A hearty close-up of slow cooker chicken and gravy, richly coated and garnished with green herbs in a dark pot.

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken swimming in a rich, savory gravy, all made in one pot. It’s the perfect solution for busy parents and beginners alike, ensuring a delicious and satisfying dinner with practically no fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

This incredible recipe will quickly become a household staple for so many reasons:

Effortless “Dump and Go” Meal: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do all the work.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this flavorful dish.
Rich, Comforting Flavor: Enjoy perfectly tender chicken in a thick, savory gravy that everyone loves.
Incredibly Versatile: Serve this easy slow cooker chicken and gravy with almost any side dish you can imagine.
Perfect for Busy Schedules: This recipe is designed for hands-off cooking, freeing up your evening.

Slow cooking can offer numerous benefits, including tenderizing tougher cuts of meat and potentially increasing the bioavailability of nutrients in certain foods.

Ingredients

Creating this easy slow cooker chicken and gravy requires just a few basic items you likely already have on hand. Gather these simple ingredients for a comforting meal:

3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total)
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
2 (0.87-oz) envelopes of chicken gravy mix (powdered mix, not prepared gravy)
1/2 cup water or chicken broth, optional (for adjusting gravy consistency)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. Feel free to adjust based on what you have available or your dietary preferences.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenderloins work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly if using smaller pieces.
Soup: Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup if preferred, or try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile. Homemade cream soup can also be a great substitute.
Gravy Mix: You can experiment with different gravy flavors, like savory herb or roasted garlic, to customize your dish. Ensure it’s a dry mix packet.
Frozen Chicken: You can use frozen chicken breasts directly from the freezer. Just increase the cooking time on low by about 1-2 hours.
Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. The gravy mix and soup already contain some seasoning.

Equipment

You only need a few standard kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic slow cooker chicken and gravy.

6-quart slow cooker: This size is ideal for 3-4 chicken breasts and enough gravy.
Whisk: For combining the soup and gravy mix until smooth.
Serving spoons or tongs: To easily shred and serve your delicious chicken.

Instructions

Preparing this slow cooker chicken and gravy is wonderfully straightforward. Just follow these simple steps to a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that tastes like it cooked all day.

Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. If desired, lightly season the chicken with a pinch of salt and a grind of black pepper. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
Make Gravy Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the canned unsalted cream of chicken soup, both envelopes of chicken gravy mix, and the optional 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth until completely smooth and lump-free. The broth will help thin the gravy slightly and add richness.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the whisked soup and gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly covered by the sauce.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the slow cooker chicken on the LOW setting for 4 to 6 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fork-tender and easily shreddable when done.
Shred Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a clean cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken directly in the crockpot with your forks.
Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it gently into the rich gravy. Serve the hot and savory slow cooker chicken and gravy immediately over your favorite side dishes. Enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making this slow cooker chicken and gravy is simple, but these tips will help you achieve the best results every time.

Achieving Perfect Gravy: For a thinner gravy, add a little extra water or broth. If you prefer a thicker gravy, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it into the hot gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to prevent any lumps from forming.
Preventing Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking your chicken, as this is the primary cause of dryness. Check for tenderness around the 4-hour mark on low. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken can add more moisture, though boneless works well too. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Flavor Enhancements: Boost the flavor by adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the gravy mixture. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme stirred in at the end can brighten the dish. A dash of Worcestershire sauce also adds a subtle umami depth to the gravy.
Make Ahead & Meal Prep: You can whisk the soup and gravy mix together the night before and store it in the fridge. For meal prep, cook the chicken and gravy, then portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

This versatile chicken and gravy recipe offers many serving suggestions and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.

Serving Suggestions

This classic comfort food pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Classic mashed potatoes: The ultimate companion for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Fluffy white or brown rice: A simple and satisfying base for the rich sauce.
Egg noodles or pasta: A hearty option that kids and adults will love.
Crusty bread or biscuits: Perfect for dipping and cleaning your plate.
Roasted vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add freshness and nutrients.
Cauliflower rice: A great low-carb alternative for those watching their carb intake.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh and delicious.

Refrigerate: Place any leftover slow cooker chicken and gravy in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer-Friendly: For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken and gravy in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently to maintain moisture.

Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
Microwave: Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Add Liquid: If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your crock-pot chicken and gravy!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Swap out cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for an earthy flavor.
Cheesy Chicken Gravy: Stir in a half cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Veggie-Loaded: Add a cup of frozen peas, diced carrots, or corn along with the chicken for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the gravy mixture adds a gentle heat.
French Onion: Use a can of cream of French onion soup for a deeper, savory, caramelized onion flavor profile.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious chicken and gravy.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	91 kcal
Carbohydrates	5 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	1 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	36 mg
Sodium	480 mg
Sugar	1 g
Serving Size	1 serving

Please note: These are estimated values and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. According to the USDA, chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQ

Got questions about this easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe? We’ve got answers!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts straight from the freezer. Simply extend the cooking time on the LOW setting by 1-2 hours to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly.
What if my gravy is too thin/thick? If the gravy is too thin, create a cornstarch slurry and stir it in for the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs instead? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option and often stay even more moist. Cook them for the same duration or until they are tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe isn’t inherently gluten-free. You will need to check the labels of both your cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How do I adjust for cooking on HIGH? If you prefer to cook this slow cooker chicken and gravy faster, set your slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering tender chicken enveloped in a rich, savory gravy that will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t wait to try this simple, beginner-friendly dish. Give it a go tonight and discover how easy and satisfying homemade comfort food can be! Pin this recipe, share it with friends, and let us know what you think in the comments below!