How to Make the Best Chicken and Gravy in 7 Simple Steps

By: Bennett Claire
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Posted: 07/14/2025

What is your favorite chicken and gravy recipe? What is chicken and gravy? The kind that makes you close your eyes and sigh. What is the ultimate comfort food hug, but way easier to make than you’d ever imagine? Isn’t it delicious when you have a pot roast? In a fraction of the time. What are some of the best dishes that are simple and delicious? What is a family favorite chicken and gravy recipe?

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What is chicken and gravy?

Where do I start with chicken and gravy? What is essentially tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy gravy? Think of it as Chicken Pot Pie, but without the fuss of the crust. Or picture creamy chicken noodle soup, but thicker and served over fluffy mashed potatoes or rice. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. What are the flavors that meld together so beautifully, creating a symphony of comforting goodness? What is gravy and chicken? What are some of the best dishes in this category? What is the perfect chicken and gravy recipe for you?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even *start* with the Reasons You’ll Love this **chicken and gravy recipe**? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. The gravy is so rich and savory, with just a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions. The chicken is incredibly tender and juicy, practically melting in your mouth. But the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip this up in under an hour.

Another huge plus is that it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Chicken thighs are usually pretty inexpensive, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can serve it over Mashed Potatoes (my personal favorite!), rice, biscuits, or even pasta. It’s also fantastic with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad. It really is the perfect canvas for a comforting meal. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers! Leftover chicken and gravy? Don’t mind if I do!

How do you make chicken and gravy?

Quick Overview

How do I make chicken and gravy? What is the best way to cook chicken thighs? ), then sautéing onions and garlic. Next, we build the gravy with flour, chicken broth, and a touch of cream. When the chicken is tender, we let it simmer in the gravy until it’s fall apart tender. What’s the whole process like? What is the most amazing aroma? What is your favorite chicken and gravy recipe?

Ingredients

For the Chicken: How do I get
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I like chicken breasts because they stay super moist and tender, but you can also use chicken thighs if you like. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the chicken.
* 1 teaspoon salt: Seasoning is key!
* 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best.

For the Gravy:
* 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly.
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds so much flavor.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the gravy.
* 4 cups chicken broth: Low-sodium is best, so you can control the saltiness.
* 1/2 cup heavy cream: This makes the gravy extra rich and creamy. Can you substitute half-and-half for a lighter version?
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a lovely savory note.
* 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary: A little goes a long way with rosemary!
* 2 tablespoons butter: For extra richness

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

What should I do if I want to brown my chicken thighs? Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. In a single layer, add the chicken thighs (don’t overcrowd the pan) and top with the remaining chicken. ) and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and serve warm. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. How do you burn garlic?

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the gravy. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet. Add the dried thyme and rosemary. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. I am very tender. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 6: Finish the Gravy

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Stir in the heavy cream and butter. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the gravy is too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes, uncovered, until it reaches your taste. What is the desired consistency If it’s too thick, add a little more chicken broth.

Step 7: Serve

What is the best way to shred chicken with two forks? Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the gravy. Serve hot over Mashed Potatoes, rice, biscuits, or your favorite side.

What are some of the best caramelized onions to use in your garden?

For a Deeper, Richer Flavor:

I always do this little extra step, and it makes a world of difference. How do you caramelize onions in butter before you start making gravy? Low and slow, my friend. This adds this incredible depth and sweetness that really elevates the entire **chicken and gravy**. ** Trust me, it’s worth the extra 20 minutes!

What should I serve it with?

What is a good chicken and gravy recipe? What are some of my favorite pairings?For a Classic Comfort Meal:Is mashed potatoes a good way to eat it? Add a side of Roasted Carrots or steamed green beans to eat.For a Hearty Brunch:Serve it over fluffy biscuits with a side of fresh fruit. What is the best pairing of Bloody Mary and Mimosa?What is a quick and easy weeknight dinner?Serve over white rice or brown rice with a side salad.For a Special Occasion:Serve over polenta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and olive oil. A glass of Pinot Noir would be a perfect complement. My family has this crazy tradition where we serve it with Yorkshire puddings on Christmas day (don’t worry about it). Why, it just happened one year ago and stuck! It works amazingly well with that too.

What are some Tips for perfecting chicken and gravy?

What is the Best Chicken and gravy recipe you’ve ever made?Browning is the key to success. Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken thighs! This is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Make sure the pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the pan.

Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so be sure to add it to the pan after the onions have softened, and cook it for just a minute or two until fragrant.

Whisk, Whisk, Whisk: When adding the chicken broth to the flour mixture, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. If you do get a few lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking and they’ll eventually dissolve.

Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering the chicken in the gravy allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become incredibly tender. Boiling it will make the chicken tough and the gravy too thick.

Taste and Adjust: Always taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary to suit your taste.

Secret Ingredient (Optional):
A splash of Worcestershire sauce! I sometimes add a tablespoon or so to the gravy for an extra layer of savory depth. It’s totally optional, but trust me, it adds a certain *je ne sais quoi*.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This **chicken and gravy recipe** is fantastic for meal prepping, and reheats beautifully. Here’s How to store and reheat it:

Refrigerating: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and gravy. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven.

Microwave: Heat the chicken and gravy in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally.
Stovetop: Heat the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a little chicken broth if needed to thin the gravy.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the chicken and gravy to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moister. If you use chicken breasts, reduce the simmering time to about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper thickening.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can, but the gravy won’t be as rich and creamy. You can also use half-and-half for a slightly richer option than milk. I tested this with almond milk once, and honestly, it was delicious. A little thinner, maybe, but it works in a pinch.

Can I add vegetables to the gravy?

Definitely! Peas, carrots, mushrooms, and celery would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet along with the onions and garlic.

What can I do if the gravy is too thick?

Simply add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite **chicken and gravy recipe**! I truly believe this is the best version out there, and I hope you’ll give it a try. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other comforting dinner recipes, like my Slow Cooker pot roast or my creamy tomato soup. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. I can’t wait to hear from you! Share pictures of your dish, variations you made, and tag me on social media. I love seeing your creations!

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