If you are craving a truly comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal, this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is exactly what your soul needs. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly cooked to perfection in a luscious, creamy gravy that wraps every bite in warmth and flavor. This recipe is the perfect mix of simplicity and heartiness, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. The gravy’s delicate flavors, combined with the juicy shredded chicken, create a dish that feels like an affectionate hug from the inside out. Once you taste this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without a slow cooker recipe this satisfying and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward but essential ingredients come together seamlessly to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a starring role, making your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe truly shine.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner meat; both shred beautifully when slow cooked.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: This creamy base adds richness and depth to the gravy without any fuss.
- 1 (0.87 oz) packet chicken gravy mix: It gives that quintessential savory gravy flavor that ties the whole dish together.
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water: Keeps the gravy silky and helps everything cook evenly without overpowering the natural chicken taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a fragrant aroma and subtle kick that livens up the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory qualities and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and balances the creaminess.
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbaceous brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. This simple step sets the stage for tender, juicy meat that will soak up all the glorious gravy flavors.
Step 2: Whisk the Gravy Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until you have a perfectly smooth mixture. This blend is the heart of your sauce — creamy, full of umami, and super easy to come together.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour that luscious gravy mixture all over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece gets coated. Cover, set your slow cooker to low, and let it cook for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting works in 3 to 4 hours. The slow and low magic breaks down the chicken fibers, creating incredible tenderness.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
When the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This step is so satisfying and ensures the chicken is perfectly coated in every bit of the savory gravy. Give it a good stir to marry the flavors before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe with fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of color and an herbaceous note that cuts through the richness perfectly. If you want to take it up a notch, a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese stirred in right before serving will elevate the creaminess and add a tangy twist that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with classic comfort sides. Serve your shredded chicken and gravy over fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every luscious drop. Rice, egg noodles, or buttery biscuits also work beautifully, turning your meal into a cozy, soul-satisfying feast that everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Use the shredded chicken and gravy as a filling for warm biscuits or slider buns for an irresistible sandwich. Or top a baked potato with a generous scoop, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese for a hearty twist. This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken & Gravy tastes just as amazing the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your meal even more delicious when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prepping. Portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep the gravy smooth and the chicken tender. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through, but be sure to stir halfway to avoid hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice because they tend to stay extra moist and tender when cooked low and slow. They also impart a richer flavor that complements the creamy gravy beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! To make this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe dairy-free, opt for a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix, and substitute sour cream or cream cheese with coconut-based or other plant-based alternatives if you choose to add that extra creamy touch.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding veggies like carrots, celery, or mushrooms can boost nutrition and flavor. Just place them in the slow cooker with the chicken before pouring the gravy mixture to let them cook and soften alongside the meat.
What is the best way to shred the chicken?
After cooking, the chicken will be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. Pull the meat apart gently right in the slow cooker to mix it with the gravy for maximum flavor absorption.
Can I double this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double or even triple the ingredients. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the chicken cooks through thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl and a total game-changer when it comes to easy home cooking. It’s incredibly forgiving, incredibly tasty, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a family or want some delicious leftovers to look forward to, this recipe invites you to slow down and enjoy every cozy bite. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s one of my all-time favorites to make again and again.
Print
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is an easy, comforting, and creamy slow cooker meal perfect for busy days. Tender boneless chicken breasts or thighs are cooked low and slow in a flavorful mixture of cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and seasonings, resulting in juicy shredded chicken coated with savory gravy. It’s ideal served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this dish is great for satisfying weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (0.87 oz) packet chicken gravy mix
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Mix the gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, low-sodium chicken broth (or water), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and cook: Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with two forks.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to thoroughly coat the shredded meat in the gravy mixture.
- Serve: Serve the warm shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
