Name: Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; Salt & pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 2 tablespoons flour; 1 1/4 cups chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, pan-fried chicken breasts coated in a luscious, homemade gravy come together in just about 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly elevates weeknight dinners, making every bite buttery, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is approachable, quick, and guaranteed to please everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four raw chicken fillets placed in a row on a white rectangular tray. To the right of the tray, there are four small clear bowls arranged vertically, each containing different ingredients: one with a clear liquid, another with a reddish spice, the next with white salt, and the last with a yellow oil. The background is a white marbled surface, and the lighting is soft and bright, highlighting the freshness of the chicken and the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken breasts to the rich gravy thickened with butter and flour, each component is simple yet essential for that comforting and hearty finish.

2 large chicken breasts: Sliced thin for quick, even cooking and tender results.
Salt & pepper to taste: The basic seasoning duo that enhances all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
3 tablespoons butter divided: Creates a rich base for cooking and thickening the gravy.
2 tablespoons flour: Key for thickening the gravy to the perfect consistency.
1 1/4 cups chicken broth: Builds the flavorful, silky gravy.
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds delicious aroma and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the gravy with gentle sweetness and depth.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness when serving.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder—these simple seasonings build the foundation of flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan warm up so your chicken can get that irresistible golden crust. Cook the chicken cutlets for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they become beautifully browned. Then, transfer them to a plate and set aside; this resting step locks in juiciness and lets you focus on the gravy.

Step 3: Craft the Gravy Base

Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook it for about a minute to get rid of any raw flour taste. This step ensures your gravy will have a silky, smooth texture with just the right thickness.

Step 4: Whisk in the Chicken Broth and Seasonings

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until the flour dissolves fully. This prevents lumps and gives you a glossy gravy. Stir in the Italian seasoning and onion powder to add those underlying herbal and sweet onion notes that round out the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Gravy

Return the chicken (along with any juices from the plate) to the skillet. Let the chicken simmer gently in the gravy for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Keep the heat low enough so the gravy bubbles gently and thickens slightly without becoming too dense. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top if you’re using it. This last touch adds freshness and a vibrant pop of color that makes the dish feel even more special as it comes to the table.

How to Serve Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe

A white plate shows three sections of food on a white marbled background: on the left, bright green cooked green beans with a smooth, shiny texture; in the middle, a fluffy light cream pile of mashed potatoes topped with a light brown gravy that has small black pepper specks; on the right, a golden brown patty covered in the same light brown gravy with flecks of green herbs, the gravy spreading slightly onto the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley brightens this dish instantly and makes it look inviting. You can also try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra hint of warmth and color.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are the classic soulmate to this chicken and gravy, soaking up all that luscious sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted veggies add crisp texture and balance. Creamy rice or buttery buttered noodles also work beautifully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and gravy over fluffy biscuits or inside a warm, split-open roll for a hearty sandwich. You can also plate it atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside cheesy cauliflower mash to impress your guests with variety without losing the recipe’s comforting essence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and gravy together in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavor, making it an ideal next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and prevent the chicken from drying out. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce back up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often offer even juicier, more flavorful results. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of bouillon powder or seasoning to maintain the savory flavor of the gravy. While chicken broth is ideal, these alternatives work well in a pinch.

Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, keeping the recipe delicious and safe.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should have a smooth, pourable texture that coats the chicken nicely without being runny or overly thick. If it becomes too thick, stir in a little more chicken broth to loosen it up.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead and reheat with the gravy?

Yes! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the freshly made gravy. Just gently warm them together on the stove to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a true weeknight champion that combines flavorful simplicity with irresistible comfort. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for busy evenings or cozy weekends. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious, heartwarming meal—you won’t regret it.