If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting and ridiculously easy to put together, the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection, swimming in a velvety, savory gravy that clings to every bite. This dish invites you to relax and let the crockpot do all the work, delivering a heartwarming meal that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s an ideal go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress your family with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe keeps things simple with ingredients that pack both flavor and ease. Each component works together seamlessly to build that luscious, creamy gravy that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein of the dish, they become tender and juicy while slow-cooking.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can): Adds richness and creaminess that forms the base of the gravy.
- Chicken gravy mix (2 envelopes): Provides that classic, savory gravy flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Water or chicken broth (1/2 cup, optional): Can be used to adjust the consistency of your gravy to your liking.
- Salt and pepper (optional): Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors without overpowering the chicken.
- Hot steamed rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up all that luscious gravy.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. If you like a little extra seasoning, sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken now — it’s enough to bring out the natural flavors without complicating the dish.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water or broth if you’re using it. This mixture is what will slowly transform into that luscious sauce that makes this dish so beloved. Pour the creamy blend evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s all coated gently.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking time lets the chicken become perfectly tender and allows the gravy to thicken and develop a beautiful depth of flavor.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Right before serving, use two forks or a spoon to break the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This step makes it easier to enjoy every mouthful soaked in that creamy gravy goodness. Scoop the chicken and gravy generously over a bed of hot steamed rice for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe from simple to spectacular. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note that brightens the rich gravy. A dash of black pepper provides a mild kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best with classic sides that soak up the gravy. Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate. Crisp dinner rolls or warm biscuits are also fantastic to dip and scoop every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For something a little different, try serving the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe over buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta instead of rice. You could also spoon it into puff pastry shells for mini pot pies that wow at gatherings. No matter how you plate it, this recipe is sure to bring smiles around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe keep very well in the fridge. Place the chicken and gravy in an airtight container and it should stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. This makes for an easy grab-and-go lunch or a quick dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to stock your freezer for later. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags, leaving some space for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking. You can also microwave leftovers covered loosely for a minute or two, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water while reheating helps revive the gravy’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay even juicier and add extra flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time — they may take a bit less time, so start checking for tenderness around 3.5 hours.
Is it necessary to use the cream of chicken soup?
The cream of chicken soup is key to creating that rich, creamy gravy texture, so it is highly recommended. However, if you want a lighter version, you can try substituting with a homemade white sauce, but it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Can I prepare this recipe without the gravy mix?
The chicken gravy mix adds essential seasoning and thickening, giving the dish its classic gravy taste. If you skip it, consider adding a mix of herbs and a thickener like cornstarch to replicate the texture and flavor.
How long should I cook the dish if I’m in a hurry?
If you need to speed things up, cooking on high in the crockpot for 2 to 3 hours can work, but the chicken might not be as tender and the gravy a bit thinner. Low and slow gives the best results in this recipe.
What rice works best as a base?
Long grain white rice is perfect because it stays fluffy and absorbs the gravy well. Jasmine rice is another fragrant option, but avoid sticky or sushi rice, which might become too clumpy under the rich sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is truly the kind of dish that makes you fall in love at first bite. With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, it offers a warm, soothing meal perfect for any day of the week. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to come back to again and again — proof that simple comfort food can be absolutely unforgettable.
Print
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy chicken soup and gravy mixture. Perfectly served over hot steamed rice for a hearty family meal with minimal prep and hassle.
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 of chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
Serving
- Hot steamed rice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Optionally season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the can of unsalted cream of chicken soup, the two envelopes of chicken gravy mix, and the optional 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and cook: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover the crock-pot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW heat for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Shred and serve: Before serving, use two forks to break the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, stirring gently to mix with the gravy. Serve the chicken and gravy hot over a bed of steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using water or chicken broth is optional, but broth will add more flavor to the gravy.
- Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking enhances the overall taste.
- For a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes at the end to reduce the liquid.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced dinner.
