If you’re craving a comforting, homey meal that’s effortless to prepare yet bursting with flavor, this Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken slowly cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy gravy offers that warm embrace of a classic dish without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or want an easy dinner for yourself, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a hearty delight that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice. Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of goodness that feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe plays an important role, bringing both flavor and texture together beautifully. From the tender chicken breasts to the creamy soup and savory gravy mixes, every component enhances the final dish in a simple but effective way.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein that becomes wonderfully tender when slow-cooked.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: Adds rich, savory depth and thickens the sauce with classic comfort-food flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Brings creaminess and a smooth texture that makes the gravy irresistibly luscious.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while infusing subtle, savory notes into the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a gentle kick of garlic that melds seamlessly with the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and warmth, heightening the gravy’s complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Provides a fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Mashed potatoes or rice for serving: Perfect vehicles for soaking up that luscious chicken and gravy mixture.
How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Place the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the bottom of the crockpot. This sets the foundation for slow-cooking that locks in juices and tenderness. No extra prep is needed here, which means less hassle and more time to relax while your dinner cooks itself.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture is the heart of your Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe, ensuring every bite is drenched in that creamy, savory goodness.
Step 3: Pour the Gravy Over Chicken
Once your gravy mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. The liquid will slowly meld with the chicken as it cooks, creating a luscious sauce that’s rich but never overbearing. This simple step guarantees every part of your chicken will be infused with flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours. During this time, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the gravy thickens to just the right consistency. This slow-cooking method is a game changer and really elevates this Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe to comfort food status.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
When your chicken is cooked through and shreddable, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Mix it thoroughly with the gravy so that every shred soaks up those delicious flavors. This step transforms the dish into a rich and satisfying stew perfect for spooning over your favorite sides.
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds just the right pop of color and a subtle herbaceous lift to finish your dish with style. It’s a simple garnish that makes your Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when served over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, as they soak up all the gravy’s rich flavor and create the perfect comforting combination every time. Roasted vegetables or steamed greens on the side can add balance and a fresh note to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try spooning your Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe over buttery biscuits, or use it as a hearty filling for a pot pie. These fun presentations take your classic comfort food to the next level and surprise your family or guests with something a little different but just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or easy dinner reboots throughout the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to three months to enjoy whenever you need a convenient, comforting meal with minimal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the gravy stays smooth and creamy. Adding a splash of broth or water can help if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making your Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe even richer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed since thighs may cook faster or slower depending on size.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
While browning adds extra flavor, it’s entirely optional for this recipe. The slow cooker does a great job tenderizing and flavoring the chicken without this step, keeping the process simple and hands-off.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free chicken gravy mixes and cream of chicken soup alternatives. There are plenty of gluten-free options available that won’t sacrifice taste or texture.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you want a homemade touch, try mixing a simple roux of butter and flour with chicken broth and some cream or milk. This creates a fresh, creamy base that works just as well in the Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely but still pourable and silky. If it’s too runny at the end of cooking, you can thicken it by mixing a little cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the crockpot, then cooking on high for 15 more minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is one of those soul-soothing meals that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Its simplicity paired with rich, comforting flavors makes it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a little homestyle magic. I truly encourage you to try this recipe because it transforms humble ingredients into a bowl full of pure joy.
Print
Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 4 to 5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Perfectly easy to prepare, it simmers gently in the crockpot, resulting in juicy chicken served best over mashed potatoes or rice, making it a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gravy Mixture
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Mashed potatoes or rice for serving
Instructions
- Place Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are evenly spread out to allow for even cooking.
- Mix Gravy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Gravy: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, covering them completely to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken breasts are tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the cooked gravy to coat all the shredded pieces evenly.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken and creamy gravy hot over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust salt and pepper based on taste preferences and the sodium content of the gravy mix and broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much.
