“I poured gravy over leftover chicken—suddenly dinner felt like Sunday supper”

It was one of those chaotic evenings—I had leftover chicken, no plan, and a hungry crew staring at me like I was the dinner fairy. I didn’t have time for anything fancy, but I needed something cozy. So I pulled out a gravy packet, heated up some broth, and tossed in that chicken.

This Shredded Chicken and Gravy is what I call an “emergency comfort meal.” It’s warm, hearty, and tastes like something Grandma would serve—only it’s done in 15 minutes and costs next to nothing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Comfort food in a flash
• One pan = fewer dishes
• Uses cooked or canned chicken (whatever you’ve got)
• Perfect for layering over mashed potatoes, rice, or toast

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix
• 1 1/2 cups water or broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Optional: splash of milk or cream
• Serve with: mashed potatoes, rice, toast, biscuits, or noodles

Directions:

1. Whisk gravy mix and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and a splash of milk or cream if using.
3. Stir in shredded chicken. Let simmer on low for 5–10 minutes until heated through.
4. Serve over whatever you have on hand—mashed potatoes, toast, rice, or biscuits all work!

Real Mom Tip:

Double the gravy if you’re serving over rice or something that soaks it up—nobody wants a dry plate!

Budget Breakdown:

• Chicken: ~$3 (leftover or rotisserie)
• Gravy mix: ~$0.50
• Sides (rice, potatoes, etc.): ~$2
• Total: ~$5.50 for 4–6 servings = ~$1 per serving

Variations:

• Stir in sour cream or cream cheese for extra richness
• Add frozen peas or corn to bulk it up
• Swap in turkey or pork if that’s what you’ve got

I served this over instant mashed potatoes with a side of frozen green beans. Everyone ate. Nobody complained. I even had time to sit down while it simmered.

Sometimes dinner doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to feel like a hug in a bowl.

Shredded Chicken and Gravy (Budget-Friendly Version)

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes (or less if using precooked chicken)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (leftover, rotisserie, or canned)
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix (or homemade if preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Optional: a splash of milk or cream for richness
• Optional: serve over rice, mashed potatoes, toast, or biscuits

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together gravy mix and water (or broth). Heat over medium until thickened, stirring occasionally.
2. Stir in garlic and onion powder, plus a splash of milk or cream if desired.
3. Add shredded chicken to the pan. Simmer on low for 5–10 minutes until heated through and coated in the gravy.
4. Serve hot over your favorite base—mashed potatoes, rice, toast, or even pasta.