My son has a soft spot for chicken. He doesn’t just like it—he builds his day around it. On quiet Saturdays, I wanted something comforting, something with that creamy, slow-cooked tenderness that only a crockpot can deliver—but without the hassle. This dish came together like a dream: toss everything in, let the house slowly fill with the savory scent of simmering gravy, and by dinnertime, I had a meal that made my little one clean his plate faster than I could blink.

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There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your family dig into a meal that took barely 10 minutes to prep. And the best part? Leftovers that taste just as good the next day. The flavors get cozier, the gravy gets richer, and my son still gets that twinkle in his eye when he knows dinner is chicken and gravy again.

If you’re after a no-fuss, all-flavor comfort dish that fills both bellies and hearts, this one belongs in your rotation.

Short Description

Creamy, savory Crockpot Chicken & Gravy made with tender chicken breasts, a rich, seasoned gravy, and minimal prep. Perfect for a cozy, hands-off dinner the whole family will devour.

Key Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 packets (about 1 ounce each) chicken gravy mix
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Tools Needed

6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Two forks (for shredding)
Measuring spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they aren’t stacked to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Mix the Gravy
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Pour and Season
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, covering each piece thoroughly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork and the gravy is rich and bubbling.

Step 5: Shred and Mix
Use two forks to gently shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together so the chicken absorbs that creamy gravy goodness.

Step 6: Serve it Up
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered egg noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Prep: Only 10 minutes to get everything into the crockpot.

Hands-Off Cooking: Set it and forget it while you go about your day.

Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, savory, and soul-soothing.

Versatile Base: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Using too much liquid
Solution: Stick to the 2 cups of broth. The soup and gravy mix already contribute plenty of moisture and flavor.

Mistake 2: Overcooking on high
Solution: If using the high setting, do not exceed 4 hours. Overcooked chicken turns stringy and dry.

Mistake 3: Not whisking the gravy mix thoroughly
Solution: Use a whisk (not a fork!) to ensure a smooth blend. Lumps will stay in the gravy as it cooks.

Mistake 4: Under-seasoning
Solution: Taste the gravy before pouring it in and adjust the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, or pepper accordingly.

Mistake 5: Skipping the shredding step
Solution: Shredding the chicken allows it to absorb more flavor and gives the dish its signature texture.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

1. Serve Over:

Creamy mashed potatoes

Buttery egg noodles

Fluffy white or brown rice

2. Pair With:

Roasted green beans

Steamed broccoli or carrots

A simple garden salad with vinaigrette

3. Serving Style:

Family-style in a large serving bowl

Plated individually with a side of warm dinner rolls

Buffet-style for casual gatherings

Storage and Reheating Tips

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

Freeze: Let the chicken and gravy cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

– On the stove: Gently warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickened too much.

– In the microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

– From frozen: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add even more flavor. Just reduce cooking time slightly as they cook faster.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free gravy mix and a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup.

3. What’s the best way to keep the gravy from becoming too thick?
If the gravy gets too thick after cooking, stir in a little warm chicken broth (1–2 tablespoons at a time) until desired consistency is reached.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough. You may need to increase the cooking time by 30–60 minutes depending on the size.

5. Can I prep this the night before?
Definitely. Assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Set it on to cook in the morning.

Tips & Tricks

– For an extra creamy result, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream after shredding the chicken.

– Add a pinch of paprika or thyme to the gravy for a little herby warmth.

– Stir in frozen peas or corn 30 minutes before serving for added color and texture.

– Use leftover chicken gravy over biscuits or toast for a comforting breakfast.

– Let the chicken rest in the hot gravy for 10 minutes before serving to absorb even more flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Gravy

Ingredient Swap: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

Flavor Add-ins: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and ½ teaspoon thyme to the gravy mix.

Cooking Tweak: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for added richness.

2. Spicy Ranch Chicken & Gravy

Ingredient Swap: Mix 1 packet of ranch seasoning with 1 packet of chicken gravy mix.

Spice It Up: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Flavor Profile: Tangy, zesty with a spicy kick—perfect over rice.

3. Lemon Herb Chicken & Gravy

Ingredient Swap: Add juice from ½ lemon and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the mix.

Cooking Tweak: Use low-sodium broth and skip added salt for a lighter, zesty flavor.

Serve With: Couscous or sautéed spinach for a Mediterranean twist.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy has earned its place in our weekly rotation not just for its rich, savory flavor but for the way it brings ease and joy to mealtime. It’s reliable, satisfying, and endlessly versatile.

Seeing my son light up with excitement when he smells this dish simmering is all the motivation I need to keep making it. It’s the kind of recipe you want on hand for busy weekdays, lazy Sundays, or whenever you just need a little cozy on your plate.

Crockpot Chicken And Gravy Recipe