Comforting Homestyle Chicken And Gravy Recipe

Cozy Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort arrives with this mouthwatering homestyle chicken and gravy recipe that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle beneath a rich, silky sauce that speaks directly to your soul.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that conjures memories of Sunday dinners and cozy evenings.

Generations have savored this classic dish, perfecting its simple yet profound flavors.

Each ingredient plays a harmonious role in creating a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a spectacular dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to gather around the table and savor every comforting spoonful of this timeless favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

For Chicken Preparation:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, selecting fresh, plump cuts ensures juicy results.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavor and helps tenderize the meat, choose coarse-grained for better control.
  • Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertones and complements the chicken's savory profile.
For Gravy Base and Thickening:
  • All-Purpose Flour, Chicken Base: Dynamic duo that creates rich, velvety gravy with deep flavor complexity.
  • Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Infuse subtle aromatic depth without adding bulk, opt for fresh, fragrant varieties.
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle fruity undertone for sautéing chicken.
  • Butter: Introduces luxurious richness and helps develop golden roux base.
For Liquid and Finishing Touches:
  • Chicken Stock: Foundational liquid that builds intense savory character, homemade or high-quality store-bought recommended.
  • Water: Helps adjust gravy consistency, use filtered for cleanest taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient that transforms gravy into silky, indulgent sauce, select full-fat version for maximum creaminess.

What You’ll Need for Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making gravy.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing seasoning and flour mixture.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending stock and creating smooth gravy.
  • Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and shredding.
  • Sharp knife: Used for cutting and shredding chicken.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures precise liquid and flour measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring roux and gravy.
  • Meat thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.

Cooking Homestyle Chicken and Gravy Comfort-Style

  • Chicken Seasoning Prep

Mix flour with aromatic powders and a sprinkle of salt and pepper in a small bowl, creating a flavor foundation for your homestyle dish.

  • Chicken Cooking

Heat a skillet and gently sear chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, ensuring juicy and tender meat that will melt in your mouth.

  • Gravy Base

Reduce skillet heat and transform pan drippings into a silky roux by melting butter and stirring in seasoned flour mixture, developing deep, rich flavors.

  • Liquid Magic

Slowly pour chicken stock into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that captures all the delicious pan remnants.

  • Flavor Enhancement

Optional cream adds luxurious depth to the gravy, creating a comforting and indulgent sauce that hugs the chicken perfectly.

  • Final Assembly

Shred chicken and nestle it into the warm gravy, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a harmonious, satisfying meal.

  • Serving Suggestion

Spoon the succulent chicken and creamy gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice, transforming a simple dinner into a nostalgic comfort food experience.

Pro Tips for Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

  • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for extra flavor and moisture, or swap with thighs for deeper taste profile.
  • Control gravy consistency by adjusting stock quantity; add more for thinner sauce, reduce for thicker texture that clings perfectly to chicken.
  • Store chicken and gravy separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with splash of additional stock to prevent drying out and maintain creamy texture.
  • Enhance dish by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during roux stage, or sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving for bright, fresh finish.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or rice flour, and use low-sodium chicken stock for reduced salt content.

Serving Homestyle Chicken and Gravy to Please a Crowd

  • Plate with Comfort Classics: Serve this hearty chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience that hugs your soul.
  • Pair with Green Goodness: Add steamed green peas or roasted broccoli on the side to bring fresh color and nutritional balance to the rich, savory dish.
  • Create a Bread Complement: Toast some garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy, ensuring not a single drop goes to waste.
  • Transform into Meal Prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunch options, which can be quickly reheated and enjoyed over rice or with fresh vegetables throughout the week.

Make-Ahead Notes for Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

  • Refrigerate Right Away: Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Maximize Freshness: Refrigerated chicken and gravy will stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in the container. Keep the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Package the cooled chicken and gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents. Frozen meals will keep quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat with Care: Thaw frozen meals in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
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Comforting Homestyle Chicken And Gravy Recipe

Comforting Homestyle Chicken And Gravy Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Southern comfort shines through this homestyle chicken and gravy recipe, delivering rich, hearty flavors from traditional kitchen wisdom. Home cooks can savor warm, satisfying layers of tender chicken smothered in creamy, herb-infused gravy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts (large, split lengthwise into thinner breasts or 4 medium/small)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 4 tbsps (57 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) butter
  • 1 tbsp chicken base (Better Than Bouillon)
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional)
  • Mashed potatoes (optional serving)
  • Rice (optional serving)
  • Peas (optional serving)
  • Garlic bread (optional serving)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Blend flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a fragrant seasoning mixture for later use.
  2. Chicken Cooking: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in heated olive oil over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked, reaching 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Roux Development: Lower skillet heat and melt butter with chicken base. Introduce the prepared flour mixture, stirring continuously to craft a golden, flavor-packed roux.
  4. Gravy Formation: Gradually pour chicken stock into the skillet, whisking energetically to eliminate lumps and incorporate pan drippings. Add water and continue whisking until achieving a smooth, silky texture.
  5. Sauce Refinement: Simmer gravy, stirring intermittently, until it thickens to a luxurious consistency that elegantly coats a spoon. Incorporate heavy cream for added richness and depth.
  6. Final Assembly: Shred cooked chicken and reintroduce to the gravy, allowing flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serving Suggestion: Present the succulent chicken and velvety gravy atop mashed potatoes or rice, complemented by steamed green peas or crusty garlic bread.

Notes

  • Master Seasoning Technique: Blend dry ingredients thoroughly before coating chicken to ensure even, flavorful coverage and prevent clumping.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Cook chicken precisely at medium heat to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning or drying out meat.
  • Roux-Making Secrets: Continuously stir flour mixture for 30-45 seconds to prevent burning and develop deep, nutty flavor foundation for rich gravy.
  • Creamy Gravy Perfection: Whisk chicken stock slowly and steadily to eliminate lumps, creating silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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