Amazing Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

There are some meals that just wrap you up like a warm hug, and for me, Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy is absolutely one of them. It’s the kind of dish that takes you back, you know? I remember one particularly chilly evening when I was feeling totally overwhelmed with work and life. I threw this together on autopilot, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was instantly soothing. Serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes felt like pure bliss. It’s such a simple, satisfying classic that never fails to bring a sense of cozy contentment to the table, proving that sometimes the most delicious and comforting meals are also the easiest to make. For more simple home-cooked ideas, check out my blog! Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

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

Seriously, why *wouldn’t* you love this dish? It’s pure magic on a plate, and here’s why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen:

• So Easy, So Quick: We’re talking about a total of 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and homemade.
• Unbeatable Creaminess: That gravy? It’s incredibly rich and velvety without being fussy. It just coats everything in the most delicious way possible.
• Classic Comfort Food: This dish hits all the right notes. It’s satisfying, familiar, and just plain *good* for the soul.
• Versatile Star: Serve it over Instant Pot mashed potatoes (my fave!), rice, or egg noodles. It’s a blank canvas for your favorite sides!

Ingredients for Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this cozy chicken dish. It’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of it in your pantry already!

• 2 large chicken breasts, split lengthwise into thinner breasts (or 4 smaller ones work just as well!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Kosher salt, to taste (just a sprinkle for the chicken!)
• Black pepper, to taste (ditto!)
• 3 tablespoons butter – the real stuff, please!
• 1 tablespoon chicken base (I swear by Better Than Bouillon; it adds so much flavor!)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (this is for thickening our lovely gravy)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken stock (low-sodium is fine if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (this is optional, but oh-so-worth-it for extra richness!)
• For serving: Instant Pot mashed potatoes (my absolute favorite!), or cooked rice or egg noodles.

Mastering the Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part – making this dish! It’s really not complicated at all. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a beautiful plate of chicken and gravy. And guess what? You can find the full recipe details here if you need a quick peek!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Lightly season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Don’t go crazy, we’ve got flavor coming from the gravy! Get your large skillet nice and warm over medium heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Pop the chicken in and let it cook for about 5 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and cooked all the way through – aim for an internal temp of 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat and super tender.

Crafting the Creamy Gravy

Chicken out? Great! Now, turn the heat down a bit to medium-low. Add the butter and that little spoonful of chicken base to the same skillet. Stir it until it’s all melty and combined. Now, sprinkle in the flour mix (that’s the flour, onion powder, and garlic powder you set aside). Stir, stir, stir for about 30 seconds to a minute. This is called making a roux, and it’s key to a smooth, thick gravy. Slowly, and I mean *slowly*, pour in your chicken stock while whisking constantly. Scrape up any yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor gold! Add the water and keep whisking until it’s all smooth. Let it simmer and bubble away until it thickens up to your liking. If you’re using it, stir in the heavy cream now for that extra luxurious touch.

Combining and Finishing

Once your gravy is looking thick and luscious, it’s time to bring it all together. If you prefer, you can shred the cooked chicken right in the pan, or just return the whole pieces back into the creamy gravy. Make sure to add any juices that might have collected on the plate where you set the chicken. Let it all simmer together for just a few more minutes so the flavors can meld. Give it a final taste – you might not need any extra salt at all, thanks to the chicken base and stock, but always check!

Tips for the Perfect Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

You know, the great thing about this Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy is that it’s pretty forgiving. But, like any good home cook, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to make it extra special every single time. Here are my top pointers!

• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: Seriously, don’t skimp on this! A good, heavy skillet helps the chicken brown evenly without sticking, and it’s a lifesaver when you’re making the gravy. It distributes heat so much better, which means no hot spots for burning!
• Whisk, Whisk, Whisk!: When you’re making the gravy, that whisk is your best friend. Pouring the stock in slowly and whisking *constantly* is key to getting that super smooth, lump-free, dreamy texture we’re going for. No one wants a lumpy gravy, right?
• Don’t Over-Salt Early On: This is a big one! The chicken base and chicken stock already have a good amount of salt. Lightly season your chicken breasts, but save any final salt adjustments for *after* you’ve made the gravy. Taste it first, trust me!
• Embrace the Brown Bits: Those little browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after you cook the chicken? They’re flavor gold! Make sure you scrape them up when you add the stock to incorporate all that deliciousness into your gravy.

For even more chicken recipe inspiration, be sure to check out my chicken recipe favorites!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sometimes you need to make a few tweaks to a recipe, right? Here’s a quick rundown on a couple of ingredients in our Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy and what you can do if you don’t have them:

• Chicken Base: This stuff is a flavor powerhouse! Trust me, a little goes a long way. If you can’t find it or simply don’t have it, you can use a good quality chicken bouillon cube or even some extra chicken stock. Just know you might need to add a pinch more salt later to get that same depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: While it makes the gravy extra luscious and rich, it’s totally optional! If you want to skip it or don’t have any on hand, the gravy will still be delicious. You could also use half-and-half for a slightly lighter touch, or even a splash of evaporated milk in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions for Comfort Style Chicken

This Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy is a meal in itself, but it sings when paired with the right sides! My absolute favorite is to serve it over a big scoop of fluffy Instant Pot mashed potatoes – the gravy just soaks right in, yum! Rice or tender egg noodles are also fantastic bases. For a little something extra, a side of steamed peas or some crusty garlic bread to sop up every last bit of that glorious gravy is never a bad idea!

Frequently Asked Questions about Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy

Got questions about whipping up this delicious Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy? I’ve got answers!

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

You sure can! The gravy can be made a day or two in advance. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, whisking occasionally. You might need to add a splash more chicken stock or water if it’s gotten a bit too thick.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For the best results, gently reheat this chicken and gravy in a skillet over low heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s warmed through. If the gravy seems too thick, add a little chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Microwaving is okay too, just be sure to stir it halfway through for even heating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic because they stay super moist. You can prepare them just like the breasts. They might take a few minutes longer to cook through to that 165°F internal temperature. Once cooked, you can either shred them or cut them into pieces before adding them back into the creamy gravy.

How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?

If your gravy is too thin, just make a quick slurry by whisking a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the simmering gravy and cook for another minute or two until it thickens. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a little more chicken stock or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, the nutritional info below is an estimate, as things can vary a little based on the exact ingredients you use and how you prepare them. It’s a good ballpark for our delicious Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy!

• Serving Size: 1 serving (chicken and gravy)
• Calories: 362
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Protein: 29g
• Sodium: 675mg

For more healthy recipes, check out my healthy recipe collection!

Share Your Comfort Style Chicken Creation!

I just love hearing from you all! Did you try this Comfort Style Chicken with Creamy Gravy? I’d be thrilled if you’d share your thoughts in the comments below, maybe rate the recipe, or even tag me on social media with your delicious creations! I’m always curious to see how they turn out. For more about me and my journey, you can visit my About page!

Print