There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of slow cooker chicken and gravy bubbling away. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort without any fuss. My family goes crazy for this recipe – it’s our go-to on busy weeknights when we want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The best part? You’ll spend just 10 minutes tossing everything in the crockpot before heading out the door. By dinnertime, you’ve got the most tender chicken swimming in rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes or rice. This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe has saved my sanity more times than I can count, and I know it’ll become your new favorite too!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? This recipe checks all the boxes for busy home cooks like us. Here’s why it’s always on rotation in my kitchen:
- Seriously easy prep – Just toss everything in the crockpot and walk away! No babysitting required.
- Set-it-and-forget-it magic – While you’re living your life, your slow cooker’s transforming basic ingredients into something amazing.
- That rich, comforting flavor – The gravy gets better as it simmers, coating every bite of tender chicken.
- Total versatility – Serve it over potatoes, rice, noodles, or even scoop it onto crusty bread. Leftovers? They’re even better!
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s that good.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this soul-warming slow cooker chicken and gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total) – trust me, drying them with paper towels first makes all the difference!
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – undiluted, straight from the can (I always keep a couple in my pantry for emergencies)
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) dry chicken gravy mix – that little envelope packs so much flavor!
- 1 cup chicken broth – use the good stuff for the best gravy
And for our flavor boosters:
- 1 tsp garlic powder – because everything’s better with garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder – adds that little something special
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy
That’s it! Seven simple ingredients that transform into magic. See why I make this so often?
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Alright, let’s get cooking! This slow cooker chicken and gravy couldn’t be easier – I’ve made it so many times I could probably do it in my sleep. Here’s exactly how I get perfect results every single time:
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First, grab a medium bowl and let’s make that glorious gravy base. Dump in your cream of chicken soup (don’t you dare dilute it!), that magical packet of gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Now whisk it like you mean it – we want everything smooth with no lumps. The mixture will be thick but pourable, kind of like pancake batter. Oh, and don’t worry if it looks a bit pale at this stage – it’ll transform into rich, golden perfection as it cooks.
Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Here comes the easiest part! Place your dried-off chicken breasts in your slow cooker in a single layer – no stacking allowed! We want each piece to bathe in that glorious gravy. Now pour your sauce mixture evenly over the top, making sure to cover all the chicken. I like to wiggle the chicken pieces a bit with my spoon to make sure some sauce gets underneath them too. Pop the lid on – no peeking now!
Step 3: Cook and Shred
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours – either way works! The chicken’s done when it reaches 165°F inside (I check with my meat thermometer) and falls apart easily with forks. Now for the fun part: use two forks to shred that tender chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to let the chicken soak up all that gravy goodness. Pro tip: let it sit for 15 minutes before serving – the flavors meld even more!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh-my-goodness” amazing every time! First first – always, always pat your chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker. Those paper towels are your secret weapon against watered-down gravy. About halfway through cooking, I like to give everything a gentle stir to distribute all that flavor evenly (but resist the urge to peek too often!). And here’s my golden rule: taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving – sometimes I’ll add an extra pinch of pepper or garlic powder to make it pop. These little touches make all the difference!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Oh, the possibilities! This slow cooker chicken and gravy is like your favorite cozy sweater – it goes with everything. My absolute favorite way? Smothering it over a big mound of buttery mashed potatoes – the gravy soaks right in and oh wow, it’s heaven! But don’t stop there! Try it:
- Over steamed rice – the grains soak up that rich sauce perfectly
- Spooned onto warm, flaky biscuits – Southern-style comfort at its best
- Alongside roasted veggies – carrots and green beans are my go-tos
A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds color and freshness, but honestly? It’s delicious straight from the pot too – no judgment here!
Storing and Reheating
Listen, I know leftovers rarely happen with this delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy – my family usually polishes it off in one sitting! But if you’re lucky enough to have some extra, here’s how to keep it tasting just as good:
- Fridge storage: Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. The gravy actually gets more flavorful as it sits!
- Freezer friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I portion it into freezer bags for easy single servings.
- Reheating tip: Add a splash of chicken broth when microwaving – it keeps the chicken moist and brings the gravy back to life. Stir every 30 seconds until piping hot!
Honestly? The leftovers might be even better than the first serving – if that’s even possible!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Variations
You know me – I can’t leave well enough alone! Here are my favorite ways to mix up this slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe when I’m feeling adventurous (or just need to use what’s in my pantry). Toss in a cup of sliced mushrooms with the chicken – they soak up all that gravy goodness beautifully. Try different gravy mix flavors too – the onion or mushroom varieties add such a fun twist. And if you’re a dark meat lover like my husband, swap the breasts for thighs (just add 30 extra minutes cooking time). The best part? Every version comes out tender and flavorful!
Nutritional Information
Okay, full disclosure – I’m not a nutritionist (just a home cook who loves good food!), but here’s the skinny on what’s in each serving of our slow cooker chicken and gravy. These numbers are estimates based on my recipe, but your exact amounts might vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
A single serving packs about 320 calories with a whopping 38g of protein to keep you full. You’re looking at 10g carbs and 12g fat – not bad for something this satisfying! The gravy does bring 980mg sodium, so if you’re watching salt, try low-sodium broth and soup. But hey, everything in moderation, right? This is comfort food at its finest!
FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
I get asked about this slow cooker chicken and gravy all the time, so let me answer the big questions before you even have to ask! First up – frozen chicken? Nope, don’t do it! Thaw your chicken first or it won’t cook evenly and could be unsafe. Now for my gluten-free friends – can you make it GF? Absolutely! Just grab gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix (they make great ones now). And if your gravy needs thickening? Here’s my trick: mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold broth, then stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The gravy will thicken up beautifully while you set the table!
Try This Recipe and Tag Us With Your Results!
Now it’s your turn! Whip up this easy slow cooker chicken and gravy and experience the magic for yourself. I want to see your beautiful creations – snap a photo of that golden gravy cascading over fluffy mashed potatoes or crispy biscuits. Tag me on social media so I can cheer you on! There’s nothing I love more than seeing how this recipe brings comfort to your table just like it does to mine. Happy slow cooking, friends – may your chicken always be tender and your gravy always be rich!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: The Ultimate 10-Minute Comfort Meal
A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe for tender chicken with rich gravy.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) dry chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks before serving.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
