Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Imagine coming home to the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken smothered in a luscious, creamy gravy, ready to spoon over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or warm biscuits. That’s the heart and soul of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, a true weeknight hero. This dish delivers a rich, silky sauce thanks to its simple but well-chosen ingredients, and the hands-off slow cooker method means you get all the flavor with barely any effort. It’s been a staple in my kitchen for years and always gets rave reviews; I can’t wait to share exactly how to make it your family’s new favorite, too.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is how a few basic pantry staples come together in cozy, craveable harmony. Each ingredient has a special job—seasoning, thickening, or adding creaminess—to make every bite irresistibly good.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 pounds): The tender base of the dish, soaking up all that incredible gravy flavor as they cook.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (2 cups): Gives a deeply savory background and keeps the chicken moist; low-sodium lets you control the saltiness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (1, 10.5-ounce can): Adds that creamy, classic gravy consistency and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Gravy Mix (1 packet): Boosts the savoriness and helps the gravy thicken up just right.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): For a punch of aromatic flavor that infuses every mouthful.
• Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle sweetness and depth to balance the dish.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Lends gentle warmth and brings out all the other seasonings.
• Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): A hint of herbaceous, earthy flavor that ties the whole thing together.
• Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Stirred in at the end for extra silkiness and a slight tang that cuts through the richness.
• Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish with style.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Chicken

Start by arranging the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This lets each piece cook evenly and ensures the chicken will soak up all the flavors of the sauce that you’re about to pour over it.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Gravy Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme until everything is smooth and no lumps remain. This quick mixture is the magic that will transform into that rich, creamy sauce as it cooks slowly with the chicken.

Step 3: Pour and Slow Cook

Pour your prepared gravy mixture right over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each piece is covered so it can soak in all that flavor. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will turn meltingly tender, and the gravy thickens up as it simmers.

Step 4: Shred and Blend

Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it on a plate or cutting board. Then, return the shredded chicken to the pot and give everything a gentle stir so it absorbs even more gravy.

Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Finish

With the heat still on, add the sour cream to the crockpot and stir until the gravy is extra creamy and smooth. This final step adds irresistible tang and silkiness to the dish, making the gravy positively spoonable.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders here—not just for a pop of color, but for a hit of herbal freshness that balances the creamy, savory notes of the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. If you like a little extra kick, a crack of black pepper or a few flakes of crushed red pepper are delicious, too.

Side Dishes

This luscious chicken and gravy practically begs to be served over something starchy to mop up that sauce. Pile it high over homemade mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or warm, split biscuits. Roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp side salad make fantastic fresh accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into a comfort food bowl—layer Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over toasted sourdough, spoon it on creamy polenta, or fill a baked potato for a hearty twist. Hosting a gathering? Serve it slider-style on soft dinner rolls for a crowd-pleasing party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy will keep perfectly for up to 4 days. The flavors get even richer as they meld together, so it’s a tasty option for meal prep!

Freezing

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy freezes really well. Ladle portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headroom for expansion. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for a quick comfort meal.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture if needed. Stir gently and heat until piping hot throughout—your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy will taste just as delicious as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and give a juicier, more flavorful result. Just use the same weight and follow the same directions.

How can I make this gluten-free?

To make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy gluten-free, use a gluten-free gravy mix and cream of chicken soup (many brands offer these), and double-check all seasonings and broth labels for hidden gluten sources.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert (except for the sour cream and parsley) the night before. In the morning, just pop the insert into the cooker and start as directed. Add the sour cream right before serving.

What if I want a richer flavor?

For a more decadent gravy, swap out half the chicken broth for dry white wine, as suggested in the recipe notes. It adds complexity and depth without overpowering the other flavors.

Is this a kid-friendly meal?

Definitely! The creamy, mild flavors of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy tend to be a big hit with kids, especially when served over their favorite starch like mashed potatoes or even egg noodles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fuss-free, soul-soothing meal, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy checks every box. No matter how busy the week gets, this recipe will have you coming back for one more comforting, creamy bite. Give it a try soon—you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic around here!

Print