Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a rich, savory gravy. It's an effortless meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, perfect for busy days when I crave a home-cooked dinner without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
I find this recipe appealing for several reasons:
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Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and preparation, I can set it in the morning and return to a ready-to-serve meal in the evening.
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Flavorful Comfort: The combination of tender chicken and creamy gravy provides a classic comfort food experience that I always enjoy.
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Versatility: I can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, making it adaptable to what I have on hand.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Chicken gravy mix packets
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Cream of chicken soup
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Water or chicken broth
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Garlic powder
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Black pepper
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Sour cream (optional)
Directions
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: I place the chicken breasts in the bottom of my slow cooker and season them with garlic powder and black pepper.
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Mix the Gravy: In a bowl, I whisk together the chicken gravy mix packets, cream of chicken soup, and water or chicken broth until smooth.
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Combine: I pour the gravy mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
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Cook: I cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, I shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mix it well with the gravy, and serve over my choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. For added creaminess, I sometimes stir in sour cream before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. The preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time ranges from 6 to 8 hours on low, making it ideal for a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
Variations
I enjoy experimenting with this recipe by:
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Adding Vegetables: Incorporating frozen peas, carrots, or green beans during the last hour of cooking adds nutrition and color.
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Using Different Proteins: Substituting chicken thighs for breasts offers a richer flavor and remains just as tender.
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Spicing It Up: Adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper introduces a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, I reheat the chicken and gravy gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, I can use frozen chicken breasts. However, I ensure they are separated and not in a solid block to allow for even cooking. I also check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safety.
Is it possible to cook this on high?
Yes, I can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours, but I prefer the low setting for 6-8 hours as it results in more tender chicken.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, I use gluten-free gravy mix and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. I always check the labels to ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
I typically serve this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements the meal well.
How can I thicken the gravy if it's too thin?
If the gravy is thinner than I prefer, I mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to my table. Its simplicity, combined with rich flavors and versatility, makes it a go-to recipe in my collection. Whether I'm serving it for a family dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, this dish never fails to please.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a cozy, slow-cooked meal made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, savory gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekend dinners, this no-fuss recipe delivers classic homestyle flavor with minimal prep. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, stirred in at the end)
Instructions
- Add Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Prepare Gravy: In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and water or broth until smooth.
- Pour & Cook: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks and stir to combine with the gravy.
- Finish & Serve: For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream before serving. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Notes
- You can use frozen chicken breasts, just ensure they’re separated.
- Add frozen vegetables during the last hour for a one-pot meal.
- Substitute chicken thighs for richer flavor.
- Add paprika or cayenne for a slight kick.
- To thicken gravy, use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoon cold water).
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