If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite, this Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender seared chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy gravy made from scratch right on your stovetop, this dish offers the perfect balance of rich flavors and cozy textures. It’s a straightforward recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe lies in its simple yet indispensable ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, silky texture, and that irresistible golden hue that makes this dish so appealing.
- 2 chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner pieces: Thinner cuts ensure even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon chicken base: Adds an intense, savory depth that enriches the gravy beautifully.
- 2 cups chicken stock: Acts as the flavorful liquid foundation for the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a warm, aromatic backdrop without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity to the gravy.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The key to a smooth, velvety gravy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken to a gorgeous golden brown.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Brings richness and helps build the roux for the gravy.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Infuses the gravy with luscious creaminess and a silky finish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, balancing all the flavors.
- Instant mashed potatoes, for serving: The classic base that soaks up every bit of that heavenly gravy.
How to Make Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and let it sear without disturbance for 4 to 5 minutes on one side until it develops a beautiful golden crust. Flip and sear the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes. Once perfectly browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step locks in juices and creates a deeply flavorful base for the gravy.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, letting its nutty aroma fill your kitchen. Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder, stirring for about 30 seconds to awaken their fragrances. Next, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. It should look like a golden paste that will thicken your gravy to the perfect texture. Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Stir in the chicken base, allowing it to dissolve and enrich the mixture. Let the gravy simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. Finish by stirring in the heavy cream, giving the gravy a silky richness, and season it with additional salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through fully and soak up all those beautiful flavors. The result is tender chicken enrobed in a decadent gravy that practically begs to be spooned over your favorite sides.
How to Serve Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
Garnishes
Adding just the right garnish can elevate this classic dish to new heights. Fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich gravy.
Side Dishes
While instant mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soak up the sauce beautifully, creamy polenta, buttery rice, or flaky biscuits are equally wonderful companions. These sides help balance the richness and make for a complete, comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken and gravy over roasted vegetable stacks or even atop crispy waffles for a sweet and savory brunch option. For a rustic presentation, serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper and a drizzle of extra cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The gravy thickens overnight, so just give it a gentle stir when reheating to bring back that perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this meal later, freeze the chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. This prevents the gravy from separating and keeps the chicken tender when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the gravy has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving for uneven heating and potential drying of the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe thanks to their natural juiciness and richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook.
Is there a way to make the gravy gluten free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. If using cornstarch, mix it with cold water before whisking it into the skillet to prevent lumps and ensure smooth gravy.
Can I prepare this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes, if you want a lighter gravy, you can substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half. The texture will be a bit thinner but still flavorful and delicious.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will thicken more as it cools, so aim for a slightly looser consistency while cooking.
What’s the best way to season the chicken?
Simple and classic is best here: kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried herbs if you want a subtle flavor twist without overpowering the creamy gravy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe is a trusty comfort food that feels both special and easy to make any night of the week. The wonderfully tender chicken paired with the rich, creamy gravy will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy goodness that only a warm skillet meal can deliver.
Print
Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken and Gravy recipe cooked stovetop, featuring tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy homemade gravy. Perfect served over instant mashed potatoes for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
To Serve
- Instant mashed potatoes
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt butter and add spices: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder to toast the spices briefly.
- Make the roux: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and spices, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux without lumps.
- Add stock and chicken base: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the chicken base and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
- Simmer gravy: Let the gravy simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens to a smooth consistency.
- Add cream and season: Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine chicken and gravy: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the gravy.
- Simmer to finish cooking: Allow the chicken to simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy hot over prepared instant mashed potatoes, or alternatively with rice or biscuits.
Notes
- Splitting the chicken breasts into thinner pieces helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Whisk the gravy continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, especially when adding chicken base and salt.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter gravy.
- Leftover gravy can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
