy and add the cooked chicken towards the end, allowing it to warm through in the sauce.
How long can I store chicken and gravy?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze chicken and gravy?
Absolutely! Chicken and gravy freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
The versatility of this chicken and gravy recipe allows you to adapt it based on your preferences, the ingredients you have on hand, or the cooking method that suits your schedule. Whether you’re preparing it on the stovetop, slow cooker, or baking it in the oven, this dish is guaranteed to provide the comfort and flavor you crave. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or get creative with cauliflower mash or grilled vegetables.
For even more cooking inspiration and related recipes, be sure to explore our complete recipe collection.