Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a beloved comfort food that brings together tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich, creamy gravy, perfect for cozy meals with family or friends. This dish has gained popularity not only for its deliciously satisfying flavor but also for its simplicity and versatility. The creamy, savory sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and spices adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist, while the slow cooker ensures the chicken remains tender and flavorful.

One of the major appeals of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the convenience it offers. With a slow cooker, all you need to do is assemble the ingredients, set the timer, and let it work its magic. This hands-off cooking approach is ideal for busy individuals who want to enjoy home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep, as it makes enough to serve multiple meals and reheats beautifully. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this hearty dish is a versatile addition to any meal plan and a comforting choice that brings warmth to any table.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Each ingredient in Crockpot Chicken and Gravy contributes to its creamy, flavorful profile, making this dish a comforting favorite. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients and why they’re essential.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish due to their lean, tender texture. They soak up the flavors of the gravy well, resulting in a satisfying bite. For those looking for a richer, juicier option, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative, offering more moisture and a slightly deeper flavor that works beautifully in a slow-cooked dish.

Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup is a staple for creating a creamy base with minimal effort. It brings a thick, luscious texture to the gravy, adding a mild, savory flavor that complements the chicken. Using cream of chicken soup also makes the sauce wonderfully cohesive, allowing all the flavors to meld together seamlessly.
Chicken Gravy Mix: The gravy mix serves as a seasoning powerhouse, adding depth, salt, and a boost of chicken flavor to the dish. It enhances the gravy’s richness and gives it a comforting, homestyle taste without needing a long list of spices.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic note, balancing the creaminess with a subtle depth. Garlic complements the other flavors in the gravy, making each bite more complex and satisfying.

Parsley and Black Pepper: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening up the dish and providing a mild herbaceous taste. Cracked black pepper gives a hint of spice that cuts through the richness, creating a balanced, well-rounded flavor profile that keeps each bite interesting.

Each of these ingredients works together to create a creamy, savory, and fragrant gravy that makes Crockpot Chicken and Gravy a family favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

To make the most flavorful and tender Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, follow these steps closely. Each one is designed to enhance the dish’s texture and flavor, turning a few simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a 5-quart slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, ensuring each piece has contact with the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows for even cooking and prevents the chicken from sticking together. If using chicken thighs instead, follow the same arrangement for consistent tenderness.
Tip: If your slow cooker is small, you may need to overlap the chicken slightly, but try to minimize stacking as this can affect the cooking time and evenness.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This creates a cohesive, creamy sauce that will coat the chicken perfectly and infuse it with flavor.

Mixing the ingredients thoroughly is essential to achieving a consistent texture in the final gravy. Any lumps of soup or gravy mix that aren’t well-blended could affect the sauce’s smoothness and result in uneven seasoning.

3. Add Sauce to Chicken

Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them entirely. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the sauce, coating each piece evenly. This step ensures that the chicken absorbs the flavors as it cooks, resulting in a tender, well-seasoned dish.
The sauce will thicken as it cooks, enveloping the chicken in rich, savory gravy. Ensuring each piece is well-covered at the start will lead to the best flavor distribution.

4. Cook

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to your preferred cooking time:
- High for 3 hours: This setting is ideal if you need the meal sooner, providing tender chicken in less time. However, check occasionally to avoid overcooking, as high heat can sometimes dry out chicken if left for too long.
- Low for 5 hours: This setting allows for a slower, gentler cooking process, which can help the chicken stay extra juicy and tender. Cooking on low also enhances the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld.

Whether you choose high or low heat, avoid lifting the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and may extend cooking time.

5. Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is complete, open the slow cooker and check the chicken’s tenderness. It should be easy to shred. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the gravy as you go.
Shredding the chicken in the cooker itself helps blend it seamlessly with the gravy, creating a thick, cohesive mixture. If you prefer larger chunks, you can shred only part of the chicken and leave some whole or sliced for variety in texture.

6. Finish with Seasoning

Stir in the fresh minced parsley and cracked black pepper. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the creamy sauce, while the pepper provides a gentle kick that balances the richness.
Seasoning at this stage ensures that these final flavors stay vibrant and don’t lose potency during the long cooking time. You can adjust the amount of pepper according to taste, adding a bit more for a spicier profile.

7. Serve

Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over your choice of base for a complete meal. Here are a few classic options:
- Mashed Potatoes: The rich, velvety gravy pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, creating an indulgent, comforting plate.
- Rice: Spoon the chicken and gravy over a bed of rice for a satisfying, hearty meal with a lighter texture.
- Noodles: Thick, egg noodles or pasta are also great choices, as they soak up the gravy well, giving each bite extra creaminess.

For garnishing, consider sprinkling additional parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a green salad to add color and texture contrast.

Following these steps will yield a creamy, flavorful Crockpot Chicken and Gravy that’s sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooking process, paired with careful seasoning and serving suggestions, creates a dish that’s both comforting and versatile, perfect for any occasion.

Tips and Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a flexible, customizable dish that you can easily modify to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some tips and variations to enhance the recipe and add new flavors and textures.

1. Vegetable Add-ins

Adding vegetables to the crockpot not only makes this a one-pot meal but also boosts its nutritional content. Carrots, peas, and potatoes are excellent choices because they hold up well during slow cooking and absorb the savory flavors of the gravy.
Chop carrots and potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly alongside the chicken. Add them at the beginning, so they have time to soften and infuse with flavor.

2. Using Different Spices

Experimenting with herbs and spices can give this dish a unique twist. Thyme and rosemary add a subtle earthiness that complements the creaminess of the gravy, while sage offers a hint of warmth and depth, making it perfect for a cozy meal.

You can add these spices directly to the sauce mixture, or consider using fresh sprigs (especially thyme and rosemary) for a more aromatic experience. Remove any whole sprigs before serving for the best presentation.

3. Alternative Soup Bases

While cream of chicken soup creates a classic gravy, you can switch it up by using cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for different flavor dimensions. Cream of mushroom brings a slight earthiness, while cream of celery adds a mild, savory note.
These alternatives work well with the chicken and gravy mix, creating a new version of the dish without sacrificing its comforting, creamy texture.

4. Substituting Chicken Breasts with Thighs

For a richer, juicier dish, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs have a higher fat content, which adds moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the gravy.
If you’re using thighs, adjust the cooking time as they may become tender faster than chicken breasts, especially on the high heat setting. Thighs are especially suited to slow cooking, resulting in a more melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These variations offer endless possibilities for customizing Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, making it a versatile meal you can enjoy in different ways throughout the year.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideal pairings to make this meal even more satisfying and comforting.

1. Over Mashed Potatoes

The creamy chicken and gravy are a perfect match for mashed potatoes, as the potatoes soak up the savory sauce beautifully. This pairing creates a luxurious, hearty meal that’s especially comforting on chilly days. For added flavor, consider mixing a bit of garlic or cheese into the mashed potatoes.

2. With Rice

Serving the chicken and gravy over fluffy rice is a great option for a lighter, yet filling meal. Rice absorbs the rich gravy well, and its mild flavor allows the chicken to shine. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice for a slight nutty taste and added texture.

3. Over Noodles

Thick egg noodles or pasta make an excellent base for this dish, offering a comforting, filling option. The noodles capture the gravy, making each bite creamy and satisfying. This combination is perfect if you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and easy to eat.

4. Additional Side Dishes and Garnishes

Enhance your meal with side dishes like roasted vegetables (carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts) or steamed greens, which add color, texture, and nutrients. Dinner rolls are also a great addition, allowing you to scoop up any extra gravy.
For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish, while cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick.

These serving suggestions offer versatility and balance, making Crockpot Chicken and Gravy an adaptable dish perfect for any occasion.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

In the Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

In the Freezer: For longer storage, place the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Instructions

On the Stovetop: Transfer the chicken and gravy to a saucepan and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much.
In the Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with the same delicious flavor and texture as when it was freshly made.

Nutritional Benefits of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy offers a balanced nutritional profile, making it a satisfying and protein-rich meal. Chicken is a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth, energy, and overall health. Each serving provides a generous amount of protein, helping you stay full and energized.

To make this dish even healthier, consider using low-sodium or reduced-fat versions of cream of chicken soup and gravy mix. This reduces the sodium and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach not only boosts the dish’s fiber, vitamins, and minerals but also adds volume, helping you feel full with fewer calories.

For portion control, aim for around 3-4 ounces of chicken per serving. Pair with nutrient-dense sides like a small portion of rice, mashed potatoes, or a generous serving of steamed vegetables to create a balanced plate. This approach helps you enjoy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy as part of a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They have more fat, which makes them even juicier and adds extra flavor to the dish. Just note that thighs may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness slightly earlier if using them.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free chicken gravy mix. Many brands offer these options, so check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

What other types of soup can I use?

You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. Each will bring a unique taste, with mushroom adding earthiness and celery providing a mild, savory note.

Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, this recipe can be made in an Instant Pot. Set it to high pressure and cook for about 15 minutes, then allow a natural release. This method offers the same tender, flavorful results in a fraction of the time.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave to enjoy it with the same delicious flavor and texture.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy, comforting crockpot chicken and gravy is perfect for busy days when you need an easy, hearty meal. With tender shredded chicken in a rich, garlicky gravy, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 kg (4.4 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3 cans (295 g / 10.4 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 packet (43 g / 1.5 oz) chicken gravy mix
12 cloves garlic, minced (30 g / 1.1 oz)

60 ml (¼ cup) fresh parsley, minced
4.5 tsp (7 g) cracked black pepper

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a 5-quart slow cooker in a single layer if possible.

2️⃣ Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and minced garlic until smooth.

3️⃣ Add Sauce to Chicken:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.

4️⃣ Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

5️⃣ Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the gravy.

6️⃣ Finish with Seasoning:
Stir in the minced parsley and cracked black pepper, blending everything together for a pop of fresh flavor.

7️⃣ Serve:
Spoon the creamy chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and enjoy!

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Optional Additions: For added depth, try adding ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This makes the gravy extra creamy!