When a busy weekday evening rolls around and you’re craving something warm, comforting, and fuss-free, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy swoops in to save the day like a culinary hug. Tender chicken breasts slowly bathe in a luscious, savory gravy, soaking up every bit of flavor until each shreddable morsel practically melts in your mouth. You only need about 15 minutes of hands-on prep—just enough time to catch up on your favorite podcast or swap stories with loved ones about life’s little triumphs—before setting the slow cooker on its magic wand settings: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. When that timer dings, you’ll find a golden river of creamy sauce swirled with shredded chicken, just begging to be ladled over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery egg noodles.
What makes this dish so irresistible is its simplicity coupled with rich layers of flavor. A couple of humble pantry staples—cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and garlic and onion powders—meld with the optional depth of Worcestershire sauce to create a gravy that’s anything but ordinary. Even better? The whole thing only calls for one pot, meaning your kitchen stays as low-stress as the cooking method itself. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll love how leftovers freeze beautifully, ready to roll out on those nights when you’d rather skip the grocery store and still serve smiles at the dinner table. Feel free to get creative—toss in mushrooms or peas for a pop of green, or swap in a splash of white wine for an elegant twist. This is comfort food at its finest: effortless, versatile, and sure to become a family favorite in no time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND GRAVY
Before we dive into the slow-cooker magic, let’s talk about the all-star lineup that makes this dish so crave-worthy. Each ingredient has a job, from delivering rich, creamy texture to infusing every bite with warmth and depth.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tender and lean, these chicken breasts act as the protein backbone. As they cook low and slow, they absorb all those delicious gravy flavors, shredding easily when it’s time to pull them apart.
- Chicken gravy mix
This trusty packet brings instant savory richness and helps thicken the sauce. It’s the shortcut that guarantees a velvety texture without extra effort.
- Cream of chicken soup
Adding creaminess and body to the gravy, this canned soup forms the luxurious base that makes every spoonful feel indulgent and satisfying.
- Chicken broth (or water)
If you crave a lighter touch, water works too, but chicken broth amps up the savory notes. It thins the soup and gravy mix just enough to coat the chicken perfectly.
- Garlic powder
A little sprinkle goes a long way in providing warm, aromatic depth. It pairs beautifully with onion powder for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Onion powder
This pantry staple offers sweetness and a gentle bite, rounding out the gravy’s savory character without needing to chop fresh aromatics.
- Black pepper
A dash brings subtle heat and complexity. Freshly ground or from the shaker, it balances the creamy components with an earthy kick.
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Just a splash adds tangy umami depth, elevating the gravy from good to extraordinary. Think of it as a secret weapon for flavor lovers.
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Chopped and sprinkled on top right before serving, parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby note that brightens each bite.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND GRAVY
Let’s stroll through the steps of assembling this effortless dinner. The beauty lies in how minimal prep transforms into maximum comfort, all thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them in a single layer so they cook evenly and absorb the gravy.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (if you’re using it). Keep whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Pour the blended gravy mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is fully coated. This helps lock in moisture and distribute flavor during the long cook.
4. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The longer, low-heat method yields ultra-tender chicken; the high-heat option is perfect when time’s tight.
5. When cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts carefully and place them on a cutting board or plate. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
6. Transfer the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it well into the gravy, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
7. Serve the chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then dig in!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND GRAVY
Once the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is ready, you’ll want to dress it up in style to match its homemade warmth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, these serving ideas will help you turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal.
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of gravy. For extra richness, stir in a knob of butter and a splash of milk into your potatoes before mashing.
- Ladle the chicken and gravy atop steamed white or brown rice for a lighter base that still captures all those delicious sauce notes. A sprinkle of chopped scallions adds a fresh crunch.
- Pair with buttery egg noodles and a handful of sautéed mushrooms tossed in garlic and olive oil. The mushroom’s earthiness complements the savory gravy perfectly.
- Pile onto a warm, crusty artisan bread bowl, letting the edges soak up the sauce as you spoon it in. It’s a fun, rustic twist that doubles as an edible vessel.
HOW TO STORE CROCKPOT CHICKEN AND GRAVY
This dish is just as good the next day—or even weeks later—when stored properly. With a few simple techniques, you can keep the chicken moist, the gravy silky, and the flavors vibrant.
- Refrigerator: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you reheat, add a splash of broth or water to restore the original consistency.
- Freezer: Portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Reheating: Warm slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the gravy seems too thick, whisk in a bit of chicken broth or water until you reach your desired texture.
- Make-ahead: Complete the recipe up to shredding the chicken, then store the shredded meat and gravy base separately in the fridge for 1–2 days. Combine and warm through when you’re ready to eat for near-instant comfort food.
CONCLUSION
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe embodies everything home cooking should be: simple, satisfying, and downright delicious. From gathering pantry staples in just 15 minutes to walking away and letting the slow cooker work its magic, you’ll find that creating a rich, flavorful dinner doesn’t require hours of prep or culinary training. With tender, shredded chicken bathed in creamy gravy, you have endless plating possibilities—over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even inside a bread bowl. Plus, with a make-ahead friendly approach and excellent freezer performance, it’s an ideal choice for busy families, meal planners, or anyone who appreciates the luxury of a ready-made dinner waiting in the wings.
Feel free to print this article and tuck it into your recipe binder, or save it to revisit whenever you need a cozy, foolproof meal. You’ll also find a FAQ section below that answers common questions about swaps, tweaks, and troubleshooting. If you decide to give this recipe a whirl, drop a comment! I’d love to hear how you customized it—maybe you added fresh mushrooms, swapped in white wine, or discovered your own signature garnish. Questions, feedback, or kitchen triumphs are all welcome. Let’s keep the conversation going, share tips, and make every mealtime a memorable one!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Description
This hearty crockpot chicken and gravy is a family favorite, combining tender chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy that's perfect over rice or potatoes.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crockpot.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, if using, until smooth and well combined.
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Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure that all the chicken is covered.
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Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks.
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Stir the shredded chicken back into the gravy in the crockpot, making sure it is well coated with the sauce.
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Serve the chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Note
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the chicken broth with white wine.
- If the gravy seems too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the gravy).
- Feel free to add vegetables like sliced mushrooms or peas during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch and storing half for a quick meal later on.
- Experimenting with different herbs, like thyme or rosemary, can provide a delightful twist to the traditional flavor.
