Ultimate Chicken and Gravy Recipe: Tender & Rich Homemade Comfort

There is arguably no dish more universally comforting than a plate of tender chicken generously drenched in a rich, savory gravy.

This **chicken and gravy recipe** is a home-cook favorite for a reason: it’s simple, deeply satisfying, and transports you right back to grandma’s kitchen. We’re moving past the canned soup shortcuts to create a truly spectacular, homemade gravy that is both quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for Sunday dinner.

This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor from minimal ingredients. My love for a classic **chicken and gravy recipe** started when I first learned the secret to a perfect gravy—the roux. Once you master that simple technique, you unlock a world of flavor that store-bought options can never match.

The first time I served this to my family, the silence at the table was all the feedback I needed. This is the **crockpot chicken and gravy recipe** you’ve been searching for, especially because the stovetop version is also incredibly fast. Get ready to ditch the bland versions and make the best, most flavorful **chicken and gravy recipe** you’ve ever tasted, perfect for pairing with your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• **Authentic Homemade Gravy:** Learn the simple technique for a rich, flavorful gravy made from scratch.
• **Tender Chicken Every Time:** The cooking method ensures your chicken stays moist and delicious.
• **Versatile:** Perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or egg noodles.
• **Quick & Easy:** Can be made on the stovetop in under 45 minutes or converted to a simple **crockpot chicken and gravy recipe** for hands-off cooking.
• **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, affordable pantry and protein staples.

Ingredients

The beauty of the **chicken and gravy recipe** lies in its simplicity. High-quality chicken and a few basic pantry items are all you need. You’ll notice the simplicity of the ingredients, which truly allows the rich flavor of the chicken and the homemade gravy to shine through in this excellent **chicken and gravy crock pot recipes** base.

• **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are best. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.
• **Butter & Flour:** These are the base for the roux, which creates the thick, rich gravy.
• **Chicken Broth:** Low-sodium chicken broth is the liquid base for the gravy.
• **Milk or Cream:** A splash adds richness and a beautiful, silky texture to the gravy.
• **Seasonings:** Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs like thyme or sage for depth of flavor.
• **Oil:** For searing the chicken.

Instructions

Prepare and Cook the Chicken:

Season your chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken may not be cooked through yet, but we are building flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. This searing step is crucial for developing the base flavor for your gravy, making it the perfect **chicken and gravy recipe**.

Make the Homemade Gravy Base (Roux):

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (a roux). Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden-brown color. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and deepens the flavor of your **chicken and gravy recipes**.

Build the Gravy:

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan and break up any lumps. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. It will begin to thicken quickly. Reduce the heat and whisk in the milk or cream. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Finish the Dish:

Return the partially cooked chicken to the gravy. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Slice the chicken before serving and pour the rich gravy generously over the top. This simple process completes your incredibly comforting **chicken and gravy recipe**.

You Must Know

The key to a thick, flavorful gravy in this **chicken and gravy recipe** is the roux. Cook the flour and butter mixture for at least 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Also, always whisk in the liquid slowly to prevent lumps.

If you find your gravy is too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth or milk until the desired consistency is reached. If you prefer to make this a **crockpot chicken and gravy recipe**, you can simply place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, pour in a mixture of broth and condensed cream of chicken soup, and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Thicken the liquid with a cornstarch slurry at the end. This is a crucial note for your **chicken and gravy crock pot recipes** variations.

Storage Tips

Store leftover **chicken and gravy recipe** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, the gravy may separate or thicken; simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk and whisk over low heat to bring it back to a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

For a richer, darker gravy in your **chicken and gravy recipe**, use a tablespoon of beef bouillon paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the broth. You can make this a **crockpot chicken and gravy recipe** by using the variation mentioned in the “You Must Know” section. For a different flavor profile, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the gravy base. To make this a creamier, richer dish, replace the chicken broth with a can of cream of chicken soup and thin it with milk, which is a popular shortcut for **crockpot chicken and gravy recipes**. For another great dinner, check out our delicious Lomo Saltado Recipe. For more professional cooking and health tips, you can explore resources from Serious Eats.

Serving Suggestions

This classic **chicken and gravy recipe** is best served over mashed potatoes, which absorb the rich gravy beautifully. Other excellent pairings include fluffy biscuits, white rice, egg noodles, or even toast. A simple side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus is all you need to complete this comforting meal.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Gravy is a culinary cornerstone, found in countless variations across the globe. Chicken and gravy as a distinct dish is a staple of American and British comfort food, often a centerpiece of Sunday dinners or holiday meals. The concept of using pan drippings (known as *jus*) and thickening them with a roux dates back centuries, and this **chicken and gravy recipe** continues that tradition, offering a wholesome, nourishing meal that has stood the test of time.

Seasonal Adaptations

This **chicken and gravy recipe** is perfect for year-round enjoyment. In the colder months, add a pinch of dried sage and a cup of sliced carrots or celery to the gravy for a heartier, stew-like feel. In the warmer months, serve it over light mashed potatoes or rice with a side of fresh, crisp greens.

Three Helpful Notes about This Recipe

• Cook the roux until it’s light golden-brown to ensure a rich flavor without a raw flour taste.
• Whisk the liquid in slowly to ensure the gravy is lump-free and smooth.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the most tender, flavorful result.

Success Stories

Readers consistently rate this **chicken and gravy recipe** highly for its rich flavor and ease of preparation. Many have commented that this gravy is the best they’ve ever made at home, praising it for being “just like their mother or grandmother used to make.” It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that quickly becomes a family favorite.

Freezer Meal Conversion

The cooked chicken and gravy freeze well, although the gravy’s texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in a splash of fresh broth or milk to restore the gravy’s consistency.

Pro Tips

• For an even richer flavor base, add a small splash of dry white wine or sherry to the pan after removing the chicken, scraping up the browned bits before starting the roux.
• Use a whisk dedicated to the roux to ensure the smoothest results.
• If using chicken breasts, slice them against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Common Recipe Questions

how to make chicken tips and gravy recipe

To make a **chicken and gravy recipe**, you sear seasoned chicken pieces, create a roux with the pan drippings, then slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk to create a rich gravy, and simmer the chicken until cooked through.

how to make homemade chicken cream gravy and biscuits recipe

To make a homemade chicken cream gravy, follow this **chicken and gravy recipe** but use less broth and more cream or milk for the final liquid, and serve it poured over warm, fluffy biscuits instead of mashed potatoes.

crockpot chicken and gravy recipe

A **crockpot chicken and gravy recipe** is a slow-cooked version where chicken is simmered in a mixture of broth and seasoning (often including cream of chicken soup), and the resulting liquid is thickened into a gravy before serving.

chicken and gravy recipes

**Chicken and gravy recipes** are traditional comfort foods that feature tender chicken pieces and a rich, savory sauce. Variations include stovetop, slow cooker (crockpot), and oven-baked methods, often served over potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

crockpot chicken and gravy recipes

**Crockpot chicken and gravy recipes** focus on the ease of slow cooking, often utilizing condensed soups to create a flavorful sauce that easily thickens into gravy, providing a minimal-effort, maximum-comfort meal.

What You’ll Need

→ Chicken & Seasoning

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)

1 tbsp oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

→ Gravy

3 tbsp unsalted butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup milk or heavy cream

Pinch of dried thyme or sage (optional)

→ Tools

Large skillet or pan

Whisk

Tongs/spatula

Meat thermometer (optional)

Steps to Follow

1. Season chicken and sear in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Reduce heat, melt butter, and whisk in flour to make a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Whisk in milk/cream and seasonings.
4. Return chicken to the gravy. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Slice chicken and serve immediately with gravy poured over top.

Extra Handy Tips

For a gluten-free gravy, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) instead of a roux to thicken the gravy at the end.

If you don’t have butter, you can use the leftover chicken drippings and an equal amount of oil for the roux.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when making the roux.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or pan
• Whisk
• Tongs/spatula
• Cutting board/knife

Allergy Details

This **chicken and gravy recipe** contains gluten (flour) and dairy (butter, milk/cream). It is important to verify ingredient labels and consult a healthcare professional if you have allergies.