Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights feel effortless and comforting at the same time. Within minutes of prep, you can set everything in your slow cooker and let it gently simmer into tender, juicy chicken coated in rich, savory gravy. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a deeply satisfying dinner that tastes like you spent hours cooking. Whether you serve it as gravy over rice, spoon it onto creamy mashed potatoes, or ladle it over egg noodles, this dish delivers dependable, cozy flavor every single time.
Story
I first made Crockpot Chicken and Gravy during a particularly busy season when I needed a dependable easy dinner that required almost no supervision. I wanted something hearty, something that felt like true comfort food, yet simple enough to prepare in the morning before work. After experimenting with a few variations of slow cooker chicken recipes, this version quickly became a family meal staple.
The beauty of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy lies in its simplicity. Boneless chicken breasts cook slowly in a rich mixture of cream of chicken soup and savory gravy mix, creating a silky sauce that thickens naturally as it simmers. Because Crockpot Chicken and Gravy cooks low and slow, the chicken stays moist and becomes fork-tender without any complicated techniques. Every time I lift the lid after hours of cooking, the aroma alone promises a satisfying meal. Now, whenever I need a reliable slow cooker chicken recipe that guarantees both flavor and convenience, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is my first choice.
Ingredients
-
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
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2 packets chicken gravy mix
-
1/2 cup water (optional, for thinner gravy)
-
Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
-
Cooked rice, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
Next, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add the cream of chicken soup and both packets of gravy mix. If you prefer thinner gravy for pouring generously over rice, include the 1/2 cup water. If you want thick gravy that clings to the chicken, skip the water. Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined.
Cooking Instructions
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the seasoned chicken breasts, covering them completely. Secure the lid on the slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Allow the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to cook for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the slow cooker chicken will absorb the flavors while the gravy thickens beautifully.
After 4 hours, check for doneness. The chicken should shred easily with a fork. Once fully cooked, use two forks to break the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly inside the slow cooker. Stir gently so the shredded chicken becomes fully coated in the rich gravy.
Serve immediately over hot steamed rice, allowing the gravy over rice to soak in for maximum flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
First, avoid cooking on HIGH heat unless absolutely necessary. Cooking low and slow keeps the chicken moist and prevents toughness. Second, do not overcook beyond six hours on LOW. If you need to extend the cooking time, switch to the WARM setting to maintain tenderness.
Also, resist the urge to lift the lid frequently. Each time you open the slow cooker, heat escapes and lengthens cooking time. Finally, balance the liquid carefully. Too much water will thin the gravy excessively, while skipping water creates a thicker consistency.
Pro Tips for Better Flavor
For deeper flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder to the gravy mixture before cooking. You can also substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the same comforting base.
If you enjoy vegetables in your family meal, add sliced carrots at the beginning of cooking. Stir in frozen peas or green beans during the final 30 minutes. These additions create a complete comfort food dinner in one pot.
For an extra-rich texture, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking. This simple addition creates silky, restaurant-style gravy.
Serving and Storage
How to Serve
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice, making it a classic gravy over rice dinner. However, you can also serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for an even heartier comfort food experience. Egg noodles provide another satisfying option that absorbs the savory sauce wonderfully.
For a balanced plate, add a side of steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a crisp garden salad. The rich gravy contrasts nicely with fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded easy dinner.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture and stir well while warming.
This slow cooker chicken also freezes exceptionally well. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy proves that simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying results. With minimal prep and reliable slow cooking, you can serve a comforting family meal that feels homemade and hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it over rice, potatoes, or noodles, this recipe delivers dependable flavor every time. Give it a try, and let your slow cooker transform everyday ingredients into a warm, comforting dinner your whole family will request again and again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken?
Yes, cream of mushroom, celery, or even cheddar cheese soup works well in this recipe. Each variation slightly changes the flavor but maintains the same creamy consistency.
When should I add the water?
Add water if you prefer thinner gravy that pours easily over rice. Skip the water if you want thick, spoonable gravy that coats the chicken generously.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out if it cooks longer than 6 hours?
Switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting after six hours. Alternatively, add an extra 1/4 cup of water to maintain moisture during extended cooking.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Tender slow cooker chicken cooked in rich, savory gravy and served over rice for the perfect comfort food family meal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and water if using.
- Pour mixture over chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
- Shred chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir into gravy.
- Serve over hot cooked rice.
Notes
- Cook on LOW for best texture.
- Switch to WARM after 6 hours to prevent drying.
- Add 1/4 cup extra water if cooking longer.
- Add vegetables like carrots at start or peas in last 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
