There is something incredibly comforting and downright satisfying about a hearty, slow-cooked dish that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and fills your belly with flavor. This Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is one of those gems that delivers on all fronts—tender, juicy chicken bathed in rich, creamy gravy that hugs every bite. Perfectly easy for busy days, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, promising a satisfying meal with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to this Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, enhancing the texture, depth of flavor, and that beautiful creamy consistency that makes this dish so addictive.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and shreds easily after slow cooking.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: Adds that classic savory base for the gravy with minimal effort.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Boosts creaminess and richness for a luscious sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Keeps the gravy perfectly saucy and infuses extra chicken flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlic aroma that complements the savory gravy beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish visually and with a fresh herbal note.
- Mashed potatoes or rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up every drop of that indulgent gravy.
How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts neatly in the bottom of the crockpot. This simple step is the foundation of your meal, ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavors from the gravy.
Step 2: Whisk the Gravy Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the two packets of chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend is what transforms plain chicken into a silky, flavorful dish.
Step 3: Pour and Cover
Pour the luscious gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot securely with its lid, then set it to cook low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Shred and Mix
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to mix the chicken shreds with all the flavorful gravy, ensuring every bite is coated in rich, comforting goodness.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is now ready to be plated—spoon it generously over mashed potatoes or rice, and get ready to enjoy a soul-soothing meal.
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley as a garnish not only enhances the presentation but brings a subtle, fresh bite that cuts through the creamy richness. You might also sprinkle a little cracked black pepper for extra visual appeal and a touch of spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs famously with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice, perfect for soaking up every drop of gravy. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving alongside simple steamed green beans or roasted veggies to add a textural contrast and vibrant color.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up a bit, consider serving the shredded chicken and gravy in warm bread bowls for a rustic twist. Alternatively, spoon the chicken and gravy over buttery roasted biscuits for a Southern-inspired comfort feast. These presentations make mealtime feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to redistribute the gravy evenly. You can also microwave individual portions but do so in short bursts to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe and tend to stay even juicier and more tender after slow cooking.
What if I don’t have chicken gravy mix?
If you don’t have the mix on hand, you can make a simple gravy with chicken broth, flour, and seasonings, but the premade mix definitely adds convenience and consistent flavor for this recipe.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger crockpot. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as larger quantities might need a bit more time to cook through.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more gravy and creates a more uniform texture that pairs better with mashed potatoes or rice, but you can leave the breasts whole if you prefer and just ladle the gravy on top.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Sure! Adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas in the last hour of cooking adds nutrition and flavor without overpowering the creamy gravy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug, the Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly that—simple, satisfying, and full of home-style comfort. It requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and heartiness. Give it a try, and I guarantee this will become one of your trusted go-to recipes for easy, wholesome meals.
Print
Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 4.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 40 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker dish featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gravy Mixture
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Mashed potatoes or rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are spread out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Make the Gravy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is fully covered by the liquid.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-5 hours, until the chicken breasts are tender and can be easily shredded with forks.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir well to combine the shredded chicken with the gravy evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over warm mashed potatoes or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, cook with the lid off for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor variation.
- Adding vegetables like carrots or green beans to the crockpot can turn this into a more complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
