Picture this: tender chicken smothered in rich gravy, all made while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe delivers comfort without the fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With just five minutes of prep, your crockpot does the heavy lifting to create a satisfying meal your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken
First, this recipe practically cooks itself after minimal hands-on time. Additionally, it uses simple pantry staples you likely already have. The result? Melt-in-your-mouth chicken swimming in savory gravy.
Plus, clean-up takes mere minutes since everything comes together in one pot. For those watching carbs, this dish pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables. Looking for more low-carb ideas? Try this bright Greek-inspired chicken bowl for another easy meal option.
Recipe
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 4 hr 5 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in rich, savory gravy for an effortless comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (298 g)
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix (22 g)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, optional (120 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1 g)
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (700–900 g)
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours.
- Shred chicken using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Mix shredded chicken back into gravy and serve.
Notes
- For thicker gravy, omit optional broth.
- Hand mixer makes shredding effortless in 30 seconds.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 4 hr
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1077 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 21 g
Ingredients and Substitutions
Base Components
- Cream of chicken soup: Forms the rich base of the gravy (substitute cream of mushroom for variation)
- Chicken gravy mix: Intensifies the savory flavor (use low-sodium packets if preferred)
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Stay juicy during slow cooking (thighs work well too)
Flavor Enhancers
- Chicken broth: Thins gravy to desired consistency (vegetable broth works in a pinch)
- Salt and pepper: Season to your taste preference
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In your slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, gravy packets, broth, salt, and pepper. Importantly, ensure no lumps remain for smooth gravy.
Step 2: Add Chicken
Place chicken breasts into the sauce mixture, spooning some gravy over the top. No need to stir further—the slow cooker will distribute flavors evenly.
Step 3: Cook and Shred
Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours. Carefully remove chicken, then shred using two forks or a hand mixer for ultra-tender results. Mix shreds back into the gravy before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Pat chicken dry before adding to prevent watery gravy
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer
- For thicker gravy, leave lid off last 30 minutes of cooking
- Frozen chicken breasts? Add 1 hour to cooking time (no need to thaw first)
Flavor Variations
- Garlic Herb: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Mushroom Lovers: Stir in 1 cup sliced mushrooms before cooking
- Spicy Kick: Mix in ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or diced green chilies
Serving Suggestions
Pour this chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes for classic comfort, or try it with rice or egg noodles. Alternatively, serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts and dinner rolls for a complete meal. Leftovers make excellent filling for savory crepes or pot pies. Pair it with this crispy Air Fryer chicken if you’re hosting a multi-protein dinner.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stove or in microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed. To freeze, portion cooled chicken and gravy into freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Facts per Serving
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 kcal | 6 g | 9 g | 21 g | 0 g | 0 g | 1077 mg |
FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Simply increase cooking time by 1 hour on Low. There’s no need to thaw chicken first, though fresh yields slightly better texture.
What if my gravy is too thin?
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir into hot gravy. Cook uncovered 15 minutes until thickened.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 7-quart slow cooker and double all ingredients. Cooking time remains the same for chicken breasts up to 8 ounces each.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative. Check gravy mix labels for milk ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy proves that delicious meals don’t require complicated steps. Perfectly cooked poultry emerges from a bath of savory gravy, ready to pair with your favorite sides. Whether you need an effortless weeknight supper or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe delivers every time.
For another family-approved dinner, consider this zesty chicken casserole packed with south-of-the-border flavors. Give this set-it-and-forget-it chicken dinner a try your future busy self will thank you!
