If you’re looking for a comforting, fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is the one to try. The tender chicken slowly simmers all day, soaking up the rich, flavorful gravy made with simple pantry staples. It’s effortless to prepare, and the creamy, savory sauce pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides to create a meal that’s satisfying and soul-soothing. This recipe truly proves that delicious comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the tender chicken to the savory gravy base. These essentials come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and irresistibly satisfying.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
- 2 cups chicken broth: This adds rich, savory depth and helps keep the chicken moist while cooking.
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: A simple flavor booster packed with herbs and onion goodness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that thickens the gravy beautifully; homemade versions work great too.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of warm, aromatic garlic without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Just enough to bring a mild kick and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional): Provides a gentle smokiness and lovely color to the gravy.
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional): Stirred in at the end for an extra creamy, tangy touch that takes the gravy to the next level.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs neatly at the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a great base for the gravy to work its magic while keeping the chicken moist and tender during the long cooking process.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce Ingredients
In a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk together chicken broth, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional paprika. This mixture is the heart of your rich, flavorful gravy that will infuse the chicken with incredible taste as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour your prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This step helps the chicken soak up even more of the savory gravy and creates a luscious, hearty texture perfect for serving.
Step 5: Add Sour Cream for Creaminess
For a richer, creamier gravy, stir in about 1/4 cup of sour cream right into the crockpot. This little addition makes the sauce velvety smooth and adds a slight tang that balances perfectly with the savory notes.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is now perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed. Spoon it generously over your favorite side, and get ready to dig into comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds not only a confident pop of color but also a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the gravy. For a bit of texture, toasted sliced almonds or crispy fried onions on top can elevate the dish even further.
Side Dishes
This dish practically demands classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every last bit of delicious gravy. But don’t stop there—biscuits, buttered noodles, or even roasted vegetables all make fantastic partners to this rich, homestyle meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken and gravy over a warm biscuit split in half for a comforting open-faced sandwich. Another idea is layering it atop fluffy cooked rice and topping with sautéed mushrooms or green beans for extra flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the flavors intensify overnight, the dish tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for quick, comforting lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months without sacrificing much flavor. Make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the gravy becomes too thick after storage, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back that perfect saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content, but both breasts and thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. Choose whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Is it okay to substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade version?
Yes, making your own cream of chicken soup substitute is a great way to control ingredients and avoid preservatives. Just blend chicken broth, flour, and milk or cream to create a similar creamy base for the gravy.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low to save time?
Definitely. Cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours will still produce tender chicken and delicious gravy, but the low-and-slow method tends to yield a bit more tender texture and deeper flavor development.
What can I serve this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe with for a low-carb option?
For a low-carb meal, serve the shredded chicken and gravy over cauliflower mash or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus instead of potatoes or rice.
How do I make the gravy thicker if it’s too thin after cooking?
If your gravy is thinner than you’d like, whisk together a small amount of cornstarch or flour with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is one of those timeless, comforting dishes that feels like home in every bite. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile — perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekend meals. Once you try it, you’ll likely keep coming back, and maybe even share it as your own little secret for cozy dinners. Give it a go, and enjoy every delicious forkful!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, shredded chicken cooked slowly in a creamy, flavorful gravy made with onion soup mix and cream of chicken soup. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it’s ideal served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creamier gravy)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot to form an even layer for slow cooking.
- Mix Gravy Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly inside the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly into the flavorful gravy to absorb all the tastes.
- Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream to the shredded chicken and gravy mixture for a richer, creamier texture (this step is optional).
- Serve: Spoon the hot chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or biscuits. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier meat.
- Omit the sour cream for a lighter gravy.
- Use homemade cream of chicken soup as a healthier alternative.
- The paprika adds color and subtle flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
