If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, you will absolutely adore this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you up in cozy flavors and rich, creamy textures without requiring any fuss or fancy techniques. Tender chicken breasts slowly simmering in a luscious homemade gravy creates a dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. Plus, the ingredients are delightfully simple but come together to deliver a meal that tastes like it’s been lovingly prepared over hours in a country kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward an unforgettable meal. Each component here plays a vital role, whether it adds depth of flavor, smooth creaminess, or that perfect seasoning balance that makes the gravy so special.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that becomes tender and juicy while slow cooking.
- 2 packets (1 ounce each) chicken gravy mix: Adds savory richness and thickens the sauce into a perfect consistency.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup: Contributes creamy texture and a comforting, velvety flavor.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth, enhancing the overall taste of the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle earthy aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a sweet sharpness that balances the creaminess beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough heat to awaken the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild warmth and a lovely color to both chicken and gravy.
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the final presentation and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the beautiful flavors from the gravy mixture later on.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended, promising a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts inside the crockpot, making sure each piece gets generously coated. This slow infusion of flavor is what makes the dish so irresistible.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender and infused with the rich gravy flavors.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once the cooking time is up, remove the lid and taste the sauce. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper if needed to perfectly balance the flavors just how you like them.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. If you prefer, you can leave the breasts whole; either way works wonderfully with the gravy.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the gravy to ensure every bite is luxuriously coated and bursting with flavor.
Step 8: Serve Warm
Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like. This final touch adds a pop of color and a fresh taste against the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even some thyme can brighten up the dish and add a lovely herbal aroma. A little garnish goes a long way in making your meal look as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots. The gravy is so flavorful, it really brings these sides to life, turning every bite into comfort food bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this hearty meal into a pot pie filling using puff pastry or biscuit dough. You can also serve the shredded chicken and gravy over buttered egg noodles or inside a warm baked potato for a cozy meal with a twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—though you might not—transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even better next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Pour the chicken and gravy into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the gravy stays smooth. You can also reheat it in the microwave, just cover the dish to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish, offering a bit more fat and extra tenderness, which makes the gravy even richer.
Do I need to add extra salt?
The gravy mix and soup usually provide plenty of seasoning, but always taste before serving and add salt as you see fit to suit your preference.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the slow cooker function or pressure cooking it for about 15 minutes, then letting the pressure release naturally. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels to avoid drying out the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most store-bought chicken gravy mixes contain gluten, so you’ll want to look for gluten-free gravy mixes or make your own to keep this meal safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy seems too thin after cooking, whisk together a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook on high for another 15 minutes until it thickens.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about a warm, creamy dish like this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe that invites you to sit down and savor every bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and consistently delicious. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to meal for busy evenings or special family dinners!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting and easy slow-cooked meal featuring tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful gravy made from chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and spices. Perfect for busy days, it delivers a rich, creamy dish ready to serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 packets (1 ounce each) chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Make the gravy mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are fully coated in the flavorful sauce.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked through.
- Season to taste: After cooking, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and additional pepper as needed.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Alternatively, you can leave the chicken breasts whole if preferred.
- Combine shredded chicken with gravy: Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, stirring well to coat the chicken evenly in the creamy gravy.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the chicken and gravy hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more chicken broth if it becomes too thick during cooking.
- For added flavor, sauté minced garlic and onions before adding gravy ingredients.
- This dish freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to three months.
- Serve with sides like green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
