Chicken and Gravy Stovetop is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, served over warm mashed potatoes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal comes together quickly while delivering a cozy, homemade taste that the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, making it great for a last-minute meal.
- Rich & Creamy: The homemade gravy is thick, flavorful, and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Family-Friendly: Classic comfort food that’s always a hit at the dinner table.
- Versatile: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits for a Southern-style dish.
Ingredients
- 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
- Instant mashed potatoes, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic powder and onion powder.
- Add flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken stock and chicken base, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine & Serve
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it in the gravy.
- Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve hot over prepared mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and skinless chicken breasts for a healthier option.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the gravy for depth.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley for added aroma.
- Thicker Gravy: Simmer longer or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour.
- Southern Style: Serve over biscuits or rice instead of mashed potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to thin out the gravy if needed.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but the chicken and gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be extra juicy and flavorful in this recipe.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or whole milk for a lighter gravy.
3. How do I make homemade mashed potatoes?
Boil 4 large potatoes, mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper, and stir until creamy.
4. Can I use store-bought gravy instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, but homemade gravy has a richer, fresher flavor and is easy to make in just a few steps.
5. What’s the best way to prevent lumpy gravy?
Whisk the flour and butter mixture continuously and slowly add the stock, stirring as you pour.
6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Serve with green beans, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.
7. Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then smother in the stovetop gravy.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the gravy and sear the chicken in advance, then reheat and combine before serving.
10. What’s the best way to thicken the gravy without flour?
Use cornstarch mixed with cold water (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) as a thickening agent.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. With tender seared chicken and homemade gravy, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner!
Print
Chicken and Gravy Stovetop
This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop is a quick, comforting meal with tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a cozy Southern-style dinner.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
- 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
- Instant mashed potatoes, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in garlic powder and onion powder.
- Add flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in chicken stock and chicken base, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine & Serve
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it in the gravy.
- Let simmer for 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Notes
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and skinless chicken breasts.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the gravy.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Thicker Gravy: Simmer longer or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour.
- Southern Style: Serve over biscuits or rice for a classic comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
