Chicken and Gravy Stovetop

🎉 Introduction

Few meals say comfort food like tender chicken smothered in creamy, homemade gravy and served with a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes. This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop recipe is quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

With just a few pantry staples—like flour, butter, and chicken stock—you can whip up a silky gravy right on the stovetop. Pair it with pan-seared chicken breasts and instant mashed potatoes for a complete meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but takes less than an hour.

It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

🛒 Ingredients

Meats

• 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner fillets
• 1 tablespoon chicken base

Fruits & Vegetables

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pot of instant mashed potatoes (prepared according to package instructions)

Canned Goods

• 2 cups chicken stock

Pantry & Spices

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste

Oils & Vinegars

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Liquids

• ½ cup water

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
• Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Pan-Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
• Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Start the Gravy Base

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 4: Build the Gravy

• Slowly whisk in chicken stock, water, and chicken base.
• Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Cream & Seasoning

• Stir in heavy cream for richness.
• Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet

• Place seared chicken breasts back into the gravy.
• Simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning gravy over chicken to coat.

Step 7: Serve

• Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package directions.
• Serve chicken hot, smothered with gravy, alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4 portions
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and gravy separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or water to thin the gravy if needed.

🥄 Variations

• Herbal Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy for extra flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes.
• Veggie Add-In: Serve with green beans, peas, or roasted carrots on the side.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the gravy.
• Creamier Gravy: Double the heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
• Light Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of breasts?
   Yes, but increase cooking time to ensure doneness.
2. Can I make this without heavy cream?
   Yes, replace with half-and-half or whole milk.
3. Can I thicken the gravy more?
   Add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer.
4. Do I need chicken base if I already have broth?
   The chicken base deepens flavor, but you can skip it.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry.
6. Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
   Absolutely—they’ll taste even better.
7. Is this dish kid-friendly?
   Yes, it’s mild, creamy, and familiar.
8. Can I meal prep this recipe?
   Yes, it reheats well for 2–3 days.
9. What can I serve with chicken and gravy besides mashed potatoes?
   Rice, egg noodles, or roasted veggies are great options.
10. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
    Yes, just skip the searing step and simmer it in the gravy.

🏁 Conclusion

This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Juicy chicken, rich homemade gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes all come together in under an hour, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

It’s cozy, hearty, and a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need a plate of comforting goodness.

Adam

Chicken and Gravy Stovetop

Few meals say comfort food like tender chicken smothered in creamy, homemade gravy and served with a heaping scoop of mashed potatoes. This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop recipe is quick, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners. With just a few pantry staples—like flour, butter, and chicken stock—you can whip up a silky gravy right on the stovetop. Pair it with pan-seared chicken breasts and instant mashed potatoes for a complete meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, but takes less than an hour. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meats

• 2 large chicken breasts split lengthwise into thinner fillets
• 1 tablespoon chicken base

Fruits & Vegetables

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pot of instant mashed potatoes prepared according to package instructions

Canned Goods

• 2 cups chicken stock

Pantry & Spices

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt & black pepper to taste

Oils & Vinegars

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

• 3 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Liquids

• ½ cup water

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Method

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
2. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Pan-Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
3. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Start the Gravy Base

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux (about 1–2 minutes).

Step 4: Build the Gravy

1. Slowly whisk in chicken stock, water, and chicken base.
2. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Cream & Seasoning

1. Stir in heavy cream for richness.
2. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet

1. Place seared chicken breasts back into the gravy.
2. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning gravy over chicken to coat.

Step 7: Serve

1. Prepare instant mashed potatoes according to package directions.
2. Serve chicken hot, smothered with gravy, alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and gravy separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of stock or water to thin the gravy if needed.

🥄 Variations

Herbal Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the gravy for extra flavor.

Cheesy Twist: Stir shredded cheddar into the mashed potatoes.

Veggie Add-In: Serve with green beans, peas, or roasted carrots on the side.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the gravy.

Creamier Gravy: Double the heavy cream for an even richer sauce.

Light Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets or pork chops.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of breasts?
Yes, but increase cooking time to ensure doneness.

Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, replace with half-and-half or whole milk.

Can I thicken the gravy more?
Add an extra tablespoon of flour or simmer longer.

Do I need chicken base if I already have broth?
The chicken base deepens flavor, but you can skip it.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry.

Can I use homemade mashed potatoes?
Absolutely—they’ll taste even better.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s mild, creamy, and familiar.

Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it reheats well for 2–3 days.

What can I serve with chicken and gravy besides mashed potatoes?
Rice, egg noodles, or roasted veggies are great options.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes, just skip the searing step and simmer it in the gravy.

🏁 Conclusion

This Chicken and Gravy Stovetop is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Juicy chicken, rich homemade gravy, and fluffy mashed potatoes all come together in under an hour, with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

It’s cozy, hearty, and a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you need a plate of comforting goodness.