Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe transforms basic ingredients into a comforting, homestyle meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process creates tender, flavorful chicken smothered in rich gravy that pairs perfectly with rice for a satisfying dinner any night of the week.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic work week when I needed something that would be ready when we walked through the door. The aroma that filled our home was incredible, and my family now requests this comfort food classic at least twice a month during the colder seasons.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker
• Cream of chicken soup creates a rich base for the gravy without requiring any roux making
• Chicken gravy packets add concentrated flavor and help thicken the sauce beautifully
• Water or chicken broth adjusts the consistency while adding extra flavor dimension
• Hot cooked rice serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that delicious gravy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Arrange the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts flat in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This positioning ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the flavors uniformly. Season generously with salt and pepper if desired to build a flavor foundation.

Create the Gravy Mixture

Combine the cream of chicken soup and gravy packets in a bowl with water or broth until completely smooth. This step is crucial for preventing any lumps in your finished gravy. The mixture will seem thick but will thin out as the chicken releases juices during cooking.

Pour and Cover

Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts ensuring all pieces are well coated. This coating protects the chicken from drying out and infuses it with flavor throughout the cooking process.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is fall apart tender. The slower cooking time is preferred over high heat as it allows the flavors to develop more fully and keeps the chicken moist.

Shred and Serve

Use two forks to gently pull apart the chicken into bite sized pieces right in the slow cooker. This allows the meat to absorb even more of the gravy before serving over hot rice for a complete meal.

Bookmark

My favorite thing about this dish is how the chicken becomes so tender it practically melts in your mouth. I remember making this when my mother in law visited unexpectedly and she was convinced I had spent hours in the kitchen. The look on her face when I told her it was just a simple crockpot meal was priceless.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have available. Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the gravy mixture for additional depth of flavor. You could also incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic profile. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability to your family's taste preferences.

Storage and Leftovers

The chicken and gravy stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight making this an excellent meal prep option. For longer storage freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions

While rice is the classic pairing for this chicken and gravy egg noodles make an excellent alternative for a more rustic dish. Mashed potatoes also serve as a wonderful base soaking up all the flavorful sauce. Complete the meal with a simple side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add color and nutritional balance to your plate.

Dietary Adaptations

This recipe can be easily modified for different dietary needs. Use low sodium soup and gravy packets to reduce salt content. For dairy free versions look for specialized cream of chicken soup alternatives available in many grocery stores. The flexibility of this dish makes it accessible for various dietary restrictions without sacrificing the comforting flavor profile.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this dish?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish and often result in even more tender meat. The cooking time remains the same, but thighs will hold moisture better than breasts and provide richer flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken and gravy?

While rice is the classic pairing, this chicken and gravy also goes beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Add a simple green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a side salad to complete the meal.

→ How can I make the gravy thicker?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you have several options. Use less liquid initially, or during the last 30 minutes of cooking, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this into the crockpot, cover, and continue cooking until thickened.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes! This dish freezes exceptionally well. Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.

→ How can I add more flavor to this dish?

To enhance flavor, try adding 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder, a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy mixture. You can also use chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste, or sauté diced onions before adding them to the crockpot.

→ Can this be made in an Instant Pot instead?

Yes! To adapt for an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken briefly (optional), then add all ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes with a 10-minute natural release. Shred the chicken and serve as directed.