If you’re longing for a comforting, creamy meal that’s ready in under an hour, Chicken and Gravy Stovetop is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish delivers juicy, golden chicken nestled in a luscious homemade gravy, all bubbling together in a single skillet. The flavors are rich, the prep is simple, and the result is pure comfort—perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery noodles. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking to treat yourself, Chicken and Gravy Stovetop promises soul-soothing satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element in Chicken and Gravy Stovetop plays a key role, adding depth, creaminess, and that irresistible golden finish.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the dish—choose thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner bite.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a beautiful sear and adds a subtle richness to the skillet.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors in both the chicken and the gravy.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with savory depth—no chopping required!
- Onion powder: Lends sweetness and complexity to the seasoning blend.
- Paprika: Brings color and a gentle smokiness that makes the chicken pop.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the base of the gravy and adds a silky finish.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy and creates that classic, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth: Builds flavor and gives the gravy its savory backbone.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: For extra creaminess—choose cream for pure indulgence.
- Worcestershire sauce (optional): Adds a hint of umami and depth, but the dish shines without it, too.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a little visual flair.
How to Make Chicken and Gravy Stovetop
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry—this helps the seasoning stick and ensures a golden crust. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy: this blend is what creates that irresistible flavor coating for your Chicken and Gravy Stovetop.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the exterior is deeply golden and the inside is just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate—you’ll bring it back soon!
Step 3: Make the Roux
Turn down the heat to medium, then melt the butter right in the same skillet (hello, flavor!). Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. You’re aiming for a lightly golden paste—this will thicken your gravy and give it that comforting, old-fashioned flavor.
Step 4: Build the Gravy
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking all the while to banish any lumps. Stir in the milk or cream and Worcestershire sauce, if using. Let it bubble for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the gravy is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The kitchen will smell incredible at this point!
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Return the seared chicken (plus any juices from the plate) to the skillet, nestling it right into the gravy. Spoon that luscious sauce over each piece, then simmer for 3 to 4 minutes more, just until everything is piping hot and the flavors have mingled. If you’d like, finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and serve your Chicken and Gravy Stovetop hot and ready for devouring.
How to Serve Chicken and Gravy Stovetop
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh chopped parsley is simple but makes a world of difference, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. For a little zing, you could also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving. These little touches make your Chicken and Gravy Stovetop look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This is pure comfort fare, so think of cozy sides that soak up every drop of gravy. Classic mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender egg noodles are all perfect choices. For a lighter touch, serve with steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp garden salad to round out your Chicken and Gravy Stovetop meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the chicken and serving it family-style over a big platter of mashed potatoes or noodles, then ladle the gravy over everything. Individual bowls are perfect for a more rustic feel, or stack the chicken atop a thick slice of toasted bread for a take on open-faced sandwiches. Chicken and Gravy Stovetop is as versatile as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Gravy Stovetop keeps beautifully in the fridge. Store any remaining chicken and gravy in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors get even cozier as they meld, making tomorrow’s lunch something to really look forward to!
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken and gravy cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor. This is a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat Chicken and Gravy Stovetop gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the gravy has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and keep the chicken juicy and tender. In just a few minutes, it’ll taste fresh and homemade all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken instead of breasts or thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders cook even faster, and pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut when you’re in a hurry. Just skip the searing step and add the cooked chicken to the gravy at the end to warm through.
How do I make Chicken and Gravy Stovetop gluten-free?
Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can still enjoy all the flavor and comfort with zero worries.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
No problem! Worcestershire sauce adds a savory depth, but your Chicken and Gravy Stovetop will still be delicious without it. You can also splash in a little soy sauce for a similar umami kick.
Can I use low-fat milk or a dairy alternative?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk or an unsweetened dairy-free milk like almond or oat. The gravy will be a bit lighter and less creamy, but still totally satisfying.
Why did my gravy turn out lumpy?
Lumpy gravy usually happens if the flour isn’t whisked smoothly into the fat, or if the liquid is added too quickly. Next time, whisk the flour and butter together until smooth, and slowly drizzle in the broth while whisking constantly for a silky, lump-free sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra special about gathering around a table to enjoy Chicken and Gravy Stovetop—comfort food at its finest, with no fuss and maximum flavor. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. It’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen for cozy nights, family dinners, and anytime you need a bit of home-cooked happiness.
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Chicken and Gravy Stovetop Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Chicken and Gravy Stovetop recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy homemade gravy. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this easy-to-make dish combines simple seasonings and pantry staples to create a flavorful, hearty meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts or thighs for full flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the roux: Reduce the heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture while whisking continuously for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth, golden paste, which will thicken the gravy.
- Prepare the gravy: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Then stir in the milk or heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce if using. Continue to cook and stir the sauce for 3–5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine chicken with gravy: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, spoon the gravy over the top, and let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes to warm through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and gravy for a pop of color and freshness if desired. Serve hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete, comforting meal.
- You can substitute chicken tenders or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, adding more salt or spices as preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg