Juicy, golden chicken smothered in rich homemade gravy — a cozy, satisfying meal that’s pure comfort on a plate!

This easy chicken and gravy is the embodiment of comfort food perfection – a meal that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction with every forkful. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts are seared to succulent perfection, then bathed in silky, savory homemade gravy that clings to every morsel. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and incredible payoff: using the same pan where the chicken cooked, you build a rich sauce from the flavorful browned bits and simple pantry staples. The result is restaurant-quality flavor achieved in just 35 minutes with minimal effort. This is the kind of meal that transforms ordinary weeknights into something special, the dish people request for Sunday dinners, and the comfort food that reminds us why simple, well-executed recipes are sometimes the most memorable.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken and Gravy

• Genuine comfort food – There’s something deeply satisfying about tender chicken bathed in rich, savory gravy that soothes the soul and fills the belly
• Restaurant-quality results at home – Achieves that impressive, restaurant-style presentation and taste with basic techniques and everyday ingredients
• Incredibly quick weeknight dinner – Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something special
• One-pan simplicity – Everything cooks in the same skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor concentration from the browned chicken bits
• Naturally adaptable – Works beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, biscuits, or even fresh vegetables for serving
• Budget-friendly elegance – Uses inexpensive staple ingredients that cost mere dollars but deliver luxury dining experience
• Foolproof technique – Simple step-by-step process that even beginner cooks execute perfectly, building confidence in the kitchen

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 200-225g each) – the foundation, providing lean protein and mild canvas for flavors
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter – cooks the chicken and begins building the flavorful fond for gravy
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds aromatic depth without fresh garlic prep
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – contributes sweet, savory onion notes
• ½ teaspoon paprika – adds subtle smoky flavor and beautiful golden color
• Salt and pepper to taste – fundamental seasonings that enhance all flavors

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons flour – the thickening agent that creates gravy body and silky texture
• 480ml chicken broth (2 cups), preferably low-sodium – the aromatic liquid base that becomes the gravy
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but recommended) – adds deep, umami complexity and savory depth
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley – herbal notes that complete the flavor profile

Optional Enhancement:

• A splash of heavy cream or a pat of butter – adds luxurious richness and silkiness to the finished gravy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the chicken Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, using your fingers to gently press the spices into the meat so they adhere properly. This creates a flavorful crust during cooking.

Sear the chicken to golden perfection Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers or butter foams, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them – this allows a golden-brown crust to develop through the Maillard reaction. Flip the breasts and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when tested with a meat thermometer at the thickest point. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Build the roux base Without cleaning the pan (those browned bits are liquid gold for flavor!), sprinkle the flour directly into the hot pan, stirring constantly with a whisk for about 1 minute. This toasted flour creates a roux – the thickening base for your gravy. The flour will absorb the oil and brown slightly, developing nutty, toasted flavors that add depth to the final sauce.

Create the silky gravy Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pan while whisking constantly. This gradual addition and continuous stirring prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth, silky sauce. Keep whisking for 2-3 minutes as the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. The starch from the flour gelatinizes as it heats, creating the perfect gravy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Season and aromatics Add the Worcestershire sauce (if using) and dried thyme or parsley to the gravy. Stir well to incorporate. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. The Worcestershire adds umami depth, while the herbs provide earthy complexity that rounds out the flavor profile.

Return chicken and finish Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestle them into the gravy, and spoon the sauce generously over the top. Allow everything to simmer together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld. If desired, stir in a splash of heavy cream or add a pat of butter for extra richness and silkiness – this elevates the gravy to luxurious restaurant quality.

Plate and serve Carefully transfer the chicken to serving plates, spooning the abundant gravy generously over each piece. Serve immediately with your choice of sides while everything is hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Chicken thickness matters – Pound thick breasts to even ½-¾ inch thickness so they cook uniformly; uniform thickness prevents dry edges and raw centers
• Don’t skip the resting – Let cooked chicken rest on the plate while you make gravy; this allows juices to redistribute, keeping meat moist
• Whisk constantly – When adding broth, continuous whisking is essential to prevent lumps and achieve silky, smooth texture
• Low-sodium broth recommended – Gives you control over final salt levels; you can always add more salt but can’t remove excess
• Brown the chicken properly – Don’t move the chicken while searing; let it sit undisturbed to develop that golden, flavorful crust
• Flour quality counts – Use all-purpose flour; it has the right protein content for proper thickening and smooth texture

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 320-380 calories per serving (estimated value, depending on oil amount and gravy additions)

Perfect Pairings

• Creamy mashed potatoes – The classic pairing that absorbs the rich gravy perfectly, creating ultimate comfort food satisfaction
• Fluffy white or brown rice – Serves as an excellent base that soaks up every drop of the savory gravy
• Egg noodles or pasta – The sauce clings beautifully to pasta, creating a silky, satisfying dish
• Buttered biscuits – Split warm, fluffy biscuits and serve with generous gravy spooned over top for breakfast or dinner
• Roasted or steamed vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans alongside add nutritional balance and color contrast
• Fresh dinner rolls – Soft, warm rolls perfect for soaking up every precious drop of sauce

Ideal Occasions

• Busy weeknight dinners – Ready in 35 minutes but tastes like you spent hours cooking, perfect for workdays when you want something special
• Sunday family dinners – Classic comfort food that brings families together and fills the kitchen with appetizing aromas
• Cold weather comfort meals – Warm, hearty dish that soothes the soul on chilly evenings and provides sustaining energy
• Meal prep Sundays – Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully for quick weekday lunches or dinners

Storage & Serving Tips

• Refrigerator storage – Store cooled chicken and gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days; the gravy preserves moisture and flavor
• Reheating method – Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the gravy seems too thick
• Microwave reheating – Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals
• Freezing option – Freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
• Serving temperature – Best served hot immediately after cooking when the gravy is silky and chicken is juicy

Creative Variations to Try

• Creamy mushroom gravy – Sauté sliced mushrooms in the pan after removing chicken, then proceed with roux and gravy for earthy depth
• Dijon mustard version – Add 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard to the finished gravy for tangy, sophisticated complexity
• Wine-enriched gravy – Replace ½ cup of broth with dry white wine, added before the remaining broth, for elegant depth
• Herb-infused variation – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the broth as it simmers for more herbaceous flavor
• Peppercorn gravy – Add 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper or pink peppercorns for spicier, more interesting version
• Shallot and garlic – Sauté minced shallots and fresh garlic in the pan before making the roux for more complex aromatics

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Lumpy gravy – Whisk more vigorously when adding broth, or use an immersion blender to smooth lumps; always add liquid slowly while whisking
• Gravy too thin – Make a slurry with 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, whisk into simmering gravy to thicken
• Gravy too thick – Add broth or milk by the tablespoon until reaching desired consistency; remember it thickens slightly as it cools
• Chicken dry – Don’t overcook; use meat thermometer to remove exactly at 74°C (165°F); always let rest after cooking
• Insufficient fond – Make sure pan is truly hot when searing chicken so proper browning occurs; don’t use a wet pan

Why This Recipe Works

This easy chicken and gravy succeeds because it leverages fundamental cooking principles executed simply and correctly. Seasoning the chicken before cooking ensures flavors penetrate the protein rather than just sitting on the surface. Searing over medium-high heat initiates the Maillard reaction, creating complex, savory compounds that make the chicken taste rich and deeply flavorful. The fond – those browned bits left in the pan – contains concentrated flavors from both the chicken and the cooking process; this is culinary gold that builds gravy depth. Creating a roux (fat plus flour cooked briefly) and then gradually incorporating broth prevents lumps while achieving smooth, silky texture as the starch gelatinizes. The gentle simmering allows all flavors to meld and intensify. The long cooking time of the gravy (compared to quick pan sauces) develops complex flavors as proteins break down and flavors concentrate. Each serving contains approximately 320-380 calories, providing excellent protein (both from chicken and gravy), balanced fat, and minimal carbohydrates, making it a nutritionally sound comfort meal that satisfies completely.

Final Thoughts

This easy chicken and gravy exemplifies how simple, well-executed cooking creates the most satisfying results. There’s elegance in the restraint – no complicated techniques, no exotic ingredients, just quality chicken, fundamental cooking skills, and time-honored flavor principles. What makes this dish special isn’t complexity; it’s the care taken at each step: proper seasoning, achieving the perfect golden crust, building a smooth gravy from pan drippings, and combining everything into a harmonious whole. This is the kind of meal that reminds us why home cooking matters – it’s economical, achievable, and delivers genuine comfort that no restaurant can quite replicate because it’s made with care in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself to genuine comfort, this chicken and gravy never disappoints. It’s the dish that bridges generations, the meal people request time and again, and the recipe that proves sometimes the simplest solutions are the most satisfying. So the next time you want something special but don’t have hours to spend cooking, remember this easy chicken and gravy – proof that true culinary satisfaction comes from technique, quality ingredients, and the confidence to let simple flavors shine.