This easy chicken dish served with creamy homemade gravy is cozy and comforting. Juicy chicken drenched in smooth gravy makes every bite a delight!
Trust me, the gravy is so good, you’ll want to pour it on everything! I love serving this with mashed potatoes—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, offering a tender and quick-cooking option. If you’re in a pinch, thighs can also be used—they’re juicier and add more flavor.
Olive Oil or Butter: I love using butter for its rich flavor in this dish. However, olive oil is a great healthier option and works just as well.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the gravy creamy and luscious! If you want to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the gravy may not be as rich.
Thyme: Dried thyme adds a nice herbal note. Feel free to skip it or use fresh herbs if you have them; parsley and rosemary can also work well.
How Do I Get My Gravy Smooth and Creamy?
Getting a smooth, creamy gravy is all about the technique! The key is making a roux, which is a mixture of fat and flour. Here’s how to perfect it:
- After cooking the onions and garlic, sprinkle in the flour gradually. Stir constantly to mix it well.
- Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes—this helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
- When adding chicken broth, do it slowly while whisking to prevent lumps. It helps to scrape any tasty bits stuck to the pan too!
- Let it simmer to thicken, which should take a few minutes. The cream adds the final touch, making everything silky.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious gravy every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Chicken and Creamy Homemade Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Gravy:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the chicken, followed by 15 minutes to make the gravy and finish the dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This is crucial for flavor!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step adds wonderful flavor to your gravy!
4. Making the Roux:
Next, sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly to combine, creating a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and to achieve a nice golden color.
5. Adding the Broth:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step infuses extra flavor into the gravy. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
6. Making it Creamy:
Now, stir in the heavy cream and the dried thyme (if you’re using it). Keep cooking for another 2 minutes until the gravy is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the delicious gravy over the chicken, allowing it to heat through for a couple more minutes.
8. Serving:
Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm, ideally with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish. Enjoy!
Your delicious chicken with creamy homemade gravy is ready to be devoured! Bon appétit!
FAQ for Easy Chicken and Creamy Homemade Gravy
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they are juicier and bursting with flavor. Just adjust the cooking time a bit, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
If you want a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. Ensure to use dairy-free butter or olive oil for frying and skip the heavy cream at the end for a lighter gravy.
Can I Prep the Gravy Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the gravy in advance! Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve. If it thickens too much as it sits, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little chicken broth or water to the gravy to maintain its creamy texture. Enjoy it with a fresh side for a quick meal!
