Slow Cooked Chicken And Gravy

On a normal day, slow-cooked chicken and gravy unexpectedly became a household favorite. On that day, I had thrown everything into the slow cooker on a busy afternoon, hoping for a comforting, no-fuss meal by dinnertime. The aroma that filled my kitchen as the hours passed was pure magic—rich, savory, and warm, like a cozy hug in food form.

When I finally lifted the lid, the tender chicken practically fell apart at the touch of my fork, soaking up the velvety, flavorful gravy. A quick whisk of sour cream transformed the sauce into something silky and indulgent. I spooned it generously over a pile of mashed potatoes, and with that first bite, I knew this recipe was a keeper.

Now, it’s one of those go-to meals when I need something hearty, easy, and undeniably delicious. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner, a weeknight comfort meal, or something to meal-prep ahead of time, this dish never disappoints. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause for a moment of gratitude before diving in—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Short Description

This slow-cooked chicken and gravy is the ultimate comfort food—tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Key Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 2 packets chicken gravy mix
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• ½ cup sour cream

Tools Needed

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs or two forks (for shredding chicken)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. No need to measure precisely—just make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and one can of water until smooth. This ensures a lump-free, rich sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the gravy mixture over them, making sure they are fully covered.

Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the gravy.

Step 5: Add the Sour Cream

Whisk the sour cream into the gravy until fully incorporated, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Let it warm through for a few minutes before serving.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or stuffing. Sprinkle with extra black pepper or fresh parsley for added flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy & Hands-Off – The slow cooker does all the work!

Comforting & Cozy – A rich, creamy gravy over tender chicken makes for the ultimate comfort meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers store beautifully for easy meals throughout the week.

Family-Friendly – Simple, delicious flavors that even picky eaters love.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Chicken turning out dry?
Use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts if you prefer even more tenderness. Cooking on low heat rather than high prevents the meat from drying out.

2. Gravy too thin?
Let the sauce cook uncovered for an extra 15-20 minutes to thicken. Or, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) before adding the sour cream.

3. Gravy too salty?
Use low-sodium gravy mix and soup to control salt levels, or add a splash of milk to mellow the flavor.

4. Lumpy gravy?
Whisk the gravy mix and soup together before pouring over the chicken to keep it smooth.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Classic: Over buttery mashed potatoes with steamed green beans.

Comfort Meal: Served with rice or egg noodles, topped with fresh parsley.

Southern-Style: Paired with cornbread and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Festive: As a filling for pot pies or served with stuffing at Thanksgiving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Heat over low, adding a splash of milk or broth if the gravy thickens too much.

Microwave: Warm in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. Using frozen chicken directly may result in a watery sauce.

2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then do a quick release.

3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or heavy cream for extra richness.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Carrots, peas, or mushrooms make great additions. Add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t turn mushy.

5. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup and swap sour cream for coconut milk or a plant-based alternative.

Tips & Tricks

Sear the chicken before slow cooking for a deeper, richer flavor.

Double the recipe and freeze portions for an easy future meal.

Use a hand mixer to shred the chicken quickly and evenly.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce to the gravy mixture.

Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic dish.

Creamy Mushroom: Replace ½ cup of water with heavy cream and add sautéed mushrooms.

Buffalo Style: Mix in ¼ cup buffalo sauce and serve with ranch dressing.

Final Thoughts

This slow-cooked chicken and gravy is just that—a simple, hearty dish that feels like a warm embrace at the end of a long day. Whether you enjoy it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even stuffed inside a sandwich, it’s the kind of comfort food that keeps you coming back for more.

I love how versatile it is—easy enough for a weeknight but cozy enough for Sunday dinner with family. And the best part? That rich, creamy gravy that soaks into everything it touches. If you’re looking for a meal that’s both effortless and unforgettable, this recipe is one to keep in your back pocket. Give it a try, and I promise, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!