Ultimate Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy – dinner doesn’t get much easier or more satisfying than this! Enjoy creamy, comforting, and incredibly tender chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy.
There are some recipes that stand the test of time, becoming beloved classics in kitchens across generations. This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is undoubtedly one of them. It’s renowned for its effortless preparation, yet it consistently delivers a deeply comforting and utterly delicious meal that will have everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds. The chicken emerges from the slow cooker incredibly tender and juicy, having simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy that coats every piece. For anyone navigating the demands of busy weeknights, this recipe is a true lifesaver and is guaranteed to become a regular fixture in your meal rotation.
One of the greatest advantages of this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is its minimal hands-on time. You’ll spend about 5 minutes on initial prep work, and then your trusty slow cooker takes over, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-tasting meal. This makes it an ideal solution for those days when you need a hearty, home-cooked dinner but find yourself short on time. All the required ingredients are common pantry staples, meaning you can whip up this delightful dish whenever the craving strikes, without a last-minute dash to the grocery store. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that promises big flavor with little effort.
Did you know that the versatility of your crockpot extends beyond savory meals? You can also create fantastic desserts! If you’re looking for a sweet midweek treat, these Crockpot Brownies are an excellent choice, proving just how much your slow cooker can do.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Before you dive into cooking, let’s gather the simple ingredients that make this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy so incredibly good. Remember to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and quick cooking. However, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also a fantastic option if you prefer dark meat, offering a slightly richer flavor and even more tenderness. Ensure your chicken is thawed for best results and food safety.
- Chicken Gravy Packets: These convenient packets are key to creating the rich, savory gravy quickly and easily. They provide a fantastic base of flavor and consistency. You’ll typically find them in the seasoning or baking aisle of your supermarket.
- Chicken Broth: We always opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to your personal preference. Feel free to use regular chicken broth if preferred, but you might want to adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A classic ingredient in many comfort food recipes, cream of chicken soup adds a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor to the gravy. It helps create that signature velvety texture that makes this dish so appealing.
- Garlic Powder: A staple spice that contributes a warm, aromatic note without the need for fresh garlic prep. It’s easily incorporated into the liquid ingredients.
- Paprika: This vibrant spice adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful color to the gravy. While optional, it enhances the overall aesthetic and flavor profile. You can use sweet or smoked paprika for a slightly different nuance.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. You’ll use them to season both the chicken and the gravy mixture.
- Sour Cream: Added at the end of the cooking process, sour cream is the secret to achieving that irresistible tang and extra creamy richness in your gravy. It mellows the flavors and adds a luxurious finish.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
Making this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, comforting meal every time:
- Prepare the Gravy Base: In the base of your slow cooker, combine the chicken gravy packets, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free. This ensures a consistent, creamy gravy texture.
- Season and Place the Chicken: Lightly season both sides of your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) with additional salt and black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors. Gently nestle the seasoned chicken pieces into the prepared gravy mixture in the crockpot, making sure they are submerged or well-coated.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your crockpot. Cook on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken; it should register an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C). Cooking on low ensures the chicken remains incredibly tender and doesn’t dry out.
- Enhance the Gravy: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside on a clean plate. Stir the sour cream into the hot gravy mixture remaining in the crockpot until it is fully incorporated and the gravy takes on a richer, creamier consistency.
- Shred and Combine: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to serve and ensures every bite is coated in that delicious gravy. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring gently to coat all the chicken thoroughly with the creamy gravy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s fantastic served warm over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even alongside some fresh egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color if desired.
Perfect Pairings: What Goes With Crockpot Chicken And Gravy
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our top recommendations to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing! The rich gravy is perfect for soaking into fluffy mashed potatoes, creating an ultimate comfort food experience. Try a flavored mashed potato recipe for an extra kick.
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: For a lighter alternative to potatoes, fragrant jasmine rice provides an excellent base for the chicken and gravy, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: A perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside baked potato makes a wonderful side. You can load it with the chicken and gravy for a hearty meal.
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Adding a vibrant green vegetable like roasted Brussels sprouts provides a lovely textural contrast and a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the gravy.
- Warm French Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget something to sop up every last drop of that incredible gravy! Soft, fresh dinner rolls or slices of French bread are always a hit.
- Butter Swim Biscuits: For a truly indulgent comfort meal, serve with warm, flaky butter swim biscuits. They’re perfect for soaking up the savory gravy.
Achieving the Perfect Gravy Consistency: How to Thicken Your Gravy
Sometimes, your chicken might be extra juicy, or if you’ve added additional vegetables, they can release extra liquid into the crockpot, causing your gravy to thin out more than desired. If you prefer a thicker, more luscious gravy, it’s an easy fix that only takes about 10 extra minutes of cooking time!
- Prepare a Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cold water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. This is called a slurry. Using cold water is crucial to prevent the cornstarch from clumping.
- Incorporate and Cook: Once the slurry is smooth, gradually stir it into the gravy mixture in the crockpot with the shredded chicken. Ensure it’s fully combined.
- Simmer to Thicken: Replace the lid on the crockpot and let it cook for about 10 more minutes on the LOW setting. The heat will activate the cornstarch, causing the gravy to thicken beautifully. After 10 minutes, check the consistency; if you desire it even thicker, you can repeat the process with another small slurry, but usually one application is sufficient.
Once your gravy reaches your desired thickness, it’s ready to be served immediately, coating your tender chicken and chosen sides in a velvety smooth sauce!
Elevating Your Meal: Can I Add Vegetables to Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Yes, absolutely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to make this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy a complete one-pot meal, boosting its nutritional value and adding more textures and flavors. The key is to choose relatively quick-cooking vegetables so they become tender without turning mushy during the slow cooking process with the chicken.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button) are an excellent addition. They absorb the gravy’s flavors beautifully and add an earthy depth. Add them at the beginning with the chicken.
- Green Beans: Fresh or frozen green beans can be added during the last hour of cooking to ensure they are tender-crisp, not overcooked.
- Carrots: Peeled and sliced carrots (or baby carrots) add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. They can be added at the beginning, as they take longer to soften.
- Sweet Corn: Frozen sweet corn can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, simply warming through and adding a burst of sweetness.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Just consider their cooking times and add them accordingly to achieve the best results.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
To ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Always Use Thawed Chicken: For both food safety and optimal cooking results, crockpot chicken recipes, especially those with shorter cooking times, truly should use thawed chicken. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker means it spends too long in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria can multiply rapidly. Additionally, starting with frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking, resulting in dry edges and an undercooked center. Always thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup Option: While canned cream of chicken soup offers incredible convenience, if you’re not a fan of canned soups or simply prefer a homemade touch, you can easily make your own Cream of Chicken Soup. Using a homemade version will give the gravy a fresher, more robust flavor. It can be directly substituted for the condensed soup in this recipe and any other casserole or slow cooker dish.
- Prevent Overcooked Chicken: Chicken cooks relatively quickly, even on a low heat setting in some crockpots, especially if your slow cooker runs hot. Overcooked chicken can become tough and dry, which is a common complaint for slow cooker chicken dishes. To avoid this, it’s best to check the chicken with an instant-read meat thermometer after about 2.5-3 hours on low. Once it reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C), it’s done. You can remove it, shred it, and return it to the gravy to keep warm while the gravy finishes cooking or thickens.
- Don’t Forget the Veggies!: As mentioned above, transforming this dish into a full, balanced meal is as simple as adding your favorite quick-cooking vegetables. Refer to our “Can I Add Vegetables” section for ideas and tips on when to add them for perfect tenderness. This boosts nutrition and makes dinner even easier!
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Always taste your gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Different brands of broth, gravy packets, and cream of chicken soup can vary in sodium content, so a final taste test is key to perfect seasoning.
Our recipe specifically calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are an excellent choice for this dish due to their lean nature and ability to shred easily into the gravy. However, if you prefer a richer flavor and even more tender results, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an equally fantastic option. Dark meat tends to stay juicier during slow cooking. If you opt for chicken with bones or skin, be aware that the cooking time will change significantly, and you’ll need to adjust accordingly, ensuring it cooks until tender and reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
No, it is highly recommended to start with thawed chicken for food safety reasons when making Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, or any slow cooker chicken recipe. According to the USDA, raw frozen meat should not be cooked in a slow cooker because it takes too long to reach a safe temperature, allowing harmful bacteria to multiply. Beyond safety, starting with frozen chicken in a crockpot can also lead to an inferior culinary result. The outside of the chicken will cook much faster than the center, causing the outer layers to become dry and tough by the time the inside is safely cooked. For the best taste, texture, and safety, always thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the crockpot.
Absolutely! If you have a cherished homemade gravy recipe, you can certainly use it as the base for this slow cooker chicken. For best results, you will want to prepare approximately 2 cups of your homemade gravy. Before adding it to the crockpot, you might want to thin it out slightly with a little chicken broth, as slow cooking can sometimes reduce liquids. Pour it over the chicken, and let it cook as directed. If you find your homemade gravy thins out too much during cooking, refer to our recipe notes above on how to easily thicken it before serving for that perfect consistency.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, proper storage is key to enjoying them later. Transfer any remaining chicken and gravy to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures its freshness and quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few simple ways to reheat them:
- Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through. Adding a splash of extra chicken broth or water can help if the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge.
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely and microwave on medium power, stirring every minute, until hot. Be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the chicken.
Enjoying this comforting meal doesn’t have to stop after the first serving!
Discover More Easy Crockpot Recipes
If you loved the ease and deliciousness of this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, you’ll be thrilled to explore more fantastic slow cooker meals that simplify dinner time:
- Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Tender, smoky pulled pork perfect for sandwiches or tacos.
- Slow Cooker Pork Roast: A savory and tender pork roast that’s ideal for a hearty family dinner.
- Crockpot Potato Soup: Creamy, comforting potato soup, perfect for a chilly evening.
- Slow Cooker Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops cooked in a rich sauce.
- Mississippi Chicken: A viral sensation known for its incredible flavor with minimal ingredients.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 packages chicken gravy mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In the base of your crockpot, whisk together chicken gravy packets with cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the flavorful base for your gravy.
- Season the chicken breasts lightly with additional salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor. Carefully nestle the seasoned chicken pieces into the prepared gravy mixture, ensuring they are partially submerged.
- Place the lid securely on the crockpot. Cook on the LOW setting for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through. To ensure safety and prevent overcooking, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165º F (74º C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and set it aside. Stir the sour cream into the hot gravy mixture vigorously until it is fully incorporated and the gravy becomes even creamier and slightly tangy.
- Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into desired bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, stirring it gently into the rich, creamy gravy to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated.
- Serve your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy hot over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used and preparation methods.
Additional Info
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