Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy

This Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in a rich, savory gravy—all made in a single pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy Recipe is the perfect go-to meal for busy nights, comforting dinners, or when you’re craving something rich and satisfying. Here’s why this dish stands out:

1. One-Pan Convenience

Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one skillet, so there’s no need to wash multiple pots and pans.
Quick Preparation: With fewer steps and dishes, you can spend more time enjoying your meal instead of cleaning up.
Ideal for Any Skill Level: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple to follow and hard to mess up.

2. Rich and Creamy Flavor

Velvety Smooth Gravy: The combination of butter, broth, and cream creates a silky sauce that coats every bite of chicken.
Deep, Savory Taste: Pan drippings from the seared chicken add an extra layer of umami richness.
Balanced Ingredients: The gravy isn’t too heavy or overpowering, making it a perfect complement to the tender chicken.
Comfort Food Favorite: If you love dishes like country-style gravy or creamy chicken pot pie, this recipe delivers that same cozy, satisfying flavor.

3. Quick and Easy

30-Minute Recipe: This meal comes together fast, making it ideal for weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t have time for an elaborate dish.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients required—just pantry staples like chicken broth, flour, and cream.
No Complicated Techniques: Searing the chicken and whisking the gravy is all it takes to achieve restaurant-quality results.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Pair It Your Way: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal.
Add Extra Ingredients: Customize with mushrooms, onions, spinach, or garlic to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Herb Infusion: Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a cornstarch slurry instead of flour for a gluten-free version.

With its simple preparation, rich flavors, and endless serving possibilities, this Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy Recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re feeding your family or making a cozy meal for yourself, this dish delivers delicious results every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy

the Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

the Gravy

1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free version)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Gravy

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add a tablespoon of butter if needed.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Simmer and Finish

Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some gravy over the top.
Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
Stir in the heavy cream and let cook for 2 more minutes until thick and creamy.

4. Serve and Enjoy

Spoon extra gravy over the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Gravy

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor – If you have more time, bone-in, skin-on chicken adds even more richness to the dish.

Deglaze the Pan – After searing the chicken, scrape up any browned bits for the best flavor in the gravy.

Adjust the Thickness – Add more broth for a thinner gravy or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.

Make It Dairy-Free – Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Creative Variations

1. Mushroom Chicken and Gravy

Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the pan after searing the chicken for an earthy twist.

2. Garlic Herb Chicken

Stir in minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic flavor boost.

3. Spicy Cajun Chicken

Use Cajun seasoning instead of paprika for a bold, smoky flavor.

4. Cheesy Chicken Gravy

Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy Recipe is rich, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re craving a hearty, indulgent meal or looking for a lighter option, there’s a perfect way to enjoy this dish.

1. Classic Comfort: Mashed Potatoes

Why It Works: The creamy, flavorful gravy pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes, making this the ultimate comfort food combination.
How to Serve: Spoon the chicken and gravy generously over mashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Enhancement Tip: For extra flavor, stir garlic, butter, or sour cream into the mashed potatoes.

2. With Rice: A Simple and Hearty Meal

Why It Works: White or brown rice absorbs the rich, creamy gravy, creating a delicious and filling dish.
How to Serve: Pour the chicken and gravy over a bed of steamed rice for a balanced meal.
Enhancement Tip: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra freshness.

3. Pasta Option: Buttery Egg Noodles or Fettuccine

Why It Works: The smooth, velvety gravy clings perfectly to pasta, creating a dish reminiscent of a creamy chicken stroganoff.
How to Serve: Toss cooked egg noodles or fettuccine with butter, then ladle the chicken and gravy on top.
Enhancement Tip: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or black pepper for added depth of flavor.

4. Low-Carb Option: Vegetables Instead of Starches

Why It Works: The creamy sauce complements roasted or steamed vegetables, making for a lighter, low-carb meal.
How to Serve: Swap the usual starches for cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or steamed broccoli.
Enhancement Tip: Drizzle the veggies with a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor.

5. Biscuits & Gravy: A Southern-Style Twist

Why It Works: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy, creating a dish similar to a Southern-style chicken and biscuits meal.
How to Serve: Split warm biscuits in half and top with chicken and gravy.
Enhancement Tip: Serve with a side of honey butter for a slight touch of sweetness.

6. With Roasted Vegetables: A Balanced Plate

Why It Works: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans add a bit of crunch and natural sweetness to balance the creamy sauce.
How to Serve: Plate the chicken with a side of roasted veggies and drizzle the gravy over both.
Enhancement Tip: Roast the vegetables with a touch of garlic and balsamic glaze for extra depth.

7. Crusty Bread: For Dipping and Sopping Up Gravy

Why It Works: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy, flavorful gravy.
How to Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy with slices of toasted bread, dinner rolls, or even garlic bread.
Enhancement Tip: Lightly butter the bread and toast it for added crunch and flavor.

8. As a Casserole Filling: Leftover Makeover

Why It Works: If you have leftovers, use them as the base for a creamy chicken casserole.
How to Serve: Mix the chicken and gravy with cooked pasta or rice, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Enhancement Tip: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients.

With so many serving options, this Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy Recipe can be customized to fit any craving or dietary need. Whether you go for classic mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or a low-carb alternative, this dish is always a comforting and satisfying choice!

FAQs about Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the gravy ahead and store it separately. Reheat and add fresh-cooked chicken when ready to serve.

4. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the gravy.

Conclusion

This Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with minimal effort. With its rich, flavorful gravy and tender chicken, this dish is perfect for any night of the week. Try it today and pair it with our Fluffy Air Fryer Biscuits for the ultimate cozy meal!