One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy

Easy prep, simple, low-cost ingredients and just one pan = delicious chicken in gravy.

This One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy checks all the boxes – it’s wholesome, comforting, can be served with anything and, best of all, it is so incredibly easy to make. My kids LOVE having this for dinner and ask me to make it frequently. It is super low-fuss, especially when served with Freezer-friendly Mashed Potatoes and some simple steamed greens. It takes 5 minutes to prep, then less than an hour hands-off time in the oven, to create this perfectly cooked chicken with deliciously crispy skin, and a rich gravy – all in the one pan.

Tender, juicy chicken thighs with the most deliciously crispy skin are cooked in a rich gravy. Serve with steamed greens and mashed potato.

The beauty of the gravy is that the ingredients are whisked together and added to the pan at the same time as the raw chicken (where traditionally flour is added afterwards with lots of whisking and reducing). It is a recipe technique inspired by Nagi Maehashii’s Gravy Baked Chicken that you can find here. I made minor changes to Nagi’s recipe, introducing a few additional flavours to the gravy – dark soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce – both which I find enhance the colour and depth of flavour in the sauce. The chicken juices mingle with the delicious gravy ingredients and the result is minimal effort with maximum flavour. Of course, if you want to make this a complete meal-in-a-pan, you can easily add extra vegetables to the pan. Potato, carrot or pumpkin, cut into small pieces, can be cooked alongside the chicken.

I like to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, as they are so incredibly juicy and the skin becomes beautifully crispy. However, you can use bone-in thighs with the skin removed, and I’ve also provided details if you want to use boneless thighs.

Baked chicken and gravy with a fork slicing into tender meat, served with greens and mashed potatoes
The combination of the tender chicken with crispy skin, cooked in a rich gravy, is absolutely beautiful.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but reduce the cooking time to around 35–40 minutes as they will cook faster than bone-in chicken.

Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Vegetables like carrots, potatoes or pumpkin can be added to the tray. Cut into small chunks (roughly 2–3 cm/¾–1¼ inches) so that the vegetables cook through within the cooking time. You will need to remove them along with the chicken to whisk the gravy and bring it together. Note adding vegetables may result in a chunkier gravy (as some of the veggies will break down during cooking – but it’s delicious!). You could also stir 115 g (¾ cup) of frozen peas through the hot gravy, until thawed, to add an extra boost of vegetables.

Deliciously baked chicken, perfectly cooked and ready to serve
I love to use skin-on chicken thighs as the skin crisps up so beautifully in the oven.

Why beef stock and not chicken?

The beef stock gives the gravy a deeper colour and a richer flavour, but chicken stock will work too if that’s all you have on hand. The end result will be a paler gravy (but equally delicious!).

What else can I serve as a side?

Aside from steamed greens (like asparagus, broccolini/tenderstem broccoli, broccoli, green beans, sugar snap peas, peas) and creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy, you could also try: a simple green leafy salad, roast potatoes, wedges, roasted vegetables or creamy polenta or couscous for a different twist.

Hearty baked chicken with gravy served with greens and mashed potatoes
Only 5 minutes of prep are required to marinate the chicken and mix the gravy ingredients, then the oven does the rest of the work in creating this gorgeous crispy-skinned chicken in a rich soy gravy.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

The way I check is by pricking/piercing the chicken with a fork or metal skewer. If the juices run clear and the outside is perfectly crispy and golden, I know it’s ready. If you are wanting extra reassurance, you can use a meat thermometer. Check the chicken has an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) before serving.

Watch how to make One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy

If you enjoyed One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy, I think you’ll love:

Chicken with Homemade Gravy Recipe
Chicken Schnitzel with Creamy Mushroom Sauce Recipe
Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Baked Dijon Chicken Recipe

Close-up of one-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy in a plate

One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy

Author: Nicole
5 from 35 votes
“Wow this dinner was so delicious, minimal effort for maximum results is a major win for us.”
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One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate fuss-free wholesome family meal. Easy prep, simple, low-cost ingredients and just one pan are all that’s needed to make this crispy-skinned, tender and juicy chicken with a rich gravy.
Prep 5 minutes
Cook 55 minutes
Total 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients

CHICKEN
  • 1.2 kg ( lb) bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh cutlets (you can use skin-off, although skin-on is more juicy)
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
GRAVY
  • 500 ml (2 cups) beef stock
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
TO SERVE

Equipment

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken – Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F (180°C/350°F fan-forced). Place the chicken skin-side up in a large baking tray, taking care to ensure the chicken isn’t touching or overlapping. Spoon the spices, herbs and olive oil over the chicken, then use your hands to coat the chicken as evenly as possible in the marinade. There will be residual marinade in the tray which is fine.
  • Make the gravy – Add the gravy ingredients to a large jug. Whisk them well to combine (it’s okay if a few lumps form), then pour the gravy around the chicken in the pan – not on top as you don’t want to wash the marinade off.
  • Bake the chicken – Bake the chicken, uncovered, for 55 minutes or until golden and cooked through (see note 1).
  • Finish the gravy – Remove the chicken from the baking dish and whisk the gravy in the pan to bring it together and emulsify (you can run it through a sieve if you like, although I don’t!).
  • Serve – Serve the chicken and gravy in the tray for everyone to help themselves, with a side of steamed greens, mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Nutrition information

Nutrition Facts
One-pan Baked Chicken and Gravy
Amount per Serving
Calories
693
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
52
g
80
%
Saturated Fat
 
13
g
81
%
Trans Fat
 
0.2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
25
g
Cholesterol
 
250
mg
83
%
Sodium
 
1143
mg
50
%
Potassium
 
801
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
 
9
g
3
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
45
g
90
%
Vitamin A
 
460
IU
9
%
Vitamin C
 
0.4
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
43
mg
4
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes

Watch how to make it

Recipe notes

Note 1 – To check if the chicken is cooked, prick/pierce the chicken with a fork or metal skewer. If the juices run clear and the outside is perfectly crispy and golden, I know it’s ready. If you are wanting extra reassurance, you can use a meat thermometer. Check the chicken has an internal temperature of 75°C (167°F) before serving.

Make Ahead

Chicken – Can be marinated and stored refrigerated in an airtight container up until its expiry date.

Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in the fridge. For best results, refrigerate the gravy and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat separately in the microwave, using a whisk and a splash (start with 1–2 tablespoons and add more as needed) of boiling water from the kettle to loosen the gravy and bring it together again if needed (as the oils may have separated while being refrigerated). Note the chicken skin will soften in the microwave. Not suitable to freeze.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Course entrée, Main Course, one pan
Cuisine Family-friendly
  1. 5 stars
    I have been making a similar revipe for years but the addition of a few more ingredients take it to another level. My husband said you have to use this recipe from now on. It is the best gravy I have ever made. Thank you for this recipe.

    • Hi Jacinta, I’m so happy to read this! 🙌🏻 Just brilliant that this has become your new go-to recipe! Yay! Thanks so much for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x

  2. Can this be done in a slow cooker?

    • Hi Kevin, I haven’t tested this one in the slow-cooker, but I don’t think it would be ideal. I have another similar slow-cooker recipe in mind, so stay tuned. ❤️ Nic x

  3. Hi Nic,
    Could I use chicken drumsticks for this recipe?

    • Hi Madison, yes you can absolutely use drumsticks for this recipe. They work really well and hold up beautifully in the gravy. I would keep the oven temperature the same and allow a similar cooking time – around 55–65 minutes depending on their size. Just make sure they’re sitting skin-side up and not overlapping so they roast properly. The gravy will come together exactly the same at the end. ❤️ Nic x

  4. 5 stars
    Hi Nicole. I’ve made this dish so many times and it’s my go to when I just don’t want to think about it. Your instructions are simple and easy to follow. Tasted like a restaurant dish everytime! Minimal effort but packed full of flavour. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.

    • Hi Irni, thanks for your lovely comment, which I really appreciate! 🥰 I am thrilled you love the dish but it’s also so great that you find it effortless! 🙌🏻 This is exactly what I love to hear. Thanks for the rating too. Nic x

  5. 5 stars
    So yum! My whole family loved this. Served with mash, beans, broccoli and a baked onion. I am hoping to freeze the gravy for next time as I had a lot left, surprisingly, as it was so delicious!

    • Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing how you made this … sounds wonderful! Oh, it’s so great to have some of the gravy in the freezer, so definitely do that! Thanks for the rating too! 🙌🏻 Nic x

  6. This dish is soooooo tasty and easy to make, delicious

    • 5 stars
      It was delicious! Easy for a busy day! Love your recipes!

      • Hi Angela, so happy you’re enjoying the recipes, including this one! Thanks for the rating too. ❤️ Nic x

    • Wonderful to hear, Tina! 🙌🏻 Nic x

  7. 5 stars
    If I could give more than 5 stars I would – this recipe is so good Nicole! At first, I wondered about using beef stock for a chicken gravy but had full faith and I’m so excited because it’s the best chicken dish and gravy we have ever had. A real keeper!! Thank you so much🙏

    • Hi Katherine, what an absolutely lovely comment! 🥰 I’m thrilled you enjoyed this one as it’s one of my personal faves! Thanks so much for sharing and for the rating. Nic x

  8. My very big kid (husband) loves this one as do i minimal effort maximum effect. Thanks.

    • That’s what I hope to hear, Jenny, “minimal effort, maximum effect”! Especially glad that the Very Big Kid enjoyed this! Nic x

  9. 5 stars
    My kids told me this was really good at least three times while we were eating tonight. I cannot believe that the gravy turned out – why have I been struggling to make it for years when I could’ve been doing it this way!? Thank you!!

    • Hi Shauna, isn’t it great to hear compliments and not complaints at the table! Fantastic! I’m so happy you have discovered this gravy! Thanks for the rating too. Nic x

  10. 5 stars
    Holy yum! Everyone devoured this! So quick and easy to make too! Feels like a lux roast chicken and the thing that took the most time was boiling the potatoes to make mash!

    • Hi Brooke, so glad you’re enjoying one of my fave recipes! Great news it was a hit for all of you … thanks so much for the rating. Nic x

  11. 5 stars
    This is my favorite chicken meal recipe! The flavor is just too good. Any suggestions for possibly making it in an instant pot?

    • Hi Sarah, so happy you love this! I’ve got a slow-cooker recipe in mind, so stay tuned! Thanks for the rating, Nic x

  12. 5 stars
    Absolutely delish!! Just made this for dinner and the whole family loved it. Even Nan & Pop. This one will become one of our regular dishes for sure.

    • Hi Emily, I know how hard it can be to win over Nans and Pops, so this is terrific news!! 🤣 Thanks so much for the rating too. Nic x

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Disclaimer re gluten-free and dairy-free recipes 

For recipes labelled ‘gluten-free’ or ‘dairy-free’, the ingredients included in the recipe are typically gluten- or dairy-free. However, it is the user’s responsibility to carefully check the ingredient panels on the specific brands of products purchased and used. Simple Home Edit cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions.