If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection, bathed in a rich, creamy gravy that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of dish that turns any ordinary evening into a cozy celebration of flavor and simplicity. Plus, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for busy days when you want home-cooked goodness without the hassle. Once you make this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. These essentials work together to create amazing flavor, a silky smooth texture, and that inviting golden color that makes this dish irresistible.
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein that becomes super tender with slow cooking.
- 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and deep chicken flavor, creating the luscious gravy base.
- 2 (0.87-oz) envelopes of chicken gravy mix: Enhances the gravy, thickening and seasoning it perfectly for that homemade feel.
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional): Adds moisture to keep everything juicy and helps blend the flavors well.
- Hot steamed rice: The perfect bed for your chicken and gravy, soaking up every delicious drop.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. If you like, sprinkle a little salt and pepper to season the chicken, enhancing its natural flavor as it cooks. This little touch sets the foundation for a deliciously savory dish.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and if you choose, water or chicken broth. This mixture turns into the rich, velvety gravy that will envelop the chicken during cooking, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the soup and gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is nicely covered. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. This slow and gentle cooking method makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses it with the savory, comforting flavors of the gravy.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to break the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces right in the crockpot, mixing it all with the gravy. This makes for easy serving and a perfect consistency that clings beautifully to your rice.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top adds a pop of green and a subtle fresh flavor that brightens the richness of the gravy. For a little extra touch, cracked black pepper or a dash of paprika can add visual warmth and enhance the taste.
Side Dishes
Steamed rice is a classic partner, soaking up the luscious gravy like a charm. You can also serve this dish alongside mashed potatoes for an ultra-comforting combo, or with buttered noodles to give it a little twist while keeping the soul food feel alive.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe into a hearty pot pie filling by spooning it into a baking dish topped with pie crust or puff pastry. Or jazz it up by serving the chicken and gravy over creamy polenta or even garlic roasted vegetables for a modern, colorful plate that still melts in your mouth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it great for easy weeknight meals or packed lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Just leave out the rice when freezing, as it’s best freshly cooked when serving leftovers.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Crockpot Chicken & Gravy gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy looks too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe. They stay extra juicy and develop a richer flavor during the slow cooking process, which many people love.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
It’s not necessary. The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken tender and flavorful without any pre-browning. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper flavor, you can quickly brown the breasts in a pan before adding them.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot on the slow cook setting or cook it under pressure for a shorter time. Just be mindful of cooking times and how the sauce thickens.
What if I want a thicker gravy?
If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. It will thicken up nicely without losing flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe uses store-bought soup and gravy mixes, which may contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free labeled products or make your own gravy from scratch with corn starch and chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone craving comfort food without the fuss. It’s effortless, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable — perfect for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or anytime you need a bit of tasty reassurance in your life. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Print
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy chicken soup and gravy sauce. Perfect for a hands-off dinner served over hot steamed rice, it requires minimal prep and delivers rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
Sauce
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 (0.87-oz) envelopes chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
Serving
- Hot steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper if desired to enhance flavor.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the unsalted cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix packets, and water or chicken broth if using. This creates a creamy, flavorful gravy base.
- Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Serve: Before serving, shred or break the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces directly in the crockpot to mix well with the gravy. Serve the chicken and gravy hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using water or chicken broth in the sauce is optional but adds moisture and flavor to the gravy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model; ensure chicken is fully cooked and tender before serving.
- For a thicker gravy, you can mix additional gravy packets or cornstarch slurry toward the end of cooking.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
