Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
If you are craving a comforting, soul-warming meal that feels like a big cozy hug, the Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy gravy that melts in your mouth, and best of all, it practically cooks itself while you go about your day. The simplicity of the ingredients and effortless preparation make this recipe a go-to favorite for weeknights or even lazy weekends when you want something delicious without the fuss. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a staple in your home cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component’s role is essential for balancing flavor, texture, and richness, making sure your Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken for the best tenderness; this is the star protein that soaks up all the flavor.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: This adds that classic, savory gravy base that brings comfort and depth.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creaminess central, it creates a luscious texture that clings to every bite of chicken.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Enhances the flavor and ensures the sauce is perfectly saucy without being too thick or thin.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle kick of warmth that complements the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and umami depth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings vital for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
- Mashed potatoes or rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up every bit of that delicious gravy.
How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Place the Chicken in the Crock-Pot
Start by laying your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the crock-pot. This direct contact with the slow heat ensures the chicken steams beautifully and stays moist throughout the cooking process. It’s the foundation for the tender texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Gravy Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is silky smooth. This combination is what gives your dish that irresistible gravy flavor – creamy, savory, and loaded with comforting notes that pair perfectly with the chicken.
Step 3: Pour the Gravy Over Chicken
Pour your well-blended gravy mixture directly over the chicken breasts in the crock-pot. Make sure the chicken is nicely covered because this will allow all those amazing flavors to really soak in as they slow cook. The liquid also keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Cover your crock-pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Patience is key here – slow cooking lets the chicken become incredibly tender, almost falling apart, while the gravy thickens and deepens in flavor. By the time your kitchen fills with that comforting aroma, you’ll know it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Mix
Once the cooking time is up, grab two forks and shred the chicken directly in the crock-pot. Mix it well with the gravy to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. This shredding step is vital because it turns your chicken into bite-sized, gravy-soaked tidbits that make each spoonful pure bliss.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the chicken and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, allowing the gravy to soak into every bite. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful, fresh touch. Then sit back and enjoy that perfect home-cooked comfort meal you just created!
How to Serve Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
While the fresh parsley optional garnish adds a pop of bright green and a hint of herbal freshness, you can also experiment with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a touch of paprika for a little color and smoky hint. These small finishing touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise without overpowering the cozy gravy base.
Side Dishes
This Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes or lightly seasoned rice, both perfect for soaking up all the luscious gravy. For a vegetable side, steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad provide a fresh counterpoint, adding color and texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken and gravy as a hearty filling inside flaky biscuits or over warm buttered egg noodles for a twist on traditional presentation. You could also spoon it onto toasted bread for an open-faced gravy sandwich that’s unexpectedly delightful. These creative ideas make the dish fresh and exciting for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy packed tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week. The flavors often deepen after a day or two, so leftovers can taste even better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully, so if you’re making a big batch, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a no-fuss meal on busy days or when you want comfort food in a flash.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or drying out. You can add a splash of chicken broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered for 1-2 minutes until heated through, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work beautifully in this Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe and tend to be even more tender and flavorful due to the higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but slow cooking handles thighs wonderfully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup you use; many brands contain gluten. Look specifically for gluten-free versions of these ingredients if you need to make the dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crock-pot?
Yes! You can use the Instant Pot’s slow cooker setting or try the pressure cook function for faster results. Just reduce the cooking time significantly when using pressure cook, generally about 10-15 minutes plus natural release, then shred the chicken and mix with the gravy ingredients.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be creamy but not overly thick, having a smooth consistency that lightly coats the chicken. If it’s too thick after cooking, adding a bit more chicken broth will loosen it up nicely. If it’s too thin, you can thicken by simmering it uncovered on the stovetop for a few minutes.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade?
Certainly! A homemade cream sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk or cream can be substituted if you prefer to avoid canned soup. Just make sure your sauce isn’t too thin before combining with the chicken gravy mix to maintain the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that feel like a warm embrace, the Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is one you have to try. Simple, satisfying, and utterly comforting, it’s perfect for busy days and lazy evenings alike. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings effortless coziness to the table every time.
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Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Crock-Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful homemade gravy. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for serving over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, ideal for busy days or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gravy
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Serve
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Mashed potatoes or rice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot ensuring they are spread evenly for uniform cooking.
- Mix the gravy: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, well-combined gravy mixture.
- Combine in crockpot: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is fully covered to absorb all flavors while cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the gravy so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over prepared mashed potatoes or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired to add a pop of color and a fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Cooking time varies depending on your slow cooker’s size and heat settings; check chicken tenderness before shredding.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.
- For thicker gravy, remove lid during the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Use low sodium chicken broth if you want to control the salt content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
