Introduction to Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy chicken and gravy dinner, especially on busy weeknights. This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—just toss the ingredients into your Crockpot, and come home to a cozy, flavorful dish that practically makes itself.
Perfectly seasoned chicken simmers in a rich, savory gravy until it’s fall-apart tender. It’s a fuss-free dinner option that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits. Curious how slow cooking locks in flavor and moisture? Learn more about the science behind slow cooking and why it’s ideal for busy home cooks.
Whether you’re looking for a simple Sunday supper or something hearty for meal prep, this dish is endlessly reliable. For more one-pot comfort food ideas, browse these slow cooker comfort meals that make weeknights a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is everything a comfort food meal should be—easy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and less than 10 minutes of prep time, this dish practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer chicken breasts or thighs, the slow cooker transforms them into tender, juicy bites that soak up the rich, savory gravy. It’s the perfect solution when you want a filling, homemade dinner without hovering over the stove. For more on how the slow cooker simplifies classic dishes, check out this guide to slow cooker cooking methods.
This recipe also pairs well with everything from mashed potatoes to egg noodles, making it a great base for all your favorite sides. And if you’re meal prepping or planning a freezer meal? It reheats beautifully. Need more cozy dinner ideas? Explore these crockpot comfort food recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Highlights of This Crockpot Classic
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Hands-off cooking—set it and forget it
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Simple ingredients with big flavor payoff
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Customizable—add mushrooms, peas, or swap soup flavors
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Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
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Creamy, thick gravy that coats every bite perfectly
Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, biscuits, or buttery mashed potatoes, this creamy chicken and gravy recipe is guaranteed to become a weeknight staple.
Ingredient Breakdown and Substitutions
This creamy slow cooker chicken and gravy uses easy pantry staples for a dish that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.
Key Ingredients
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Chicken breasts or thighs – Both work well; thighs are juicier, breasts are leaner
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Chicken gravy mix – The seasoning base for the rich, savory sauce
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Cream of chicken soup – Adds body and creaminess
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Chicken broth – Thins the gravy while enhancing flavor
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Garlic and onion powder – Boost the savory notes
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Black pepper and thyme – Adds warmth and subtle herby flavor
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Sour cream (optional) – Makes the gravy ultra creamy and smooth
For more about the versatility of chicken in comfort food dishes, check out this overview of chicken recipes.
Substitutions
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Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for variation
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Replace gravy packets with homemade gravy base (flour, bouillon, spices)
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Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter finish
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Try bone-in chicken for deeper flavor (remove bones before shredding)
Looking for visual guides? See these crockpot chicken meal ideas for inspiration.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Gravy
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In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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Gravy packets
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Cream of chicken soup
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Chicken broth
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Garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and thyme
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2. Assemble in the Crockpot
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Place chicken in the slow cooker
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Pour the gravy mixture over the top
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Cover and cook:
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Low for 6–7 hours
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High for 3–4 hours
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3. Finish the Dish
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Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the pot
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Stir to coat evenly
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Optional: Stir in sour cream during the last 10 minutes
Tips for the Best Chicken and Gravy
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Use low-sodium broth so the dish isn’t too salty
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Don’t skip seasoning—gravy packets need a flavor boost
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Thighs stay moist and shred easier than breasts
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Add sour cream only at the end to avoid curdling
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Let it sit covered for a few minutes before serving to thicken the gravy
For best practices on using gravy mixes and sauces, see this guide to thickening agents in cooking.
How to Serve It
This dish pairs beautifully with:
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Mashed potatoes – The classic combo
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Rice or egg noodles – For soaking up all the gravy
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Buttered biscuits – Great for scooping and dipping
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Steamed veggies – Like green beans or peas for balance
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Cauliflower mash – A low-carb option
Explore more full-plate ideas from this slow cooker comfort meal board.
Storage and Reheating
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge
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Freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months
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Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in intervals
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Add a splash of broth if gravy thickens too much during reheating
Learn more about storing and reheating meals safely in this leftover handling guide.
Variations and Add-Ons
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Add mushrooms or peas during the last hour
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Use cream of mushroom soup for a deeper flavor
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Mix in shredded cheddar for cheesy gravy
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Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley before serving
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Make it spicy with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne
Need visual inspiration? Browse these slow cooker dinner ideas to upgrade your next batch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the chicken – It dries out even in gravy; use a timer
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Not shredding the chicken – Sliced chunks don’t absorb the sauce as well
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Adding sour cream too early – Wait until the end
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Using high-sodium broth with gravy packets – It can make it too salty
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Skipping seasoning – Always taste and adjust before serving
For slow cooker tips and tricks, check out this crockpot cooking guide.
FAQs – People Also Ask
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but cook on low for 7–8 hours. Ensure it reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not unless you use gluten-free gravy mix and soup. Check labels!
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the pressure cook function for 15 minutes, natural release for 10.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—store cooked chicken and gravy together for up to 4 days.
What’s the best side dish for this meal?
Mashed potatoes or biscuits are traditional, but rice or egg noodles are great too.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy for Busy Nights
Description
This slow cooker chicken and gravy is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly comforting. Made with tender chicken breasts or thighs, savory gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup, it’s an easy dinner that requires almost no prep—and delivers big flavor.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 packets chicken gravy mix (about 0.87 oz each)
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
½ cup sour cream (optional, for creamier gravy)
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and thyme until smooth.
Place the chicken in the crockpot and pour the gravy mixture over the top.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks and stir well to coat it in the gravy.
Stir in sour cream (if using) during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier gravy.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low / 3–4 on high
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Total Time: Up to 7 hours
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Servings: 6
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Yes
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Freezer Friendly: Yes
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Best Sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits
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Optional Add-ins: Sour cream, mushrooms, shredded cheese
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Storage: Refrigerate 4 days or freeze up to 2 months
