Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with rich, creamy gravy. The dish is prepared using a crockpot, which allows the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in juicy, flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. This dish has grown in popularity due to its simplicity, requiring just a few ingredients like chicken, gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup.

Chicken and gravy have long been staples of American home cooking, and using a crockpot adds modern convenience to this timeless combination. This dish is ideal for busy families or individuals who want to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal prep work. As the crockpot handles most of the cooking, it’s perfect for days when you need to set it and forget it.

Why Use a Crockpot for Chicken and Gravy?

One of the main benefits of using a crockpot for chicken and gravy is the slow cooking process, which helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with the flavors of the gravy and other ingredients. Additionally, crockpots allow you to prepare the meal in advance, making it a time-saving solution for those with busy schedules. The result is a dish that’s rich in flavor and incredibly easy to prepare with minimal effort.

Ingredients Breakdown

Key Ingredients

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used. Both options provide tender results, but thighs offer a slightly juicier texture due to their higher fat content.
Chicken gravy mix: Pre-packaged gravy mix is a quick and flavorful solution for creating the dish’s rich sauce. Using a store-bought mix ensures consistency in taste.
Cream of chicken soup: This condensed soup adds creaminess to the gravy, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. It’s a staple in many slow-cooker recipes due to its convenience and flavor-enhancing properties.

Chicken broth or water: Depending on how thick you want the gravy, broth adds more flavor than water, but both work to thin the gravy mixture.
Black pepper and garlic powder: These spices add subtle flavor without overpowering the dish. Garlic powder is optional but enhances the savory profile.
Sour cream (optional): For an extra level of creaminess, sour cream can be stirred in toward the end of cooking.

Optional Ingredients

Vegetables: Carrots, peas, mushrooms, or onions can be added for extra nutrition and flavor. These also add texture to the dish
Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley can be used to infuse the gravy with fresh, aromatic flavors, adding a gourmet touch to the dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Start by deciding whether to use fresh or frozen chicken. If using frozen chicken breasts or thighs, no need to thaw them beforehand. However, this will require a longer cooking time (6-7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high). Fresh chicken typically takes 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Step 2: Making the Gravy In a mixing bowl, combine two packets of chicken gravy mix, two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, and ¾ cup of chicken broth or water. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will be poured over the chicken in the crockpot. If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can adjust the thickness by adding more broth or using milk.

Step 3: Cooking Time Set your crockpot on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, depending on your schedule and preference. Slow cooking on low heat results in more tender chicken, while cooking on high reduces the time but may slightly alter the texture. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 4: Shredding the Chicken Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more of the gravy, making each bite tender and flavorful. After shredding, return the chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the gravy.

Step 5: Serving Suggestions Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal, or try it with rice, egg noodles, or warm biscuits for a Southern-inspired twist. For extra texture and flavor, consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side.

Recipe Variations

Spice Variations
One of the easiest ways to customize Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is by experimenting with different spices. For a smoky depth, try adding paprika or garlic powder. Italian seasoning works great for a Mediterranean twist, while ranch seasoning or a packet of dry onion soup mix can infuse the dish with unique flavors.

Vegetable Additions
Incorporating vegetables is another great way to personalize this dish. Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or peas add both texture and nutrition. Keep in mind that adding vegetables can release additional moisture, slightly thinning the gravy, so you may want to reduce the liquid in the recipe or adjust cooking time based on how tender you like your veggies.

Making the Gravy Creamier
For a richer, creamier gravy, consider stirring in sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream toward the end of cooking. These ingredients enhance the dish’s texture, turning the gravy into a velvety sauce.

Using Frozen Chicken
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken will require more time to cook (typically 6-7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high). Always ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Tips for Best Results

Preventing Overcooking
Overcooking chicken in the crockpot can result in dry or stringy meat. To avoid this, monitor the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer, especially if your crockpot tends to run hot. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.

Achieving the Perfect Gravy Consistency
Gravy consistency can vary based on how much liquid the chicken and vegetables release during cooking. To thicken runny gravy, use a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). For a thinner consistency, stir in extra broth or milk near the end of cooking.

Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to freeze the dish, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, allow frozen portions to thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts work well in Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, but they will require more time to cook. Typically, frozen chicken takes about 6-7 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. It’s crucial to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

What other meats can be used?
While chicken breasts or thighs are the most common choices, you can substitute other meats like rotisserie chicken or turkey. Using rotisserie chicken cuts down the cooking time since it’s already cooked—just add it during the final 30 minutes to heat through. Turkey thighs also work well for a more robust flavor.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
A cornstarch slurry is a quick and effective way to thicken gravy. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy, cooking for an additional 10 minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can simmer the gravy with the lid off to reduce it naturally.

Can I cook this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can be adapted for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to combine the gravy ingredients, then cook the chicken on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.

What sides go best with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Mashed potatoes are the classic side for this dish, but rice, egg noodles, and biscuits also pair beautifully with the rich gravy. For a complete meal, roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans are excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Why Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a Must-Try
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the epitome of comfort food—rich, savory, and satisfying. With its tender chicken and creamy gravy, this dish offers the ultimate convenience without compromising on flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal simmers away, filling your home with delicious aromas.

Final Tips for Success
Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a meal for a busy weeknight, this recipe is easy to customize. Experiment with different spices, add your favorite vegetables, or adjust the gravy to your preferred consistency. No matter how you choose to prepare it, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is sure to become a staple in your home.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, slow-cooked chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy. With just a few simple ingredients like boneless chicken breasts or thighs, chicken gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup, this dish is easy to prepare yet delivers maximum flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility—it requires minimal prep time, and the slow cooker does all the work. Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounce each)

1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce)
1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounce)
2 teaspoons dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the crockpot by spraying with nonstick cooking spray.

Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and place in the crockpot.

In a small bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, gravy seasoning mix, chicken broth, and mustard until smooth. Pour over the chicken.

Seal the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

When the chicken is tender, remove and shred with two forks. Return it to the crockpot and mix well.

Serve with the flavorful gravy over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Chicken Options: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option. Frozen chicken can also be used; just increase the cooking time.
Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Alternatively, to thin out a thick gravy, stir in more broth or a bit of milk.
Vegetable Additions: For added nutrition and texture, consider adding vegetables such as mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or peas. These can be cooked with the chicken or stirred in toward the end.

Spices and Herbs: While the recipe is simple, you can elevate it by adding spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can also be added to the gravy for extra flavor.
Leftovers: This dish stores well. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.