Chicken and Gravy Recipe

This Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Made with tender, juicy chicken breasts and a rich, creamy gravy, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Learn tips for creating the perfect pan gravy using simple pantry staples. Whether youu2019re hosting a family dinner or looking for a cozy meal, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup flour
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Gravy:

• ½ cup wine (see notes)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup beef broth (see notes)
• ½ chicken bouillon cube (see notes)
• 1 splash heavy cream (can substitute half and half)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (can substitute soy sauce)

Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon each: dried thyme, ground sage, black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Gravy Mixture:
   • In a large measuring cup or bowl, combine the chicken broth, beef broth, chicken bouillon, cream, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner pieces. Place them between plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.
   • Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly coat the chicken with flour, rubbing it into the surface. This step helps create a golden crust and also aids in thickening the gravy later.
3. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Turn off the heat. Add the wine to the skillet and return the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the skillet, incorporating the flavorful browned bits (“fond”). Let the wine bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Prepare the Gravy Base:
   • Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns light brown and the raw flour smell is gone.
6. Make the Gravy:
   • Gradually add the prepared gravy mixture in small splashes, whisking constantly to maintain smoothness. Bring the gravy to a gentle boil, then reduce to a light simmer. Let it reduce and thicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Return the chicken to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the gravy over the chicken. Let it simmer gently for 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through. Avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender.
   • Serve immediately with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food: A hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Rich and Creamy Gravy: The gravy is deeply flavored and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples come together for an easy and satisfying meal.

Tips

• Avoid Overcooking: Keep the gravy at a gentle simmer when reheating the chicken to maintain its juiciness.
• Scrape the Fond: Deglazing the skillet ensures you capture all the flavorful browned bits.
• Use Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.
• Non-Alcoholic: Replace the wine with additional chicken broth or apple cider.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and replace chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu.
• Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the seasoning mix for some heat.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.

What type of wine should I use? A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works best. If using red wine, opt for a lighter variety like Pinot Noir.

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and gravy, then reheat gently over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the rich gravy perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Bread: Offer warm crusty bread on the side to mop up every bit of the gravy.

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Enjoy this indulgent Chicken and Gravy recipe for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!