Cozy Skillet Chicken and Country-Style Gravy

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When the temperatures drop and fall settles in, nothing beats a warm, home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas. This Cozy Skillet Chicken and Country-Style Gravy delivers exactly that—tender chicken simmered in a creamy, seasoned gravy that tastes like pure comfort in every bite.

It’s simple, hearty, and made with everyday ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or noodles for the ultimate cozy meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Gravy

• 2 tbsp (28g) butter
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels—this gives you a better sear.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden.
3. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy

1. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet.
2. Scrape up browned bits for flavor.
3. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a roux; cook 2–3 minutes.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk or cream.
5. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme.
6. Simmer until thickened, 5–7 minutes.

4. Simmer

1. Nestle chicken back into the gravy.
2. Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, turning once.
3. Cook until tender and juicy (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).

5. Serve

Enjoy warm over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or fresh biscuits.

Pro Tips

• Dry the chicken before seasoning for the crispiest sear.
• Let the roux cook until lightly golden to avoid a floury taste.
• Whisk steadily when adding liquid for silky-smooth gravy.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before returning the chicken to the pan.
• If gravy is too thick, add broth.
• If too thin, whisk in a small cornstarch slurry.

Why This Recipe Works

• Perfect Fall Comfort: Warm, creamy, and deeply savory.
• One-Skillet Simplicity: Easy cleanup and straightforward steps.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pairs beautifully with starches or veggies.
• Kid-Approved & Family-Friendly: Mild flavors with rich, cozy undertones.
• Flexible Ingredients: Works with thighs, breasts, bone-in, or boneless.

Substitutions & Variations

Ingredient Swaps

• Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
• Low-carb: Thicken gravy with xanthan gum or omit flour dredge.

Flavor Variations

• Add herbs like rosemary or sage.
• Stir in mushrooms for earthy richness.
• Add paprika or cayenne for gentle heat.
• Make it one-dish by simmering carrots, peas, or baby potatoes in the gravy.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Prepare chicken and gravy, cool, and store for later—flavors deepen overnight.

Storage

• Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating).

Reheating

• Warm on the stovetop over low heat.
• Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy if needed.

Serving Ideas

• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Steamed white or brown rice
• Homemade biscuits
• Buttered egg noodles
• Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Breasts cook faster, so reduce simmer time slightly to prevent dryness.

How can I thicken the gravy more?

Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and stir into the simmering gravy.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—peas, mushrooms, carrots, or green beans are excellent choices.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger skillet and increase ingredients accordingly; simmer time stays the same.

What should I serve this with?

Mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, noodles, or roasted veggies all pair beautifully.

This Cozy Skillet Chicken and Country-Style Gravy is everything you want in a fall meal—simple, warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying. With minimal prep and pantry staples, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again whenever you crave comfort food that feels like a warm hug.

Cozy Skillet Chicken and Gravy Recipe

A warm, hearty chicken and gravy recipe perfect for fall. Simple ingredients, rich flavor, and one-skillet convenience for comforting meals.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Gravy

• 2 tbsp (28g) butter
• 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Additional salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels—this gives you a better sear.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden.
• Flip and cook another 5 minutes.
• Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy

• Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet.
• Scrape up browned bits for flavor.
• Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a roux; cook 2–3 minutes.
• Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk or cream.
• Add onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme.
• Simmer until thickened, 5–7 minutes.

4. Simmer

• Nestle chicken back into the gravy.
• Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes, turning once.
• Cook until tender and juicy (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).

5. Serve

• Enjoy warm over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or fresh biscuits.

Notes

• Drying the chicken creates a better sear.
• Cooking the roux gives deeper flavor.
• Whisking steadily ensures smooth gravy.
• Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee doneness.
• Serve immediately for best texture.

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