Hearty Chicken and Gravy Skillet Recipe

Savory Chicken and Gravy Skillet Recipe for Busy Cooks

Comfort food never tasted so good as this hearty chicken and gravy skillet that sizzles with pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure culinary bliss.

Each forkful delivers a warm embrace of savory flavors dancing across your plate.

Home cooks love how quickly this one-pan meal comes together, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

The golden-brown chicken melds perfectly with the silky gravy, creating a meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Layers of seasoned chicken and creamy sauce guarantee a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious skillet and let the aroma of home-cooked comfort fill your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 403 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken & Gravy Skillet Essentials

For Meat Base:
  • Chicken Fillets: Succulent protein that forms the heart of the dish, opt for fresh, plump cuts with minimal fat for tender results.
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the chicken's natural flavors, choose freshly ground pepper for maximum zest.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Magical thickening agent that creates a silky gravy texture, select unbleached variety for best performance.
  • Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Aromatic spices that infuse deep, savory undertones without overwhelming the dish.
For Gravy Builders:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps sear chicken perfectly, look for extra virgin for richer flavor profile.
  • Butter: Luxurious ingredient adding richness and depth, choose unsalted for precise seasoning control.
  • Chicken Base: Concentrated flavor enhancer that delivers robust poultry essence, select high-quality paste for maximum impact.
  • Chicken Stock, Water: Liquid foundations creating luscious gravy, ensure stock is low-sodium for balanced seasoning.
  • Heavy Cream: Optional decadent finish that transforms gravy into velvety masterpiece, select fresh, high-fat content cream.

Tools Needed for Chicken Skillet Dish

  • Large skillet: Your key cooking vessel for creating this delicious chicken and gravy dish.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the seasoning blend of flour and spices.
  • Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining roux and preventing lumpy gravy.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, and other dry seasonings.
  • Measuring cups: Crucial for precise liquid measurements like chicken stock and water.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and scraping pan while cooking.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165℉.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for potential chicken shredding or slicing.

Cooking Steps for Chicken & Gravy Dish

  • Flavor Foundation

Whip up a tangy seasoning blend mixing flour, salt, pepper, and aromatic spices in a cozy bowl. This magical mixture sets the stage for an incredible culinary adventure.

  • Chicken Magic

Sizzle tender chicken fillets in a skillet, letting them dance in olive oil until golden and perfectly cooked. Transform those plain pieces into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

  • Creamy Transformation

Melt butter into the skillet, creating a silky base that will become your luscious gravy. Sprinkle in your seasoning blend, stirring gently to craft a smooth, dreamy sauce.

  • Gravy Glory

Pour chicken stock into the skillet, whisking with passion to build a rich, velvety gravy. Watch as the liquid transforms into a luxurious sauce that will make taste buds sing.

  • Final Flourish

Reunite the crispy chicken with the decadent gravy, letting flavors mingle and marry. Give everything a gentle simmer, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Flavor Hacks for Your Skillet Chicken

  • Gravy-Boosting Flavor Bombs: Sprinkle in fresh chopped thyme or rosemary to elevate the gravy's depth and aromatic profile.
  • Protein Power Play: Swap chicken breasts with chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richer flavor, especially for those craving more tender meat.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or cornstarch to create a gluten-free gravy that's equally smooth and delicious.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a subtle kick that transforms the entire dish's flavor landscape.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and gravy in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. Reheat gently in the skillet, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and prevent dryness.

Ways to Present Chicken & Gravy Skillet

  • Hearty Plate Companion: Serve this skillet delight over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up every delicious drop of gravy.
  • Veggie Sidekick: Pair with roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to add fresh, vibrant colors and nutrients to the meal.
  • Bread Love: Grab some warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or soft dinner rolls to mop up the rich, creamy gravy and catch every last bit of flavor.
  • Comfort Combo: Transform this dish into a complete comfort meal by adding a side of creamy coleslaw or quick pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast to the rich chicken and gravy.

How to Keep Chicken & Gravy Ready to Serve

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the skillet dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss.
  • Freezing Technique: Carefully transfer cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small splash of chicken stock to restore original creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even temperature distribution.
  • Portion Control Trick: Divide remaining meal into individual serving sizes before storing. This method allows quick single-serving meals and reduces unnecessary repeated warming that might compromise chicken's tender quality.
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Hearty Chicken and Gravy Skillet Recipe

Hearty Chicken and Gravy Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory chicken and gravy skillet delight combines comfort with simplicity, offering a hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken fillets (large, split lengthwise into thinner fillets; or 4 medium/small)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsps butter
  • 4 tbsps all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1 tbsp chicken base (Better Than Bouillon recommended)
  • ½ cup water
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Whisk flour with selected spices, ensuring uniform distribution and preventing clumps.
  2. Chicken Searing: Season chicken fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, sear chicken until golden and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165℉.
  3. Roux Development: Reduce skillet heat, add butter and chicken base. Sprinkle seasoned flour mixture, stirring consistently to create a smooth, velvety base.
  4. Gravy Formation: Pour chicken stock and water into the skillet, whisking energetically to eliminate potential lumps. Use a wooden spatula to incorporate caramelized pan fragments, enhancing sauce depth and complexity.
  5. Final Integration: Blend heavy cream into the gravy until completely incorporated. Optionally shred cooked chicken and return to the skillet, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a harmonious culinary experience.

Notes

  • Perfectly Measure Spices: Use level measuring spoons to ensure precise seasoning without overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavor balance.
  • Master Chicken Searing: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and creates intense flavor development.
  • Prevent Gravy Lumps: Whisk flour mixture continuously and add liquid gradually to guarantee a smooth, silky sauce without unwanted clumps.
  • Customize Consistency: Adjust gravy thickness by adding more stock for a thinner sauce or simmering longer to create a richer, more concentrated texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 403
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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