Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you’re searching for the coziest comfort food with hardly any prep, Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is here to make dinner dreams come true! Tender chicken breasts simmer in a creamy, savory gravy that practically begs to be ladled over mashed potatoes or warm biscuits—this is the easy family meal you’ll want on repeat all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beautiful part—this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe calls for just a handful of essentials, each playing a key role in making the dish so craveable. You likely have most of these in your pantry already, and every ingredient adds a layer of texture, creaminess, or depth of flavor you’ll love.

• Cream of chicken soup: This brings the rich, creamy base for the gravy and helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
• Chicken gravy mix packets: They pack tons of savory flavor and thicken the sauce to that irresistible, pour-over-everything consistency.
• Chicken broth (optional): A little broth ensures things stay perfectly saucy and prevents anything from drying out—especially handy with longer cook times.
• Salt: Just a pinch helps balance and brighten all the flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Brings heat and aroma to every forkful—don’t skip it if you love a punch of flavor!
• Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: These soak up all the flavors in the slow cooker and shred easily for a comforting, hearty texture.

Variations

One of my favorite aspects of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is how easily you can switch things up! Whether you’re dealing with ingredient swaps, food allergies, or just want a fresh twist, these adaptations are right at your fingertips.

• Use Thighs Instead of Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs deliver even more juicy, tender bites and stand up to longer cooking times.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute with a dairy-free cream soup and plant-based gravy mix to fit your dietary needs without losing that signature richness.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas during the last hour to bulk it up and sneak in some veggies.
• Spice It Up: Stir in a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra flavor kick that perks up the entire pot.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Mix the Gravy Ingredients

Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, both packets of gravy mix, chicken broth (if using), salt, and pepper directly in the bottom of your slow cooker. I love how all those flavors meld right from the start—your kitchen will start to smell amazing even before you hit “Start.”

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the skinless, boneless chicken breasts into the saucy mixture, turning them once or twice so they’re fully coated. Nestling them in ensures they’ll soak up every bit of that luscious gravy as they cook.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours. There’s no peeking or fussing needed—just let your slow cooker do all the work while the chicken becomes fall-apart-tender and the gravy thickens to perfection.

Step 4: Shred and Stir

About ten minutes before serving, use a hand mixer (on low speed) or two forks to carefully shred the chicken right in the pot. After a quick stir, every strand of chicken is coated in flavor-packed gravy, ready for dinner time!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

This dish is all about ultimate coziness, so keep things classic: a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives on top adds color and freshness. For a little extra flair, a crack of black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika is the easiest finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy absolutely shines over fluffy mashed potatoes, but don’t stop there—try it on steamed rice, buttery egg noodles, or even split-open biscuits. Roasted green beans, corn, or a simple side salad round things out for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive (but still easy!) presentation, serve the shredded chicken and gravy inside hollowed-out bread bowls or ladle it into a casserole dish, topping with puff pastry for a homestyle chicken pot pie vibe. Mini slider buns also turn this weeknight dinner into a fun party bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a total lifesaver for busy days! Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days—the flavors only get better as they mingle.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken and gravy gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the gravy seems too thick, just whisk in a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy a spot in your cozy dinner routine—there’s just something magical about how such simple ingredients come together with barely any work. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish guarantees hearty smiles at the table. Let me know how you serve yours!

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