Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Tender, succulent chicken bathed in rich, velvety gravy that melts in your mouth with each bite. That’s the magic of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy – a comforting classic that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while it practically cooks itself. This effortless dish combines juicy chicken with a savory homemade gravy that’s perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or rice. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create this satisfying meal with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly convenient – just 10 minutes of prep time and your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The contrast between the fork-tender chicken and the silky, rich gravy creates a perfect textural experience that’s incredibly satisfying.

The depth of flavor is remarkable considering how few ingredients are required. As the chicken slowly cooks, it releases its natural juices that blend beautifully with the gravy components, creating a sauce that’s far more flavorful than anything store-bought. It’s also versatile enough to please picky eaters while still impressing dinner guests.

Perhaps best of all, this crockpot chicken with gravy recipe is budget-friendly, using inexpensive cuts of chicken that become wonderfully tender through the slow cooking process. It’s the definition of comfort food that gives you maximum flavor return for minimal investment of both money and effort.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 packets (0.87 oz each) chicken gravy mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz/298g) cream of chicken soup
• 1½ cups (360ml) chicken broth, low sodium
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken breasts provide a lean protein base, but thighs can be substituted for more flavor and moisture. The combination of gravy mix and cream of chicken soup creates that perfect savory base, while the butter adds richness and silkiness to the finished gravy. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness, as the gravy packets already contain salt.

Pro Tips

Browning for Flavor – While not strictly necessary for a crockpot chicken and gravy recipe, taking an extra 5 minutes to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker will dramatically enhance the final flavor. This creates a Maillard reaction that adds depth and complexity to both the meat and the resulting gravy.

Temperature Matters – For the most tender results, cook bone-in chicken pieces on LOW for 6-7 hours or boneless pieces for 4-5 hours. High temperature cooking can make chicken tough and stringy. If you’re short on time, boneless chicken can be cooked on HIGH for 2-3 hours, but the texture won’t be quite as tender.

Perfect Gravy Consistency – If your gravy is too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and whisk in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15 more minutes. For a smoother gravy, use an immersion blender to blend any chunks from the cream of chicken soup. This creates restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the gravy mixture by whisking together the chicken gravy packets, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth in a bowl until smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme, stirring until well combined.

Step 2: Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. If using chicken breasts and they’re very thick, consider cutting them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Dot the top with small pieces of butter, which will melt into the gravy as it cooks, adding richness.

Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours for boneless chicken or 6-7 hours for bone-in pieces. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily with a fork.

Step 6: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred or slice the chicken as preferred.

Step 7: Return the chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to coat it with the gravy. Cover and continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb more flavor.

Step 8: Just before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Mushroom Chicken and Gravy – Transform this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy by adding 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and substituting cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken. The mushrooms release their earthy flavor as they cook, creating a deeper, more complex gravy that pairs beautifully with the tender chicken. Add a splash of white wine for an even more sophisticated flavor profile.

Herb Garden Version – Create a more aromatic crockpot chicken with gravy by incorporating fresh herbs. Add a bundle of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage tied together with kitchen twine (remove before serving), plus 2 bay leaves. Finish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs stirred in just before serving. This variation brightens the dish and adds seasonal flair.

Dairy-Free Option – For those avoiding dairy, replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or make your own using chicken broth thickened with flour and dairy-free milk substitute. Omit the butter and instead add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to maintain richness. The result is still deliciously comforting without any dairy ingredients.

Storage and Serving

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor often improves overnight as the ingredients meld together. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For serving, this versatile dish shines over a variety of bases. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, allowing the gravy to pool in delicious puddles. It’s equally delicious over rice, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta. For a complete meal, pair with simple steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli that can be dragged through the luscious gravy.

For a special presentation, serve in a bread bowl or with warm buttermilk biscuits on the side. The contrast of the crusty bread with the creamy gravy creates an irresistible combination that elevates this humble comfort food to company-worthy status.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
For food safety reasons, it’s not recommended to use frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken may spend too long in the temperature danger zone (40°F-140°F). Instead, thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker.

My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?
If your gravy needs thickening, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to make a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking with the lid on, or transfer the gravy to a saucepan and simmer until thickened.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything the night before. Store the chicken and gravy mixture separately in the refrigerator, then combine them in the morning in your slow cooker.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard gravy mixes and cream of chicken soup contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gravy mix and condensed soup, or make your own using gluten-free thickeners like cornstarch.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add diced carrots, celery, and onions at the beginning of cooking. More delicate vegetables like peas or green beans should be added during the last 30-60 minutes to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is comfort food at its finest — tender, juicy chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy that warms you from the inside out. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyday dinners feel special while requiring minimal effort from you. The beauty of slow cooker recipes like this one is how they transform simple ingredients into something truly memorable through the gentle magic of time. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results that everyone will love. Give your future self the gift of coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of this classic comfort food.

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