If you’re craving comfort food that warms the soul, you simply can’t go wrong with this Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that layers tender, succulent chicken breasts with a rich, creamy gravy made from scratch right on your stovetop. Imagine juicy bites coated in a velvety sauce, deeply flavored with savory chicken stock and aromatic spices, bringing together a classic taste that feels like a big, cozy hug in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in building its delicious flavor and luscious texture. From the tender chicken to the flavorful chicken base and creamy touch of butter and heavy cream, every component contributes to a dish that’s both rustic and refined.
- 2 chicken breasts, split lengthwise: Thinner pieces help the chicken cook evenly and soak up the gravy’s flavors effortlessly.
- 1 tablespoon chicken base: This concentrated seasoning adds intense depth to your gravy.
- 2 cups chicken stock: The heart of the gravy, providing moisture and savory richness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with aromatic warmth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for that perfectly smooth gravy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a light sear that locks in the chicken’s juiciness.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Brings silkiness to the gravy and rounds out the flavors.
- ¼ cup heavy cream: Makes the gravy luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance the dish.
- Instant mashed potatoes, for serving: A classic pairing that soaks up every bit of that gorgeous gravy.
How to Make Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts lengthwise into thin, even pieces so they cook quickly and consistently. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Season with salt and pepper before searing for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Removing the chicken from the pan after searing helps it stay juicy without overcooking.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Base
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken your gravy and eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring vigorously to combine it with the roux and prevent lumps. At this point, add the chicken base, garlic powder, and onion powder for that wonderfully savory depth that defines this Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish the Gravy
Allow the gravy to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often until it thickens to a luscious consistency. Stir in the heavy cream to give the gravy a silky richness. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, letting it warm in the gravy for another couple of minutes to soak up those beautiful flavors before serving.
How to Serve Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color that makes the dish visually inviting. For a little extra indulgence, a few shavings of sharp cheddar or a drizzle of hot sauce can also elevate the flavors subtly without overpowering that classic homemade taste.
Side Dishes
The obvious and beloved pairing here is fluffy instant mashed potatoes, perfect for soaking up every luscious drop of gravy. But this dish also works beautifully with buttery noodles, creamy polenta, or even a simple side of steamed green beans to keep things balanced and vibrant on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the chicken and gravy over individual shallow bowls of buttery mashed potatoes, garnished with rosemary sprigs or crispy fried onions for texture contrast. Another fun idea is to slice the chicken and lay it over thick-cut biscuit halves, spooning warm gravy over the top for a casual Southern-inspired treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and gravy to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick reheats on busy nights.
Freezing
You can freeze this Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe if you want to prepare it well in advance. Use a freezer-safe container and keep it for up to 2 months. Freeze the chicken pulled from the gravy separately if possible to maintain the best texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent the gravy from sticking or scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to bring it back to that perfect drizzle-worthy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely, though boneless, skinless chicken breasts make for the quickest cooking and easiest slicing. If you prefer bone-in, adjust cooking times and be sure to remove the pieces before making the gravy to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for chicken base?
If you don’t have chicken base, you can use chicken bouillon cubes or granules, or even a well-seasoned chicken broth. Just be mindful of the salt content when adjusting seasoning later.
Is there a dairy-free option for the gravy?
Yes! You can swap the butter for olive oil or vegan margarine and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based creamer to keep the gravy silky without dairy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken your gravy. Just mix the cornstarch with a little cold liquid before adding it to the pan to avoid clumps.
How thick should the gravy be?
Your gravy should be rich and smooth, able to coat the back of a spoon without being too runny or too pasty. If it seems too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken stock until it reaches the ideal consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe is truly a delightful comfort classic that feels like a warm hug at the end of any day. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, I hope you give this dish a try and enjoy every creamy, savory bite as much as I do.
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Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy homemade gravy. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and enhanced with chicken stock and cream, it pairs wonderfully with instant mashed potatoes for a comforting meal ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Gravy
- 2 chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner pieces
- 1 tablespoon chicken base
- 2 cups chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Serving
- Instant mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Split the chicken breasts lengthwise into thinner pieces to ensure even cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and chicken base, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency. Stir in the heavy cream, and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, coating them with the gravy. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the gravy is thick and flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and gravy hot over instant mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- Splitting chicken breasts into thinner pieces ensures faster and more even cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a bit more flour; for a thinner consistency, add extra chicken stock.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock if you want to control salt levels better.
- To enhance flavor, you can add fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley to the gravy.
- Instant mashed potatoes are a convenient choice but feel free to pair with homemade mashed potatoes or rice.
