If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s pure comfort in a bowl, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the answer you’ve been craving. Tender, juicy chicken drenched in a creamy, savory gravy—all made with almost no effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of gravy mix and condensed cream of chicken soup creates a rich, decadent sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
- Effortless Prep: Just pop everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—no stove-watching or stirring required.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist tender chicken smothered in creamy gravy, especially when spooned over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals: The leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy for easy lunches or another effortless dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is that every ingredient is working double duty—bringing both texture and depth of flavor without any complicated prep. Here’s why each one matters for the most mouthwatering results!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These become meltingly tender as they slow cook—no need to sear or brown beforehand!
- Chicken gravy mix packets: Your secret weapon for quick, savory gravy flavor with zero fuss or guesswork.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds extra creaminess and makes the gravy decadently thick and luscious.
- Water: Loosens the gravy to the perfect pourable consistency while keeping things moist.
- Garlic powder: Subtle garlic notes give the sauce extra depth without overpowering.
- Kosher salt: Heightens all the other savory flavors.
- Paprika: Brings a touch of warmth and lovely golden color to the gravy.
- Coarse ground black pepper: Tiny specks of pepper add gentle heat and visual appeal.
- Sour cream: Whisked in at the end, it transforms the gravy into something silky-smooth and downright irresistible.
Variations
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is how easy it is to tweak for different tastes or pantry staples you have on hand! Feel free to get creative or make it work for your family’s dietary needs.
- Add mushrooms: Toss in a cup of sliced mushrooms for extra texture and an earthy element in the gravy.
- Swap for thighs: Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—they stay juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker.
- Make it spicy: For a little heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne or swap the paprika for smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute coconut cream and a vegan gravy mix for a dairy-free twist that’s still incredibly creamy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling your chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning step makes a big difference, infusing the chicken with flavor right from the beginning and ensuring every bite is delicious.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In the insert of your slow cooker, whisk together the water, gravy packets, condensed cream of chicken soup, extra garlic powder, remaining salt, paprika, and ground black pepper. Mix until completely smooth and blended—that’s your irresistible homemade gravy base.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cook
Place the seasoned chicken breasts right in the gravy mixture, flipping them over once so they’re well coated on all sides. Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let everything cook on low for 4–5 hours. Soon, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 4: Shred and Finish with Sour Cream
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks, or slice if you prefer neat pieces. Stir the sour cream right into the hot gravy until completely combined—this makes it ultra-silky and just tangy enough. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon that beautiful gravy over the top before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Check at 4 hours—chicken breast should be cooked but still juicy. Overcooking can make it dry!
- Embrace the Gravy Swap: If you prefer your gravy even creamier, sub half the water for low-sodium chicken broth for a richer base.
- Custom Texture: Shred the chicken for rustic comfort, or slice neatly for a slightly fancier presentation—both ways soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Finishing Touch: Always add sour cream after cooking, never before—it keeps the gravy lusciously smooth and prevents separation.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Garnishes
Finish your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or even a little extra black pepper for color and brightness. A dusting of smoked paprika adds subtle warmth and a pop of color that looks gorgeous on the table.
Side Dishes
This dish was made for classic comfort sides: pile it high on fluffy mashed potatoes, spoon it over steamy rice, or serve with thick slices of toasted sourdough for soaking up every drop of gravy. Buttery noodles and even roasted vegetables are fantastic companions, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy as a cozy open-faced sandwich, layered onto toasted bread, or in bowls alongside crusty rolls for dunking. Or, top a baked potato with chicken and extra gravy for a soul-warming, fork-and-knife supper that’s both fun and filling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator—it’s just as good (maybe better!) the next day and will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The gravy keeps the chicken nice and moist while the flavors blend even more.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Simply portion cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat to freeze, and you’ll have a hearty, homemade meal ready to enjoy anytime within three months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low, stirring until hot and creamy. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to loosen the gravy—microwave reheating works in a pinch, too, just heat in short spurts and stir often.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns, as it takes too long to reach a safe temperature. Always start with thawed chicken for the best and safest results.
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What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
After the chicken has finished cooking, remove it to a plate and use two forks to pull it apart for a rustic shred, or gently slice it for more defined pieces—both work great in soaking up all the luscious gravy.
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Can I cook Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy on high?
If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for about 2–2.5 hours, but the chicken will be most tender and flavorful when cooked on low. The gentle heat makes all the difference in texture.
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Is it possible to make this recipe without gravy packets?
Yes, you can substitute a homemade gravy using chicken broth, flour, and seasonings—though the flavor profile and texture will be a bit different. Gravy packets are convenient and deliver classic comfort quickly!
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a soul-soothing, home-cooked meal with hardly any work, give this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy a try. It’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out—and I just know it’ll become a favorite at your table, too!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Tender chicken cooked in a rich gravy sauce, served over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 1/4 cup Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (undiluted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about a pound)
For the Gravy:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt over the chicken breasts.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together water, gravy mix, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker, coating them well with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut it as desired.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Whisk sour cream into the gravy in the slow cooker until smooth. Serve the creamy gravy over the shredded chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
