Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food without the hassle, this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is a total game-changer. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s unbelievably simple yet packs serious flavor. Picture tender chicken soaked in rich, velvety gravy, all slowly cooked until everything melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to crockpot cooking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe ridiculously easy and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Most are staples you probably already have, making it a breeze to pull together last minute or plan ahead.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I love using breasts here because they shred easily and stay tender, but thighs work great too if you want more flavor.
• Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: This is your secret weapon for that creamy gravy texture—make sure it’s unsalted so you control the seasoning.
• Chicken gravy mix (dry): Important: use the dry mix only, don’t make gravy separately—this keeps things simple and thickens the sauce perfectly.
• Water or chicken broth: Optional, but I sometimes add a bit to loosen the sauce if I want more gravy to spoon over rice.
• Hot steamed rice: The classic base for serving this dish—you want something fluffy to soak up all that flavorful gravy.

Variations

I’m all for making recipes your own, and this crockpot chicken & gravy is no exception. Over the years, I’ve tried a few tweaks that really made it feel special, and I encourage you to experiment too!

• Swap the chicken: I sometimes use chicken thighs or tenderloins instead of breasts—they’re juicier and sometimes faster to cook.
• Add veggies: Frozen peas, carrots, or green beans stirred in during the last hour make this a one-pot meal with extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: A dash of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a subtle kick that my family actually enjoys surprisingly much!
• Use broth instead of water: I discovered this trick when I wanted more depth to the gravy without extra seasoning—chicken broth is a game changer.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. I like to season them lightly with salt and pepper here—just a pinch to enhance flavor, but don’t overdo it since the soup and gravy mix have salt. If you’re working with frozen chicken, no worries—just plan for a longer cook time so it cooks all the way through.

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and the dry chicken gravy packets. If you want a bit thinner sauce, add up to half a cup of water or chicken broth, but I usually keep it thicker for ladling over rice. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in your crockpot. This is what creates that luscious, creamy gravy while the chicken cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it to LOW. Let it cook for about 4-6 hours. I like to check closer to 4 hours if cooking fresh chicken breasts, but if frozen, lean towards 6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and easy to shred with a fork. The gravy should be thickened and bubbly around the edges.

Step 4: Shred and Serve

Before serving, I find it easiest to break the chicken breasts apart right in the crockpot using two forks—this way the gravy coats every piece. Serve it hot over steamed rice, and don’t forget to spoon extra gravy on top for that ultimate comfort bite.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple and fresh—sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top adds a lovely bright note that contrasts the rich gravy. Sometimes a little cracked black pepper or a squirt of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

Serving this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy over hot steamed rice is my go-to. But if you want to mix it up, try creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a crusty piece of bread to soak up that incredible gravy. For veggies, roasted green beans or a simple side salad balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One favorite trick I use for special dinners is plating the shredded chicken and gravy over a bed of wild rice pilaf, garnished with toasted slivered almonds and fresh herbs. It feels fancy but is still effortless. You can even turn it into a gravy-loaded pot pie filling—just spoon the mixture into a pie crust and bake until golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Crockpot Chicken & Gravy in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for 3-4 days. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to avoid extra moisture buildup.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When I’m ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken tender and the gravy creamy.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickened in the fridge. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep things even.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe always turns out—comforting, easy, and crowd-pleasing every single time. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients created something so delicious and satisfying. You’ll enjoy how hands-off it is while still delivering on flavor and tenderness. Honestly, it’s become my “go-to” for busy nights when I want something warm and hearty ready to greet me after a long day. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret adding this cozy classic to your meal rotation.

Print