Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe

Cozy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe for Effortless Dinners

Comfort arrives with this simple crockpot chicken & gravy that promises warmth in every delicious bite.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into something magical and deeply satisfying.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that whispers pure home-style goodness.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor through an incredibly forgiving cooking method.

Simple seasonings dance together, creating depth without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Weeknight dinners just became stress-free and delectable, with practically zero kitchen cleanup required.

What Makes Crockpot Chicken & Gravy So Comforting

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, transforming bland chicken into a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Versatile recipe allows serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, making it perfect for adapting to family preferences or using pantry staples.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Creamy, savory gravy and tender shredded chicken create a universally loved dish that satisfies both picky eaters and hungry crowds.
  • Stress-Free Cooking Solution: Hands-off cooking method means you can walk away and return to a delicious, home-cooked meal without constant monitoring or complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that becomes tender and easily shredded after slow cooking.
For the Soup Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a creamy and rich foundation for the gravy.
  • Chicken Gravy Mix: Enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce.
For the Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder: Brings a savory and aromatic depth to the chicken.
  • Water: Helps create the liquid base for cooking the chicken.
  • Sour Cream: Creates a tangy and creamy finish to the shredded chicken.

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Cooking Instructions

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Sprinkle black pepper and garlic powder generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece gets a good coating of seasoning for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Create Creamy Gravy Base

In the slow cooker, whisk together:
  • Water
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Chicken gravy mix

Blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined, creating a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 3: Nestle Chicken in Sauce

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, carefully coating each piece with the gravy mixture. Make sure the chicken is completely covered for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW heat. Allow the chicken to cook for 6-8 hours, letting the flavors meld and the meat become incredibly tender and easy to shred.

Step 5: Shred and Cream

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart into succulent, bite-sized pieces. Stir in sour cream to add a luxurious, tangy creaminess to the dish.

Step 6: Rest and Warm

Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the creamy, tender chicken over your favorite base like mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta.

Dig in and savor the comforting, homemade goodness.

Chicken & Gravy Tips for Best Results

  • Experiment with smoked paprika or Italian herbs to elevate the chicken's flavor profile beyond basic pepper and garlic powder.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are not overcooked by checking tenderness at the 6-hour mark to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.
  • Stir sour cream gently to avoid curdling and create a smooth, silky gravy texture that coats the shredded chicken perfectly.
  • Replace packaged gravy mix with homemade broth or low-sodium chicken stock to control salt content and make the dish healthier.
  • Prepare the chicken in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before reheating.

Chicken & Gravy Variations to Try Out

  • Herb-Infused Comfort: Replace garlic powder with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic herbal version that elevates the classic chicken recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to transform the gravy into a zesty southwestern-style chicken dish with bold flavors.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and dried oregano to give the chicken a Mediterranean-inspired profile with rich, tangy notes.
  • Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Mix in sautéed mushrooms and a splash of white wine to create a luxurious, earthy variation that adds depth to the original recipe.

Good Sides for Chicken & Gravy Dinners

Elevate Comfort Chicken: Perfect Pairings

  • Rustic Potato Companion: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chives for added texture and herbal brightness.
  • Wine Harmony Match: Pair with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio to complement the rich, creamy gravy and cut through the dish's hearty flavors.
  • Vegetable Balance Boost: Add roasted green beans or honey-glazed carrots on the side to introduce color, nutrition, and a slight sweetness that contrasts the savory chicken.
  • Fresh Bread Sidekick: Serve with warm, buttered crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy and complete the comforting meal experience.

Best Way to Store Chicken & Gravy Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining delicious flavor.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. The cream of chicken soup and gravy mix typically contain gluten. Look for gluten-free alternatives like cornstarch-based gravy mix and gluten-free cream soup to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • Can I substitute the sour cream?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt works perfectly as a replacement. It provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor while adding extra protein.

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Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe

Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 23 1x

Description

Heartwarming crockpot chicken & gravy combines tender meat with rich, silky sauce for comfort food magic. Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)

Gravy and Soup Base:

  • 2 packets chicken gravy mix
  • 1 (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, for serving

Instructions

  1. Generously season chicken breasts with aromatic black pepper and garlic powder for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Create a smooth, rich base by whisking water, cream of chicken soup, and chicken gravy mix directly in the crockpot until fully incorporated.
  3. Gently place seasoned chicken into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the savory gravy.
  4. Set crockpot to LOW temperature and allow chicken to slow cook for 6-8 hours, enabling meat to become incredibly tender and easily shreddable.
  5. Using two forks, carefully pull chicken apart into succulent, delicate strands within the cooking liquid.
  6. Introduce velvety sour cream into the shredded chicken, stirring to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
  7. Allow mixture to warm through for approximately 15 minutes, melding flavors and achieving optimal serving temperature.
  8. Present the creamy chicken over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or al dente pasta for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Experiment with different seasoning blends like Italian herbs or Cajun spices to add exciting flavor variations to the chicken.
  • Use low-sodium soup and gravy mix to control salt intake for those watching their sodium levels.
  • For a dairy-free version, swap sour cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt alternative.
  • Prep ingredients the night before to save morning cooking time and ensure a stress-free meal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 23
  • Calories: 141
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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