Homestyle Chicken and Gravy – A Quick Comfort Classic

Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is one of those magical meals that wraps you in a warm hug after a long, chaotic day. Whether you’re coming home from a work meeting that could’ve been an email or your toddler just painted the walls with yogurt again—this recipe is your comfort zone. It’s cozy, creamy, and comes together in just 30 minutes, which is basically the holy grail for any busy home cook.

Think juicy shredded chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy and spooned generously over a pile of mashed potatoes. You can practically hear it whisper, “Everything’s going to be okay.” And the best part? It uses simple pantry staples—no mystery ingredients or fancy techniques. In the middle of a whirlwind week, Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is the culinary equivalent of fuzzy socks and a soft blanket. Let’s make dinner feel like less of a chore and more of a moment to savor.

Table of Contents

What is Homestyle Chicken and Gravy?

Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is the kind of no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner that’s made for real life. It’s shredded chicken breasts, gently seasoned and simmered in a buttery, rich gravy made from flour, chicken base, and broth—all coming together in one skillet. No complicated steps, no mystery sauce packets—just honest, homemade goodness. This dish channels all the nostalgic vibes of grandma’s cooking, minus the six-hour prep and apron full of flour.

It’s especially satisfying served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even a thick slice of sourdough toast if you’re feeling rebellious. While the concept might sound old-fashioned, this is a recipe that fits right into modern kitchens—quick enough for weeknights and hearty enough to satisfy picky eaters. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or just cooking for one and wanting leftovers that taste like love in a bowl, Homestyle Chicken and Gravy totally delivers.

Reasons to Try Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

There are a million dinner ideas out there, but few check as many boxes as Homestyle Chicken and Gravy. First off, let’s talk flavor—this dish doesn’t just whisper comfort food, it sings it from the rooftops. It’s got that rich, savory gravy that makes everything it touches better, from mashed potatoes to leftover rice. Second, this meal is a time-saver’s dream.

You can go from fridge to table in just 30 minutes, which is basically lightning speed in weeknight dinner world. Third, it’s made with ingredients you probably already have—chicken, butter, flour, and broth. No last-minute grocery runs or weird substitutions required. Also, it’s wildly flexible. Got picky eaters? Leave out the onion powder. Want it creamier? Add that splash of heavy cream. Need it dairy-free? Skip the butter and cream—it’ll still taste amazing. Lastly, it’s a one-skillet wonder, which means fewer dishes and more couch time. What’s not to love?

Ingredients Needed to Make Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

• 2 large chicken breasts (split lengthwise) or 4 small/medium chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to season the chicken)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ½ cup water
• ¼ cup heavy cream (totally optional—but highly encouraged)

Serving suggestions: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Great with peas or a side of garlic bread.

Instructions to Make Homestyle Chicken and Gravy – Step by Step

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Let’s kick this off by giving your chicken breasts a little love. Start by splitting 2 large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cuts. If you’ve got smaller chicken breasts, just use 4 of those. Season both sides with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simple but effective.

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers (translation: it’s hot), lay the chicken pieces in the pan. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown crust—it means flavor. Once your chicken is cooked through and the internal temp hits 165°F, transfer it to a plate and let it rest. Don’t worry, we’ll come back for it soon.

Step 2: Build a Flavorful Gravy Base

Now for the soul of this dish—the gravy. Lower your heat to medium-low. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of chicken base (like Better Than Bouillon) to the same pan you just used. Stir until the butter melts and everything’s mingling together.

While that’s melting, grab a small bowl and mix together 4 tablespoons of flour, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle this mix into the pan and stir like your gravy depends on it—because it does. You’re forming a roux, which is the thickening backbone of our sauce. Let it cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds to a minute. It should smell heavenly and start to darken slightly.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Whisk Like a Pro

Once your roux is nice and fragrant, slowly pour in 2 cups of chicken stock while scraping up all those tasty brown bits at the bottom of the pan. That’s flavor gold. Add ½ cup water and whisk until smooth—no lumps allowed! Let it simmer and thicken into a gorgeous gravy. If it’s too thick, don’t panic—just add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer or whisk in a quick cornstarch slurry.

Want to take things over the top? Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a silkier, richer gravy. Totally optional, but highly recommended if you’re going for that luxurious mouthfeel.

Step 4: Shred and Return the Chicken

Now let’s bring the chicken back to the party. Shred it using two forks (or your hands if it’s cool enough and you’re in a rustic mood). Add the shredded chicken—and any juices it released while resting—back into the skillet with the gravy. Stir well to coat every strand of chicken with that luscious sauce. Let it all simmer together for another few minutes so the flavors really get cozy.

Before you serve, give it a taste. You probably won’t need more salt thanks to the chicken base and broth, but if something feels like it’s missing, a tiny sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of poultry seasoning can wake things right up.

Serve generously over your favorite starch—creamy mashed potatoes are the classic, but don’t sleep on buttered noodles or even fluffy rice. And hey, if you’re craving even more comfort, check out our Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole for another old-school favorite that feels like a warm hug.

What to Serve with Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is basically begging for a big spoonful of mashed potatoes underneath. But don’t stop there. A buttery roll or a slice of garlic bread makes the perfect gravy sponge—trust me, your plate will be clean in minutes. On the veggie front, peas are a classic. Their sweetness balances out the savory chicken beautifully. Or roast up some green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a pop of color and crunch. Want something fresh on the side? A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish. For dessert, consider something light like our Strawberry Shortcake Poke Cake to end on a sweet note without feeling stuffed.

Key Tips for Making Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

1. Split those breasts: Thinner chicken cooks faster and more evenly, saving you time and worry.
2. Don’t skip the roux: It’s what gives the gravy body and depth. Be patient while stirring—it’s worth it.
3. Season lightly at first: Between the chicken base and broth, this dish packs plenty of salt. Taste before adding more.
4. Make it your own: Toss in a dash of poultry seasoning or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
5. Need a shortcut? Use rotisserie chicken and jump straight to the gravy part—it’s not cheating, it’s called being smart.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Homestyle Chicken and Gravy

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they sit. When reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat and add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the gravy. You can also microwave it, but do it in short bursts and stir in between so nothing gets rubbery. Want to freeze it? Go for it. Just skip the cream if you plan to freeze, as it can separate. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a cozy dinner on demand.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish actually tastes better the next day. Just reheat it gently and maybe add a splash of broth to freshen up the gravy.

What if I don’t have chicken base?
No problem. You can substitute it with an extra bouillon cube or just use a more flavorful broth. The Better Than Bouillon brand is great, but not mandatory.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Totally. Use dairy-free butter or oil for the roux and skip the cream. It’ll still taste amazing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just make sure your chicken base and broth are gluten-free too.

Can I use leftover chicken or turkey?
Yes! This is a perfect way to give leftover cooked poultry new life. Just warm it up in the gravy and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

Homestyle Chicken and Gravy is comfort food at its absolute best—simple, soulful, and always satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your crew or just treating yourself to a night of cozy eats, this dish is a reliable go-to that never disappoints. Plus, with our step by step guide, you’ll feel confident every step of the way. Want to keep that comfort train rolling? Try our Easy One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie next. For now, grab your skillet, pull out those potatoes, and get ready for the kind of dinner that feels like home.

Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.

Print