When the hustle of daily life leaves little room for elaborate cooking, I often turn to my trusty slow cooker, and this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy has become a go-to favorite in my kitchen. The sight of tender chicken swimming in a creamy, savory gravy is undeniably comforting, evoking memories of family dinners gathered around the table. What makes this dish truly special is its remarkable ease — simply season, set, and forget! Within hours, your home will fill with mouthwatering aromas that beckon you to dinner.
Whether served over fluffy mashed potatoes, steaming rice, or even nestled atop waffles for a fun twist, the versatility of this recipe never fails to impress. And the best part? It’s family-friendly, requiring minimal prep time and maximum flavor to please even the pickiest of eaters. So let’s grab those ingredients and dive into a recipe that promises warmth and satisfaction, perfect for any night of the week!
Why is Crockpot Chicken and Gravy irresistible?
Ease of Preparation: This dish is a breeze to make—just season, combine, and let the slow cooker work its magic.
Savory Comfort: The creamy gravy envelops tender chicken, creating a heartwarming meal that reminds you of home.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether over rice, mashed potatoes, or even waffles, you can customize this dish to suit your cravings.
Family-Approved: With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s sure to delight even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make-ahead convenience means less stress on busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is bound to be a hit at gatherings, offering flavorful comfort that everyone will savor!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star of the dish; use fresh or frozen for ultimate convenience.
For the Gravy
• Garlic powder – Gives a delicious savory flavor; feel free to swap in fresh garlic for a bolder taste.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings; adjust to your preference, keeping in mind other salty ingredients.
• Chicken gravy mix (2 packets) – The base of the flavor profile; opt for homemade gravy if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) – Adds creaminess; can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
• Water (2 cups) – Vital for creating the gravy’s smooth consistency; adjust based on your desired thickness.
For the Creaminess
• Sour cream (½ cup) – Brings tang and richness; plain Greek yogurt or heavy cream can also work, but note heavy cream may thin the gravy.
For the Garnish
• Sliced green onions – Add a fresh touch and vibrant color to your dish; entirely optional!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
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Season the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides. This flavorful step ensures the chicken is tender and well-seasoned. -
Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In your slow cooker, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and water until smooth. You’ll want it to be well-combined for a perfectly cohesive gravy. -
Add the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the gravy mixture, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the rich flavors during cooking. -
Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. Take a moment to enjoy the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen during this time! -
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken using a fork right in the pot. Stir in the sour cream until well combined, giving the gravy a creamy consistency that’s irresistible. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy hot over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even noodles, and don’t forget garnish it with sliced green onions if you like!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and place the chicken breasts in the sautéed gravy mixture up to 24 hours in advance before cooking to save time on busy weeknights. Simply store the un-cooked mixture in your slow cooker insert (or an airtight container) in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just add the insert to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours as directed. To maintain quality, ensure it’s well-covered, preventing any browning or drying out. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious, comforting flavors with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy?
Imagine a hearty meal that warms your heart and satisfies your cravings—these delightful pairings bring your comfort food experience to life.
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Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: The classic creamy base absorbs all the rich, savory gravy, creating a match made in comfort food heaven.
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Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a refreshing crunch that beautifully contrasts the creamy texture of the chicken and gravy.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft and warm, these rolls are perfect for mopping up every last drop of gravy, enhancing that homestyle feel with every bite.
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Savory Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf adds an inviting nutty flavor that complements the dish while providing a delightful texture.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of honey-glazed carrots balances the savory richness, adding a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your plate.
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Coleslaw: A cool, tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the gravy, bringing a satisfying contrast to each mouthful.
Each of these suggestions elevates your meal, creating a warm gathering around the table that’s reminiscent of cherished family traditions.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Variations
Feel free to personalize this comforting classic with these delightful twists and swaps that will elevate your dish.
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Turkey Thighs: Swap chicken for turkey thighs for a rich, flavorful alternative—perfect for holiday meals!
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in frozen peas or sliced mushrooms when cooking for added nutrition and a pop of color. These additions not only taste great but contribute to a heartier meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce to the gravy for a fiery burst. This simple twist transforms the dish into something with a delightful kick that heat-seekers will love.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Toss them into the pot at the beginning for an aromatic flavor that takes your gravy to the next level.
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Creamy Alternatives: Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist—an excellent way to add protein while keeping it creamy. Just a slight change can add a nice depth to the flavor.
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Waffle Delight: For a creative breakfast version, serve the chicken and gravy over crispy waffles. This playful combination will surely impress at brunch!
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Stovetop Cooking: If you’re short on time, switch to a stovetop method. Brown the chicken first, then simmer everything on medium heat until cooked through—it will still be delicious!
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Lighter Gravy: Swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade or low-fat version to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor. Your comfort food can still be, well, comforting!
Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, ensuring they’re cooled down before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this comforting dish later, freeze the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be aware the texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to restore the gravy’s creaminess.
Thawing: For best results, thaw frozen gravy overnight in the fridge before reheating, allowing it to regain its delicious consistency.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
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Perfect Chicken Texture: Ensure your boneless, skinless chicken breasts are evenly seasoned for flavor and tenderness; avoid overcrowding the slow cooker.
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Gravy Thickness: If the gravy turns out too thin, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in while on high heat to achieve the desired thickness.
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Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, especially when cooking from frozen in your crockpot.
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Flavor Additions: For added depth, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or toss in veggies, like carrots or peas, for more nutritional value.
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Meal Prep Magic: This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals; it stores well as leftovers and freezes neatly for a later date.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken for my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are fresh and free from dark spots or blemishes. If using frozen chicken, ensure it’s packaged properly and doesn’t have any freezer burn. Regardless of freshness, always check that it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F during cooking!
How should I store leftovers from my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Very simple! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly once thawed.
Can I freeze my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy? What’s the best way?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy cool down completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Label each container with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I do if my gravy is too thin while cooking?
If you find that your gravy is too thin, don’t worry! Mixing 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water creates a slurry. Stir this mixture into the pot while it’s on high heat. Allow it to cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency. Remember to check the flavor and adjust any seasonings if necessary!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe?
Yes, definitely! While this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a delicious and comforting meal, it does contain items like cream of chicken soup, which may not be suitable for those with gluten or dairy allergies. You can opt for gluten-free gravy mix or make your own gravy and use a dairy substitute like Greek yogurt or almond milk instead. Also, note that while this dish is fantastic for family dinners, it’s best to keep it stored out of reach of pets due to the seasonings and creamy ingredients.
How can I adapt the recipe for my specific dietary needs?
You can easily make the recipe lighter by substituting the cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or using a plant-based cream for those avoiding dairy. If you’re keen for a vegetarian option, you could swap the chicken for a hearty veggie mix or tofu seasoned with your favorite herbs and spices. Just adjust cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly tender!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Comfort Food Made Effortless
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken by generously sprinkling garlic powder, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
- Whisk together chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and water in the slow cooker until smooth.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the gravy mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken in the pot and stir in sour cream until well combined.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.