Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic 🍗🥣
If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that’s effortless to make, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is exactly what you need!
With just a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work, transforming tender chicken breasts into a rich, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✔ Set It & Forget It – Let your crockpot do all the work!
✔ Rich, Creamy & Flavorful – Every bite is tender and packed with savory goodness.
✔ Minimal Ingredients – Only 6 pantry staples needed!
✔ Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients 🛒
Before we begin, make sure you have everything you need:
For the Chicken & Gravy:
🍗 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The base of this dish!
🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt & ½ teaspoon black pepper – For simple seasoning.
🧄 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds extra depth of flavor.
🥣 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 oz each) – The key to that rich, savory gravy.
🥫 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) – Makes the sauce extra creamy.
🥣 1 can of chicken broth (14.5 oz) – Helps create the perfect gravy consistency.
🥄 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional) – Adds a slight tang and richness!
📌 Pro Tip: Want a creamier texture? Stir in ½ cup sour cream at the end!
Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker 🥘
To ensure easy cleanup and perfectly cooked chicken, follow these simple steps:
1️⃣ Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, mix together:
- Chicken gravy packets
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Dijon mustard (if using)
4️⃣ Pour the mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s fully covered.
📌 Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use only half the chicken broth and add more at the end if needed!
Now that our seasoned chicken is nestled in the slow cooker and coated in rich, savory gravy, it’s time to let the crockpot do the work!
Over the next 6-8 hours, the chicken will become incredibly tender as it absorbs all those delicious flavors from the creamy gravy mixture. Once it’s fully cooked, we’ll shred it and mix it back into the sauce, creating the ultimate comfort food meal.
Step 3: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic ⏳
One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires zero babysitting—just set it and forget it!
How to Cook the Chicken & Gravy:
1️⃣ Cover the crockpot with the lid to lock in moisture.
2️⃣ Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours.
- The longer, slower cook time will make the chicken extra tender.
3️⃣ Resist the urge to lift the lid! Keeping it closed maintains heat and helps the flavors blend.
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, cooking on HIGH for 4 hours works too, but low and slow is the best way to get fall-apart-tender chicken!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken for Ultimate Flavor 🔥🍗
After 6-8 hours, your kitchen will smell amazing, and the chicken will be fully cooked and tender enough to shred effortlessly.
How to Shred the Chicken:
1️⃣ Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a plate or cutting board.
2️⃣ Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart into bite-sized shreds.
3️⃣ Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the thick, flavorful gravy.
📌 Pro Tip: For extra creamy gravy, stir in ½ cup sour cream or 4 oz cream cheese before serving!
Step 5: Time to Serve! 🍽️
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is so versatile—it pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Here are some of the best serving ideas:
Best Ways to Serve Chicken & Gravy:
✔ Over Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food combo!
✔ With White or Brown Rice – Perfect for soaking up all that gravy.
✔ Over Egg Noodles – A hearty, satisfying meal.
✔ On a Sandwich – Serve on toasted bread or buns for a delicious twist!
✔ With Biscuits – Spoon it over flaky biscuits for a Southern-style meal.
📌 Pro Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or black pepper for a touch of color and flavor!
Now that we’ve slow-cooked the most tender, flavorful chicken and mixed it into that rich, creamy gravy, it’s time to talk about storing leftovers, reheating, and answering some common questions!
This dish is perfect for meal prep and makes for delicious leftovers. Plus, we’ll go over some easy ways to switch things up if you want to customize the recipe!
How to Store & Reheat Crockpot Chicken and Gravy 🥡❄️
This recipe stores beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prepping!
Storage Instructions:
🥶 Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer:
- Let the chicken and gravy cool completely.
- Store in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
📌 Pro Tip: If freezing, store in individual portions for easy reheating!
Reheating Instructions:
🔥 Stovetop:
- Warm in a small saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the gravy.
🔥 Microwave:
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
🔥 Slow Cooker:
- If reheating a large batch, place it back in the slow cooker on LOW for 1-2 hours until heated through.
📌 Pro Tip: If the gravy thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to get it creamy again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can put frozen chicken directly into the crockpot, but you’ll need to increase the cook time:
✔ Cook on LOW for 8-9 hours
✔ Cook on HIGH for 5-6 hours
📌 Pro Tip: For food safety, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally before shredding!
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and make the dish even juicier and more flavorful.
✔ Use 3-4 chicken thighs instead of breasts.
✔ No need to change the cooking time!
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? 🥛🚫
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use:
✔ Dairy-free cream of chicken soup (or homemade).
✔ Coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream.
4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Here’s how:
1️⃣ Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
2️⃣ Set to “Pressure Cook” (Manual) for 15 minutes.
3️⃣ Let natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release.
4️⃣ Shred the chicken and stir it back into the gravy!
5. What are some fun variations?
✔ Spicy Version – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
✔ Mushroom Gravy – Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
✔ Cheesy Chicken & Gravy – Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar before serving!
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Food Meal 🍗🥣
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a true classic—rich, creamy, and bursting with comforting flavors. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Set-It-And-Forget-It Easy – Minimal prep and the slow cooker does the work!
✅ Super Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, hearty meal everyone will love.
✅ Great for Leftovers & Meal Prep – Perfect for making ahead!
✅ Kid-Friendly & Budget-Friendly – A meal the whole family will enjoy.
If you tried this recipe, let me know in the comments! What did you serve it with? Did you add any fun twists?
🔥🍽 Enjoy your creamy, comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy! 😋
Print
Delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy – A One-Pot Family Meal
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting slow-cooked meal with tender chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 oz each)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can chicken broth (14.5 oz)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the chicken breasts and place them in the crockpot.
3️⃣ Make the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
4️⃣ Cook Low and Slow: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours (or HIGH for 3-4 hours).
5️⃣ Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the gravy.
6️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the flavorful chicken and gravy over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a delicious, comforting meal!
Notes
✅ For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup sour cream before serving.
✅ Want more flavor? Add 1 teaspoon onion powder or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the seasoning.
✅ Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours