Description
Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. Perfectly seasoned with simple pantry staples, this hearty recipe is ideal for a cozy family dinner, served over mashed potatoes or rice with optional sides like peas or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts split lengthwise into thinner breasts, or 4 medium/small chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt & black pepper (to season chicken lightly)
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon)
- 4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Serving
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or your preferred mashed potato recipe
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside. This will be used to thicken the gravy and season the chicken.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165℉. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Roux and Base for Gravy: Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter and chicken base to the skillet, and stir until melted and combined. Sprinkle in the flour mixture evenly, stirring constantly to form a roux, cooking for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Build the Gravy: Gradually pour in chicken stock while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add water and whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Cream and Chicken: Stir in the heavy cream if using. Shred the cooked chicken if desired, then add it back into the gravy along with any juices collected. Let simmer for a few more minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice, with optional sides like peas or garlic bread.
Notes
- Too thick? Add more chicken broth or water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Too thin? Simmer longer; if still too thin, incorporate a slurry of 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 3 teaspoons water and stir into the gravy until thickened.
- Too salty? Add ½ cup water and simmer briefly to dilute the saltiness, then re-thicken if necessary.
- Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of extra onion or garlic powder. Ground sage or poultry seasoning can also boost the taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (including mashed potatoes)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
