If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that practically makes itself, you’ll absolutely love this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those meals that comes together with minimal effort, yet delivers maximum cozy vibes and rich, savory flavor. I first tried this on a hectic weeknight, and let me tell you—my whole family went crazy over it. Keep reading, and I’ll share all my tips to make sure your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy turns out just as amazing every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you’re busy with other stuff.
- Incredible Flavor: Creamy gravy and tender chicken make this a meal that delights all ages and tastes.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easy to tweak with different chicken cuts, add veggies, or swap rice for your favorite side.
- Family Favorite: I’ve made this over and over, and it always gets devoured and requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe are simple pantry staples that work beautifully together. The cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix create a luscious base that makes the chicken tender and juicy with just the right amount of savory richness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like these for lean protein, but thighs work too if you prefer juicier meat.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: Using unsalted helps control the salt level, so your gravy doesn’t get too salty.
- Chicken gravy mix (dry): Don’t cook the gravy first—just use the dry packets as they thicken the sauce perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Water or chicken broth (optional): I sometimes add broth instead of water for a bit more flavor.
- Hot steamed rice: The best base for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Variations
I love how flexible this recipe is—it’s a wonderful starting point but doesn’t have to be rigid. I often tweak it depending on what I have on hand or what the family is craving. Feel free to make it your own!
- Using Chicken Thighs: I tried swapping breasts with thighs and found the dish even more tender and flavorful.
- Adding Vegetables: Frozen peas, carrots, or green beans mixed in add texture and color—plus extra nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Version: Look for gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix, and use rice or mashed potatoes as sides.
- Spicy Twist: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives a lovely warm kick without overpowering the gravy.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. If you want, sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. I usually don’t go heavy on seasoning here because the gravy mix brings plenty of flavor. Just make sure your chicken pieces are spread out evenly to cook perfectly.
Step 2: Mix Your Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the two envelopes of dry chicken gravy mix. If you’re using water or broth, add it in here and mix until smooth. Pro tip: don’t add water to the soup can itself—the sauce will thicken nicely in the crockpot as it cooks.
Step 3: Pour Sauce Over Chicken & Cook
Pour the combined sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, spreading it evenly. Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker on LOW. You’re looking at about 4 to 6 hours of cooking time—6 if you’re using frozen chicken breasts, 4 if they’re thawed. The longer you cook (within reason!), the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
When the chicken’s cooked through, use two forks to break it up into bite-sized pieces right in the crockpot. This way, it soaks up even more of the creamy gravy. I usually spoon this over a bed of fluffy, hot steamed rice—though mashed potatoes or egg noodles work wonderfully too.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the time—overnight cooking can dry it out even in gravy, so stick close to 6 hours max on low.
- Use Dry Gravy Mix Only: I learned that making the gravy first is a mistake—using the powdered mix right in the crockpot yields creamy, perfectly thick sauce.
- Frozen Chicken Needs More Time: Using frozen breasts? Plan closer to that 6-hour mark so it cooks safely and evenly.
- Break Into Pieces Before Serving: Shredding the chicken in the gravy boosts flavor absorption and makes serving super easy and casual.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving—they add a pop of color and a little fresh brightness that balances the rich gravy perfectly. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors if you want a zingy twist.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, of course, but I also love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. For veggies, a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual ramekins over a bed of rice, topped with the shredded chicken and gravy, then garnished with herbs and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions. It makes each plate feel special and restaurant-worthy without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken & Gravy keeps really well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. I store it in an airtight container so the gravy stays nice and thick, and the flavors get even better after resting overnight.
Freezing
I often portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to reheat on a busy day.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Sometimes I add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the gravy if it’s thickened too much in the fridge. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! You can start cooking with frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll want to cook on the longer side—closer to 6 hours on low—to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender. Just be sure your slow cooker reaches a safe temperature for poultry.
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Do I need to prepare the gravy mix before adding it to the crockpot?
Nope! A key part of this recipe’s ease is that you add the dry gravy mix directly to the cream of chicken soup and pour it all over the chicken. This lets the gravy thicken naturally during cooking, making it rich without extra steps.
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What can I serve instead of rice with this dish?
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is versatile. Try serving it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even creamy polenta for a comforting twist.
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Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?
Yes! Adding frozen peas, carrots, or green beans about halfway through cooking can help bulk up the meal and add some color and nutrition. Just be careful not to add delicate veggies too early or they may get mushy.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe turns out—it’s a go-to for busy days when I want something comforting without fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t stress me out, and every time I make it, friends and family ask for the recipe. Trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll find yourself coming back to this simple, satisfying comfort food again and again.
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is an easy, comforting meal that combines tender chicken breasts cooked slowly with a creamy chicken soup and chicken gravy mix to create a rich, flavorful gravy. Served over hot steamed rice, it’s a perfect no-fuss dinner for busy days or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 (0.87-oz) envelopes chicken gravy mix (dry)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
To Serve
- Hot steamed rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup, the two envelopes of dry chicken gravy mix, and the optional 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth until smooth.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the soup and gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours. If using frozen chicken breasts, cook closer to 6 hours to ensure thorough cooking.
- Shred Chicken: Before serving, use forks to break apart the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the gravy.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and gravy over hot steamed rice and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Do NOT make the gravy separately; only use the dry gravy mix directly in the crockpot.
- Do NOT add water directly to the soup; use the soup straight from the can.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or tenderloins for the chicken breasts.
- Frozen chicken breasts can be used; increase cooking time to the higher end if frozen.
- Optional: add frozen vegetables to the crockpot mixture for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe including sauce and chicken without rice)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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