If you’re someone who enjoys the luxury of coming home to a warm, hearty meal without the stress of last-minute preparation, then crockpot chicken and gravy is about to become your best friend. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a savory gravy that’s rich in flavor, all thanks to your slow cooker. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, family dinners, or just when you need a comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even bread, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.
What Is Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Crockpot chicken and gravy is exactly what it sounds like—chicken cooked in a crockpot with a luscious, velvety gravy. The slow cooker works wonders to tenderize the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful. The gravy, often made from a combination of chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasoning, envelops the chicken in a comforting, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
This dish falls squarely into the category of “set it and forget it” meals. You can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning and come back later to a fully cooked meal, ready to serve. It’s one of those recipes that has stood the test of time in American kitchens because of its ease and satisfying nature.
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Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
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- Author: Rachel Adams
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting slow cooker meal made with tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for busy weeknights and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the chicken into the slow cooker.
- Whisk together gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Shred the chicken and stir it back into the gravy.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For thicker gravy, add a cornstarch slurry during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Chicken thighs may be used for more flavor and tenderness.
- Add sour cream at the end for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 95
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have these simple ingredients on hand:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
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1 packet of chicken gravy mix (or homemade if you prefer)
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1 can of cream of chicken soup (you can use a lower-fat or gluten-free version if needed)
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1 cup of chicken broth (or water, but broth adds extra flavor)
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1 tsp of garlic powder
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1 tsp of black pepper
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1/2 tsp of salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 cup of sour cream (optional, for a richer gravy)
For this recipe, you’ll need a 5-6 quart slow cooker. This size is perfect for cooking the chicken breasts and giving the gravy enough room to thicken. A large spoon for mixing and measuring cups will also come in handy.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
1. Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. You don’t need to overdo it with the seasoning because the gravy will add plenty of flavor as it cooks.
2. Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Whisk it until smooth. If you want a richer, creamier gravy, add the sour cream at this point. Stir to combine, then pour the gravy mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Cook in the Crockpot
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4–6 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 2–3 hours. The chicken will become tender and shred easily once it’s fully cooked. You can check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F for safe consumption.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, or you can return it to the pot to shred it in the gravy. This will allow the chicken to absorb even more of the flavorful sauce.
5. Serve
Now that your crockpot chicken and gravy is ready, it’s time to serve it! Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when served with a side of green beans or roasted veggies.

Serving & Side Dish Ideas
While crockpot chicken and gravy is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides makes it even better.
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Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice. The creamy potatoes soak up the gravy beautifully, making every bite a burst of comfort.
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Rice: Whether you go for white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, rice is always a great base.
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Egg Noodles: These soft noodles are perfect for sopping up all that rich gravy.
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Biscuits or Bread: If you want something a little different, serve the chicken and gravy over a warm biscuit or slice of crusty bread. This will make your meal even heartier.
Don’t forget to add a fresh green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a salad to balance out the rich flavors!
Dietary Variations & Substitutions
You don’t have to miss out on this delicious recipe if you’re following a special diet. Here are some easy substitutions to make crockpot chicken and gravy fit your dietary needs:
Gluten-Free
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free chicken gravy mix and ensure your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free. You can make your own gravy base with cornstarch and chicken broth if you prefer. This way, you won’t have to compromise on flavor!
Low-Calorie
To reduce the calorie content, switch out the sour cream for Greek yogurt or non-fat plain yogurt. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option. If you want to cut back on fat, go for a lighter version of the cream of chicken soup.
Vegan/Vegetarian
For a vegan or vegetarian twist, substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan, both of which hold up well in the slow cooker. Use vegetable broth and opt for a vegan cream of mushroom or vegan “cream of” soup. If you’re missing the chicken flavor, add some soy sauce or liquid aminos for depth.
Halal/Kosher
If you’re following Halal or Kosher dietary laws, make sure your chicken is certified, and opt for a Halal/Kosher-certified gravy mix and cream of chicken soup.
With these simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious, customizable version of crockpot chicken and gravy, no matter your dietary preferences.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about crockpot chicken and gravy is that it keeps well and can be enjoyed for several meals.
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In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2–3 months. Make sure to separate the gravy and chicken if you want to reheat them individually.
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Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or water if it thickens too much. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir it halfway through.
If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Then just plug in the crockpot in the morning and come home to a ready-made meal.
Crockpot chicken and gravy is truly a game-changer when it comes to weeknight meals. It’s easy, comforting, and can be adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re feeding your family or making dinner for yourself, this slow-cooked dish is sure to satisfy and impress!
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in crockpot chicken and gravy?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which will enhance the overall dish. Cooking times remain the same, but thighs will yield a slightly richer gravy.
How do I thicken the gravy in crockpot chicken and gravy?
If the gravy turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stirring it into the gravy. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on low heat, and the gravy will thicken up nicely.
Can I make crockpot chicken and gravy without cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can make a homemade gravy mix using chicken broth, butter, and flour to replace the cream of chicken soup. This will give you a more homemade flavor while keeping the gravy rich and thick.
How do I store leftovers of crockpot chicken and gravy?
To store leftovers, simply place the chicken and gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. If you want to freeze it, store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2–3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
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