Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that practically cooks itself, look no further than Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy. This cozy classic is rich and creamy, loaded with savory flavor, and could not be easier to make — just set it and forget it for a family-friendly dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the very best things about Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is its simplicity — just a handful of staple ingredients come together to make something truly special. Each item here is chosen to maximize flavor and creaminess, while keeping the prep down to just a few minutes.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein, these stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker and soak up all that luscious gravy flavor.
• Chicken Gravy Mix: Two packets infuse the sauce with savory, herby goodness — no need to fuss with flour and pan drippings!
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Essential for the gravy’s rich, silky body; don’t dilute it before measuring!
• Water: Helps dissolve the gravy mix and soup, balancing out the luscious richness.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle depth and aroma, just enough to make everyone ask for your secret ingredient.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasoning lets all the other flavors shine.
• Paprika: Brings lovely color and a hint of gentle warmth.
• Sour Cream: Whisked in at the end, this gives the gravy unbeatable creaminess and a slight tang.

Variations

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is such a forgiving recipe — don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it! Whether you want to swap proteins, add extra veggies, or lighten things up, there are lots of delicious ways to make it your own.

• Swap Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for ultra-juicy, slightly richer meat that melts in your mouth.
• Add Veggies: Tuck carrots, mushrooms, or peas around the chicken before cooking for an easy all-in-one meal.
• Make It Lighter: Use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup to lighten up the gravy while keeping it creamy.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or extra black pepper for a little kick.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides with the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings make sure the chicken is flavorful all the way through and ready to soak up all that delicious gravy as it cooks.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Gravy

In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, remaining garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth — it should already look creamy and smell amazing!

Step 3: Add and Coat the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. Flip them over a couple times in the mixture so each piece is well-coated. This helps lock in the flavor from the very beginning and ensures even cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours. When time’s up, the chicken should be fork-tender and practically falling apart. Lift it out carefully and shred or slice as you wish — chunky or shredded, it’s all delicious!

Step 5: Finish the Gravy

With the chicken out, whisk the sour cream into the hot gravy left in the slow cooker until completely smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy, or serve the sauce right over top — either way, you’ll have one ultra-creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy to dig into.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

For that perfect finishing touch, shower your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or just a crack of black pepper right before serving. The pop of color from herbs or scallions always makes this dish feel extra homey and appetizing.

Side Dishes

The beauty of this recipe is how the creamy chicken and gravy just beg for something starchy to soak it up — think buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, egg noodles, or even a warm biscuit. Add steamed green beans or a bright salad, and you’ve got pure comfort on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy in a big family-style bowl for Sunday suppers, or pile the shredded chicken on toasted buns, sliders, or baked potatoes for a fun, hearty twist. For potlucks, keep it warm in the slow cooker and let everyone help themselves — it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are no problem at all! Simply cool any extra chicken and gravy to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to four days in the fridge, making it perfect for easy, reheatable lunches or dinners midweek.

Freezing

Need to store it even longer? Let the chicken and gravy cool and pack them into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out any extra air. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy gently in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave — just add a splash of water or stock to loosen the gravy if it gets a little thick. Stir frequently to keep everything creamy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a meal that’s truly satisfying and so easy to love, give Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy a try — it’s pure homemade comfort with barely any hands-on time. I hope it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine!

Print