Amazing Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

There’s just something about a warm, hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate, right? Especially after a long day, diving into a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly tasty is pure bliss. That’s why I adore this Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy. It’s one of those go-to recipes for me because it’s so surprisingly easy to whip up, but tastes like you spent hours slaving away. It fits perfectly into my philosophy of clean living – nourishing our bodies with delicious food that doesn’t have to be complicated or full of guilt.

Why You’ll Love This Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

This isn’t just dinner; it’s a warm embrace! You’ll absolutely adore this recipe because:

• It’s super quick – think weeknight-friendly!
• The gravy? Oh my goodness, it’s SO creamy and flavorful.
• It’s pure comfort food without the fuss.
• You likely have most of the ingredients already!

Ingredients for Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Okay, getting this deliciousness on the table is easier than you think! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts (or 4 medium/small chicken breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 to taste kosher salt
• 1 to taste black pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (I really love the Better Than Bouillon kind for this!)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (this is optional, but it makes it extra dreamy!)
• Instant Pot mashed potatoes (or rice/egg noodles) for serving – yum!

How to Prepare Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Alright, let’s get this comfort food party started! Making this dish is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week. Trust me, these steps are super easy to follow, and the result is pure magic. You can find even more easy, healthy dinner recipes right here when you’re done!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Take your chicken breasts – the split ones are great because they cook more evenly – and give them a little sprinkle of salt and pepper. Nothing fancy, just enough to bring out their natural flavor. Now, grab a large skillet (a heavy-bottomed one is best for even cooking and great flavor!) and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. Pop those seasoned chicken breasts in and let them cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The most important part? Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety and super tender chicken. Once they’re done, just take them out of the pan and set them on a plate for a moment.

Making the Creamy Gravy

Now for the star of the show – that luscious gravy! Lower the heat to medium-low so we don’t scorch anything. Add your butter and that fantastic chicken base to the same skillet; it’s going to melt together and make the most delicious pan drippings. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in your flour mixture (that’s the flour, onion powder, and garlic powder you mixed up earlier). Stir it all together really well for about 30 seconds to a minute. This little step creates a “roux” and cooks out that raw flour taste. Then, slowly, and I mean *slowly*, start pouring in your chicken stock while whisking like crazy. This is key to getting a super smooth, lump-free gravy! Don’t forget to scrape up all those yummy brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor lives! Add the water and keep whisking until everything is smooth and starts to thicken up. Let it simmer gently until it reaches a thickness you love. If you’re using heavy cream for extra richness, stir it in now. It’s completely optional, but oh, so worth it!

Combining and Finishing

Almost there! You can either shred your chicken using two forks – this makes it super easy to soak up all that gravy – or just leave the breasts whole. Either way, pop the chicken back into the skillet with the creamy gravy. Don’t forget any juices that might have collected on the plate! Let it all simmer together for just a few more minutes so the chicken can warm through and get coated in all that goodness. Give it a final taste – you might not need any extra salt because the chicken, base, and stock already have plenty. This dish is all about that comforting, home-cooked flavor you can find in clean eating dinner recipes made easy.

Tips for Success

Making this Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy a success is all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. Trust me, these tips come from years of kitchen adventures! First off, use a good quality chicken base; it really amps up the flavor without extra salt. And please, use a heavy-bottomed skillet! It’s a game-changer for getting that even golden-brown on the chicken and for making the smoothest gravy possible because it distributes heat so well. Don’t rush the roux step – cooking it for just a minute helps build that delicious depth. Finally, a whisk is your best friend for gravy; it’ll keep things perfectly smooth and lump-free, making your meal not just tasty but beautiful too! These little things help ensure every meal feels like it comes from a place of nutritious homemade meals.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s talk ingredients! That chicken base? It’s like a concentrated flavor bomb for your gravy and I highly recommend it. But if you can’t find it, you can use a good chicken bouillon cube or even just more chicken stock, though you might need to add a touch more salt at the end.

Craving this but need a dairy-free option? You can totally swap the butter for a good quality dairy-free butter alternative and use oat milk or unsweetened cashew milk instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works just fine in place of the all-purpose flour. The key is to keep that creamy texture!

Serving Suggestions

This Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy is practically begging to be served over some fluffy Instant Pot mashed potatoes – seriously, it’s the ultimate combo! If potatoes aren’t your thing, fluffy white rice or tender egg noodles are also fantastic choices. They’re perfect for soaking up all that amazing, creamy gravy. Want to add some greens? A side of steamed peas or a simple green salad would be lovely, making it a complete and satisfying meal you’ll find in recipes like these healthy family dinners kids enjoy.

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Give it a good stir as it warms up. If it seems a little thick, just add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth to get it back to that perfect creamy consistency. It’s amazing how well this holds up, making it perfect for when you’re planning ahead with easy meal prep recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy? I’ve got answers!

Can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

Absolutely! If your gravy is a bit too thin, just let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to let some of the liquid evaporate. If it’s too thick, stir in a little more chicken stock or water until it’s just right. For a super quick thickening trick, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the simmering gravy until it thickens up.

What are other protein options besides chicken?

This creamy gravy is so versatile! While chicken is amazing, you could totally use turkey or pork tenderloin here. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so your protein is cooked through to 165°F. The savory gravy will be delicious no matter what you choose!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep some parts ahead! Cook the chicken and make the gravy separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop and combine them just before serving. This makes getting a delicious meal on the table even faster, perfect for those healthy chicken dinner recipes everyone loves.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown for this delicious Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy. Keep in mind these numbers are approximate and can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s part of what makes our light, nutritious dinner recipes so wonderfully adaptable!

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