I absolutely love sharing this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe because it’s like comfort food magic that practically makes itself. Whenever I’ve had hectic days or just want to impress with minimal fuss, this recipe comes through every time with tender, juicy chicken swimming in rich, velvety gravy. You’ll find it’s the perfect cozy meal that doesn’t demand much of your attention—which, honestly, is a lifesaver.
When I first tried this, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could come together in the slow cooker to create such a satisfying dinner. The gravy thickens beautifully over the hours, wrapping around the chicken like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it over a bed of hot rice or mashed potatoes, this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe will quickly become your go-to for hassle-free family dinners or unexpected guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Prep: Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to assemble, then let your crockpot do the work.
- Deliciously Tender Chicken: Slow cooking locks in moisture, leaving you with juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken breasts.
- Comforting, Creamy Gravy: The gravy thickens perfectly and is packed with savory flavor that your family will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Works great over rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttery noodles for a classic comfort dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are super simple but when combined, they create a rich and flavorful dish that’s oh-so-easy to throw together. I usually keep these staples on hand for last-minute dinners—it’s a real lifesaver.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed breasts; they stay juicy and tender with slow cooking.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy base for the gravy; unsalted gives you control over seasoning.
- Chicken gravy mix: Two packets add that thick, savory flavor to the sauce—don’t skip this for authentic taste.
- Water or chicken broth: Optional for adjusting gravy thickness; broth adds extra depth but water works fine too.
- Hot cooked rice: Perfect for serving and soaking up every bit of that luscious gravy.
Variations
I love playing around with this recipe depending on the season or what I have in the pantry. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to fit your tastes—there’s room for your own personal touch here!
- Use thighs instead of breasts: I’ve tried slow cooking chicken thighs for a bit more richness and they turn out wonderfully tender and flavorful.
- Make it gluten-free: Swap the gravy mix for a gluten-free alternative to keep this dish allergy-friendly while still delicious.
- Add mushrooms or onions: I like to toss in sliced mushrooms or diced onions for extra texture and flavor when I’m in the mood for something heartier.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika works wonders if you want to add a little kick to the gravy.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. I find it’s best to spread them out evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. There’s no need to brown the chicken beforehand—this recipe is all about simplicity!
Step 2: Mix the Gravy
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the chicken gravy mix. If you want a thinner gravy, stir in about half a cup of water or chicken broth. I discovered this trick when my first batch turned out too thick, and it made the sauce just perfect—silky and smooth.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour your gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Resist the urge to open the lid too often—that slow cooker needs the heat sealed in to work its magic.
Step 4: Serve Hot Over Rice
Once cooked, give the gravy a gentle stir. The chicken should be easy to pull apart if you like shredded, or you can serve the breasts whole. Spoon the chicken and gravy over a bed of hot cooked rice and get ready for happy smiles around the table.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Use fresh chicken breasts: Fresh chicken tends to be juicier when slow cooked than frozen, which can sometimes turn out a bit watery.
- Adjust liquid carefully: The cream of chicken soup plus gravy mix create thick gravy on their own, so only add broth or water if you like it looser.
- Keep the lid closed: Avoid lifting the crockpot lid during cooking so the heat stays consistent and the chicken cooks evenly.
- Skip browning the chicken: Browning adds flavor but isn’t necessary here—slow cooking develops plenty of taste and it saves time.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the creamy gravy. A little cracked black pepper over the top also brings a nice subtle kick that your guests will notice without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This chicken and gravy pairs like a dream with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy steamed rice. I’ve also served it with roasted green beans or a simple garden salad to balance the hearty flavors with something fresh crisp.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken and gravy in individual shallow bowls over a bed of rice, then drizzle extra gravy artistically around the edge. Adding a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top makes it look elegant but takes barely any effort—great for when you want something simple yet impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! I portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’s great to pull out on busy nights. When you thaw it, sometimes the gravy separates a bit, but a quick simmer on the stove and some stirring will bring it right back.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems thick. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to re-incorporate the gravy and keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, cooking time may need to be increased by about 30 to 60 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through. Using fresh chicken tends to give more tender and juicy results, but frozen works if you’re in a pinch.
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How thick should the gravy be when the dish is done?
The gravy should be thick and creamy, coating the chicken nicely without being too watery. If it’s too thin after cooking, you can remove a bit of the liquid, transfer to a saucepan, and simmer it on the stove to reduce to your desired thickness.
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Can I add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?
Absolutely! Adding carrots, sliced mushrooms, or diced onions adds flavor and heartiness. Just keep in mind that veggies like carrots may need a little more cooking time if you want them very soft, so add accordingly.
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Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The classic recipe uses chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup, which usually contain gluten. To keep it gluten-free, look for gluten-free versions of these products or make a homemade gravy thickened with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
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How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Slow cooking at a low temperature and keeping the lid on helps retain moisture in the chicken. Also, avoid cooking longer than necessary; check for tenderness around 4 hours, and if ready, turn off the cooker to prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe has become one of those trusted staples in my kitchen—I’m always surprised by how such a simple mix of ingredients can turn into something so comforting and tasty. I truly hope you give this a try when you want a slow-cooked dinner without the fuss, because it’s a winner that your family and friends will thank you for. Take it from me: it’s one of those dishes that you’ll come back to again and again, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend at home.
PrintEasy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy mixture of unsalted cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix, resulting in a rich and flavorful gravy. Serve it over hot cooked rice for a satisfying and simple family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gravy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 packets (0.87 oz each) chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
Serving
- Hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer.
- Mix the gravy ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the unsalted cream of chicken soup and the two packets of chicken gravy mix. If desired, add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to loosen the mixture slightly for a smoother gravy.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken: Evenly spread the soup and gravy mix over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours (240 minutes) until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred or serve whole with the creamy gravy poured over them. Serve hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder to the gravy mixture before cooking.
- If you prefer thicker gravy, you can cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- The optional water or chicken broth helps if the gravy seems too thick before cooking, but can be omitted if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed more people; just increase the crockpot cooking time slightly if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy and rice (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg