Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

While it's always safest to use thawed chicken in slow cooker recipes for food safety reasons, you can use frozen chicken if you're in a pinch. Skip the browning step and add about an hour to your cooking time. Just be sure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before shredding.

My gravy is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?

If your gravy is too thin, the cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with equal parts cold water and stir into the hot gravy. If it's too thick, simply add more chicken broth, about ¼ cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even more tender meat. The cooking time remains approximately the same, but thighs are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative when making your roux. The result will be slightly different in richness but still delicious.

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe

This incredible Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is comfort food at its finest! Tender, juicy chicken slowly simmered in a rich, savory gravy that practically makes itself while you go about your day. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish will quickly become a family favorite in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: After just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Rich Flavor Development: The slow cooking process allows all those wonderful herbs and spices to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts transform into something spectacular with basic pantry ingredients, making this an economical meal that feeds a crowd.
Versatile Serving Options: This recipe creates a beautiful base that works with countless sides – from classic mashed potatoes to pasta, rice, or even stuffed into sandwiches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star protein that becomes wonderfully tender and easy to shred after slow cooking.
Olive Oil: Just enough to brown the chicken and lock in those flavors before slow cooking.
Seasoning Salt: Creates the flavorful foundation for the chicken; you can adjust to taste if you’re watching sodium intake.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These aromatics infuse the dish with savory notes without the extra prep of fresh garlic and onions.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the savory elements.
Butter: Creates richness in the gravy and helps form the roux for thickening.
Flour: Works with the butter to create a roux that gives the gravy body and texture.
Cornstarch: Your secret weapon for additional thickening power if your gravy needs it.
Chicken Broth: Forms the liquid base of your gravy; use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level.
Chicken Bouillon: Intensifies the chicken flavor; it’s like a flavor bomb for your gravy.
Dried Herbs (Parsley, Oregano, Thyme): These herbs add complexity and depth to your gravy without requiring fresh herbs.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the gravy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Transform this recipe by using boneless chicken thighs for even more tender, flavorful results. Turkey breast works beautifully too, making this an excellent post-holiday meal option.

Vegetable Additions

Turn this into a complete one-pot meal by adding vegetables during the last hour of cooking. Mushrooms, peas, carrots, or celery all complement the rich gravy wonderfully.

Flavor Twists

For a smoky variation, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A splash of white wine or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard can add unexpected complexity.

Dairy-Free Option

Replace the butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free butter substitute to make a roux for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Combine the seasoning salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Generously rub this mixture all over your chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This quick step adds incredible flavor that makes all the difference in the final dish.

Step 2: Create Your Gravy Base

In the same skillet (don’t waste those flavorful bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute until it forms a smooth paste. This is your roux – the secret to thick, velvety gravy. Gradually add 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until it begins to thicken.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Pour in the remaining 3 cups of chicken broth, then add the bouillon, additional garlic powder, onion powder, and all the dried herbs and spices. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine all those fantastic flavors. Transfer your browned chicken to the crockpot and pour this aromatic gravy mixture over the top.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender enough to practically fall apart when touched with a fork.

Step 5: Finalize Your Gravy

If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Shred and Serve

Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring it into the luscious gravy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken creates a caramelized exterior that adds tremendous depth to the final dish.
Deglaze the Pan: When making your gravy base, scrape up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet – they’re flavor gold!
Check Thickness Early: If your gravy seems too thin about an hour before serving, prepare your cornstarch slurry then. This gives it plenty of time to thicken properly.
Taste Before Serving: The flavors concentrate during slow cooking, so always taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving.
Rest the Gravy: If possible, let the finished dish stand for 10 minutes with the lid off before serving. This allows the gravy to set slightly and the flavors to balance.

How to Serve

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides, making it perfect for rotating through your meal plan without getting boring.

Classic Pairings

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, allowing that rich gravy to cascade down the sides. Fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles also make excellent beds for this dish.

Complete the Meal

Add steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots on the side for color and nutrition. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

Bread Options

Don’t forget something to soak up that amazing gravy! Serve with dinner rolls, crusty bread, or even buttermilk biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chicken and gravy keeps beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, with the flavor actually improving after a day as the herbs and spices continue to meld.

Freezing

Portion the cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for fantastic emergency meals!

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain the gravy’s consistency. Microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

While it’s always safest to use thawed chicken in slow cooker recipes for food safety reasons, you can use frozen chicken if you’re in a pinch. Skip the browning step and add about an hour to your cooking time. Just be sure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before shredding.
My gravy is too thin/thick. How can I fix it?

If your gravy is too thin, the cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Mix 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch with equal parts cold water and stir into the hot gravy. If it’s too thick, simply add more chicken broth, about ¼ cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even more tender meat. The cooking time remains approximately the same, but thighs are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative when making your roux. The result will be slightly different in richness but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy brings together simplicity and incredible flavor in one comforting dish. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your home smell amazing all day and delivers on that promise when dinner time arrives. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation. Give it a try—I’m confident it will become one of your go-to comfort food recipes!