Name: Chicken Breasts with Chipotle Green Onion Gravy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup minced green onions (scallions); 1/2 to 1 tsp chipotle chile powder (adjust to taste)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It transforms plain chicken into something flavorful with a minimal extra step.
The chipotle adds smoke and a mild kick, while green onions bring freshness.
You get to practice a classic pan‑gravy technique (scraping up browned bits) that impresses.
It’s fast—ready in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
Salt & freshly ground black pepper
Olive oil
Butter
All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Minced green onions (scallions)
Chipotle chile powder

Directions

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap (such as a freezer bag) and pound them gently to about ½‑inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until it shimmers; reduce to medium. Add the chicken and cook about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and loosely tent with foil.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Cook until the gravy begins to thicken, about 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the minced green onions and chipotle chile powder (adjust to taste) to the gravy.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and coated with the gravy. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Milder version: Reduce or omit the chipotle powder.
Add vegetables: After making the gravy, add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers and simmer until tender.
Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream or Greek yogurt at the end to mellow the heat and enrich the sauce.
Herb addition: Add chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving for extra freshness.
Double or scale up: Increase ingredients proportionally, but make sure your pan is large enough to brown chicken without crowding.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store chicken and gravy together in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan over low heat; add a little broth or water if the gravy becomes too thick.
Freezing: This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the gravy may change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use bone‑in chicken instead of boneless breasts?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase cooking time and may need to finish cooking covered.

Is chipotle powder very spicy?

It has a smoky, moderate heat. Adjust the amount to your taste or omit if you prefer mild flavor.

Can I use poultry stock instead of chicken broth?

Yes — it’s a good substitute and will add depth of flavor.

What if my gravy is lumpy?

Whisk continuously while adding liquid and make sure your roux (butter + flour) is smooth and well-mixed.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Absolutely — boneless, skinless thighs work and may stay juicier.

How do I pound chicken uniformly?

Use the flat side of a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan and go gently, starting from the center outward.

Can I omit flour to make a gluten‑free version?

You could use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (mixed as a slurry with water) to thicken the sauce.

Should I deglaze with wine instead of broth?

You can use white wine for deglazing before adding broth, but it will change the flavor profile.

Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, but the roux-based gravy is best fresh. Reheat gently and whisk when reheating.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the gravy.

Conclusion

“Chicken Breasts with Chipotle Green Onion Gravy” is a perfect example of how a simple pan sauce can elevate a plain protein into something special. The spicy smokiness from the chipotle, paired with bright green onion flavor and pan‑fond richness, makes for a satisfying meal that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Try it for a weeknight dinner to level up your sauce skills.