Dump and Go Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

There’s nothing quite like walking in the door after a busy day to the comforting aroma of dinner already made. That’s the magic of the slow cooker, and today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite set-it-and-forget-it meals: slow cooker chicken and gravy. This recipe is pure comfort food, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those hectic weekdays when you crave a homemade meal but have zero time to fuss in the kitchen. If you love easy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy our Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken!

This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Imagine juicy, tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a creamy, savory gravy that’s perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes or rice. It requires almost no prep, making it an absolute lifesaver when you need a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time. Get ready to add this one to your regular rotation!

Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is destined to become a family favorite for so many reasons. First off, it’s incredibly easy. We’re talking true ‘dump and go’ here – just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and walk away. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken comes out incredibly tender and juicy every single time, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the gravy as it cooks. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that feeds a crowd or provides fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.

The rich, savory gravy is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, making it a complete meal that satisfies everyone. It’s also incredibly adaptable; you can easily adjust seasonings to your family’s preferences. If you enjoy other hands-off meals with creamy sauces, you should definitely check out our Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Indian-Inspired Curry. This chicken and gravy recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Essential Ingredients

You’ll be amazed at how such a simple list of ingredients can create such a deeply satisfying meal. Most of these items are probably already staples in your pantry and fridge, making this a convenient choice for any night of the week.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 pounds, about 4 medium-sized breasts, trimmed of any excess fat.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5 ounce) can, for a rich and creamy base.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium is preferred to control saltiness.
• Dry Gravy Mix Packet: 1 (0.87 ounce) packet, such as McCormick or Heinz, for extra flavor and thickening.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, to add a subtle savory depth.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, a classic flavor enhancer for chicken.
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon, for an aromatic, earthy note.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground if possible for best flavor.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste, remember broth and soup can be salty.
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, for thickening the gravy at the end.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness (optional).

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Getting this delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy on the table is incredibly straightforward. Just a few simple steps stand between you and a wonderfully comforting meal that practically makes itself. Let’s get cooking!

1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dry gravy mix, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Cook Until Tender: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The exact cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it towards the end.



3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can shred it directly in the slow cooker if you prefer.
4. Thicken the Gravy: While the chicken is resting, prepare a cornstarch slurry by whisking together the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until no lumps remain. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the gravy mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer to Thicken: Turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if it’s not already) or to the ‘Sauté’ function if your model has one. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be rich and glossy.
6. Return Chicken and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the thickened gravy in the slow cooker and stir gently to coat. Allow it to heat through for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if using, and serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd Your Slow Cooker: For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are in a single layer at the bottom. If you need to double the recipe, use a larger slow cooker or cook in batches.
• Adjust Gravy Thickness: If your gravy isn’t thick enough, add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) and simmer longer. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For even more flavor and moisture, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. The cooking time will remain similar.
• Add Veggies: For a one-pot meal, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or peas during the last hour of cooking.
• Serve it Your Way: This slow cooker chicken and gravy is fantastic over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even with a side of steamed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover slow cooker chicken and gravy stores beautifully! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much in the fridge. It can also be reheated in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: While technically possible, it’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for this recipe. Frozen chicken can release a lot of water, diluting the gravy, and can cook unevenly in a slow cooker, potentially leaving it in the ‘danger zone’ temperature too long. Always thaw chicken first for best results and food safety.

Q: What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
A: You can make a homemade cream of chicken soup substitute using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk, or use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s a creamy condensed soup to maintain the texture.

Q: My gravy is too thin, what do I do?
A: Ensure you’ve added the cornstarch slurry and simmered it long enough. If it’s still too thin, mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a new slurry, then stir it into the gravy and continue to simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.

There you have it – a truly effortless and incredibly delicious meal that brings comfort to your table with minimal fuss. This slow cooker chicken and gravy is proof that wholesome, homemade food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying dish. Give it a try, and let us know how much you love it! Don’t forget to follow Simple Bites Recipes on Facebook for more easy meal ideas!

Dump and Go Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Effortlessly create tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy with this simple dump-and-go slow cooker recipe perfect for any weeknight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts trimmed
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounce
• 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
• 1 packet dry gravy mix 0.87 ounce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt or to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp cold water for slurry
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Place chicken in slow cooker. Whisk soup, broth, gravy mix, and seasonings; pour over chicken.
• Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
• Remove chicken, shred with forks, and set aside.
• Whisk cornstarch and cold water to form a slurry; stir into gravy in slow cooker.
• Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gravy thickens.
• Return shredded chicken to gravy, stir to coat, and heat through for 5-10 minutes.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken breasts are thawed before cooking. Adjust seasoning to your preference before serving. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.

Recipe by Chef Marco