Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy

There’s just something magical about coming home to a house that smells like dinner’s been simmering all day, isn’t there? This Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy recipe is exactly that kind of comfort meal. It’s warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying — the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table without having to call them twice. And the best part? It takes just a few minutes to throw together before your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.

I started making this recipe on a whim one rainy Tuesday when I needed dinner ready without needing to, well, do much. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge, a couple of gravy packets in the pantry, and a can of cream of chicken soup — and just like that, a new family favorite was born. It’s now on rotation in our house at least twice a month, and I’ve even served it at casual get-togethers when I need something hearty and crowd-pleasing.

This dish is everything you want on a chilly evening: tender shredded chicken, a savory gravy that’s full of flavor (but made from totally simple ingredients), and the perfect topper for mashed potatoes, rice, or even a thick slice of buttered bread. So, if you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that’s big on taste and low on effort, you’re going to love this one.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper (to taste)

• 2 packets chicken gravy mix

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups water

• ½ cup sour cream

• Sliced green onions (optional, for topping)

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE: BEGINNING STEPS

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. You can be flexible here — if you like a little extra flavor, you could even sprinkle on a bit of onion powder or smoked paprika. But honestly, the simplicity of the original combo works really well because the gravy mix adds so much flavor on its own.

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Step 2: Mix Up the Gravy Base

Next, grab your slow cooker and whisk together the two packets of chicken gravy mix, the can of cream of chicken soup, and two cups of water. This is your rich, flavorful gravy base — and it’s amazing how these three pantry items come together to create something that tastes homemade. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.

Step 3: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken breasts right into the gravy mixture, making sure they’re well coated. Don’t worry if they’re not fully submerged — as the chicken cooks, it will release juices that blend right into the gravy.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Now for the easiest part: pop the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. That’s it. This long, slow cooking time is what makes the chicken unbelievably tender — it practically falls apart with a fork.

Welcome back! So your house is probably starting to smell amazing by now — rich, savory, and exactly like a homemade dinner should. By this point, your chicken has been cooking low and slow for hours, soaking up all that delicious gravy goodness. Now it’s time to finish the dish, add that creamy touch, and get it ready for the table.

What I love most about this recipe (besides how easy it is) is how adaptable it can be. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, serving a crowd, or just trying to stretch leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch, this dish can flex to fit your needs. And the final steps? They’re just as simple and stress-free as the beginning.

STEP-BY-STEP RECIPE: FINISHING TOUCHES

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked (it should be fork-tender after 6–8 hours on low), it’s time to shred it right in the slow cooker. You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart or cut it into chunks if you prefer a meatier bite. The shredded chicken will naturally mix into the gravy, soaking up all that rich flavor.

If you’re cooking for kids or anyone who’s texture-sensitive, shredding the chicken really helps it blend smoothly into the gravy for a more uniform dish.

Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream

This step is what takes the gravy from good to incredibly creamy and comforting. Stir in ½ cup of sour cream and mix it well until fully combined with the gravy and chicken. It gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture with just a slight tang that balances out the savory flavors beautifully.

Don’t have sour cream? You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt in a pinch, but I really recommend the sour cream for that classic homestyle flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Now it’s time to dish it up! Spoon the chicken and gravy mixture over a bed of mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or even buttery biscuits. It’s hearty and satisfying no matter what you serve it on.

If you like a little pop of color or freshness, sprinkle on some sliced green onions right before serving. It’s optional but adds a really nice contrast to the creamy gravy.

TIPS & VARIATIONS TO TRY

If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably end up making this recipe over and over again. So here are a few ideas to change things up or get the most out of your leftovers.

• Make It a Meal Prep Staple: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for next-day lunches. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s just as good the next day — maybe even better.

• Double the Recipe: Cooking for a bigger family or want to freeze half for later? Just double the ingredients and use a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker. You may need to cook it closer to the 8-hour mark, but the result is the same — tender, juicy chicken in an amazing gravy.

• Add Some Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Stir in cooked peas, carrots, or frozen mixed veggies just before adding the sour cream. You can also add sliced mushrooms or chopped onions at the beginning if your family likes them.

• Thicker or Thinner Gravy? If you prefer a thicker gravy, reduce the water from 2 cups to 1½ cups. If you want a looser sauce for serving over rice or noodles, stick with the full 2 cups or add an extra splash of water at the end.

• Make It Spicy: For a little kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the gravy mixture. It gives the dish a bit of warmth without overpowering the cozy comfort factor.

Before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some of the most common questions people have about this easy Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or serving ideas, I’ve got you covered below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to check your slow cooker’s manual first. Some brands recommend thawing meat before slow cooking for food safety reasons. If you do use frozen, cook closer to the full 8 hours on low and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to be even more flavorful and juicy. You can swap them in 1:1 and cook them the same way.

3. How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If your gravy is a little runnier than you’d like, you can thicken it by removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the moisture evaporate. You could also stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) after adding the sour cream, and let it cook for 10–15 more minutes.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can make a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup (there are store-bought options or DIY recipes online), and substituting plain, unsweetened coconut milk yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the flavor.

5. What sides go best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes and rice are the go-to classics, but don’t forget about egg noodles or even buttered toast. For veggies, roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad round out the meal nicely.

6. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! This freezes beautifully. Just let the chicken and gravy cool completely, then store in an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since most gravy mixes and canned soups contain gluten. But you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free gravy packet and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Always check labels carefully.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

This Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy is one of those recipes that proves dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be amazing. It’s built on humble ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, yet the result is something truly comforting and satisfying. The creamy, savory gravy clings to every bite of chicken, making it perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or whatever you have on hand.

What I love most is how family-friendly it is. There are no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here — just a warm, cozy meal that’s ready when you are. It’s a lifesaver on those nights when everyone’s hungry, you’ve had a long day, and the last thing you want to do is cook.

Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy

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• Author: Sophia

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Description

This Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food — tender, slow-cooked chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy made from simple pantry staples. It’s perfect served over fluffy mashed potatoes or warm rice, and it only takes minutes to prepare before letting the slow cooker work its magic. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish delivers hearty, homestyle flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Garlic powder, salt, black pepper (to taste)

2 packets chicken gravy mix

10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup

2 cups water

½ cup sour cream

Sliced green onions (for topping)

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Instructions

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

In your slow cooker, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully coated with the gravy mixture.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Once the chicken is done, use a fork to shred or break it into chunks directly in the slow cooker.

Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the gravy.

Serve the chicken and gravy mixture over rice or mashed potatoes and top with sliced green onions, if desired.

Notes

You can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep. For a thicker gravy, reduce the water slightly. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully, making this a great option for next-day lunches.