Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

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The Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy You’ll Ever Make

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is the epitome of comfort food, made incredibly simple. If you’re looking for a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, you’ve found it with this easy slow cooker chicken recipe. This is a true « dump and go » recipe where the crockpot does all the work, slowly tenderizing chicken breasts in a rich, savory gravy. Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of a home-cooked meal that’s been simmering to perfection all day. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family. Perfect for busy parents, meal preppers, or anyone who loves a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy without the fuss. This is the ultimate *slow cooker comfort food* for your *weeknight dinner ideas*.

Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Game-Changer

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this *crockpot chicken and gravy* recipe, but here are the highlights that will make you add this delectable dish to your regular rotation:

Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, you can have this prepped and cooking in under 5 minutes. There’s no chopping, searing, or pre-cooking required, making it one of the easiest *dump and go crockpot meals*.
Simple Pantry Ingredients: This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe uses common, budget-friendly ingredients like canned soup and gravy mix that you might already have on hand, proving delicious meals don’t need a gourmet grocery run.
Incredibly Tender Chicken: The magic of slow cooking breaks down the chicken until it’s so tender it practically shreds itself, creating the perfect base for our Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy. You’ll achieve truly *tender crockpot chicken* every time.
Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The combination of cream of chicken soup and gravy packets creates a foolproof, creamy, and savory gravy every single time. This method teaches you *how to make gravy in a slow cooker* with minimal effort.
Set It and Forget It: It’s the perfect meal for busy days. Just set your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.
Versatile and Customizable: While perfect as is, this particular Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is a fantastic base for adding vegetables, herbs, or other personal touches to suit your family’s taste.

The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of core ingredients to create this comforting classic, making it a truly accessible meal for any home cook. This recipe uses common, budget-friendly ingredients like canned soup and gravy mix that you might already have on hand, making it a truly accessible Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy.

For the Chicken:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base of our dish. Two pounds is perfect for a family-sized meal. These are ideal for *slow cooker chicken breast recipes* as they absorb flavor beautifully. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even more tender and flavorful result, making delicious *slow cooker chicken thighs and gravy*.

For the Creamy Gravy:

Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich gravy base. It provides unparalleled flavor, thickness, and a silky texture, central to this *chicken recipe with cream of chicken soup*.
Chicken Gravy Mix Packets: These packets are a powerhouse of savory, concentrated flavor that elevates the gravy from good to great. They ensure a consistent, delicious result for your *chicken recipe with gravy mix*, creating a truly irresistible *creamy chicken and gravy*.
Water: Used to thin the condensed soup and gravy mix to the perfect consistency for slow cooking, ensuring a smooth, spoonable gravy.

For Seasoning:

Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: A simple trio that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering the rich gravy. Feel free to adjust to your personal taste, adding a little extra warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof and delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy meal. We’ll break down the process so you can achieve perfect results, even if you’re a slow cooker novice.

Step 1: Prepare the Gravy Base

In the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup, the two packets of chicken gravy mix, and the two cans of water. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps from the gravy powder. This ensures your gravy will be silky and consistent, laying the foundation for an incredible dish.

Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings adhere better and prevents excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the gravy mixture in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to cover the tops of the chicken with some of the gravy, ensuring they are mostly submerged and bathing in flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. For the most tender, fall-apart chicken, cook on LOW for 7-8 hours. If you’re shorter on time, you can cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and shreds easily with a fork, resulting in truly *tender crockpot chicken*.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Serve

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or in a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken to your desired consistency. It should be incredibly tender and easy to pull apart, like a perfect *pulled chicken recipe*. Return the *shredded chicken and gravy* to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy until it’s fully coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all that delicious flavor. Serve hot! And just like that, you have a mouth-watering Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips and Recipe Variations

Take your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy to the next level with these expert tips and creative variations. These simple adjustments can transform an already great meal into something extraordinary.

Expert Tips for Success:

Don’t Peek: Avoid lifting the lid while the chicken is cooking. Each time you do, heat escapes and can increase the necessary cooking time by 20-30 minutes. Trust the process for perfect, *tender crockpot chicken*.
Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer an even thicker gravy, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on HIGH. This is a common trick for *how to make gravy in a slow cooker* to your ideal consistency.
For Richer Flavor: For an optional flavor boost, you can quickly sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot, oiled skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step adds a layer of depth and savory caramelization.

Fun Variations and Add-Ins:

Add Veggies: Make it a true one-pot meal by adding 1 cup of chopped carrots, celery, or sliced mushrooms at the beginning of the cooking time. Stir in a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 30 minutes for a pop of color and freshness.
Make it Extra Creamy: For a tangier, richer finish to your *creamy chicken and gravy*, stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream or 4 ounces of softened cream cheese at the end, after the chicken is shredded.
Herbaceous Twist: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or a few sprigs of thyme to the slow cooker for an aromatic, earthy flavor that complements the rich gravy beautifully. Consider using *slow cooker chicken thighs and gravy* for even richer flavor, or making it a full one-pot meal, embracing the spirit of *dump and go crockpot meals*.

What to Serve with Chicken and Gravy

This savory Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a perfect canvas for a variety of delicious side dishes. The rich, creamy gravy pairs wonderfully with starchy bases and fresh vegetables.

Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing. Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of gravy, making for the ultimate *chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes* experience.
Fluffy Rice: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal that allows the flavors of the chicken and gravy to shine.
Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles tossed in butter are another traditional and delicious option, providing a lovely texture contrast to the *shredded chicken and gravy*.
Biscuits or Rolls: Warm, flaky biscuits or soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the gravy, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or glazed carrots adds a fresh, healthy element to balance the richness of the main dish.

No matter what you choose, serving up this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy promises a satisfying meal.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep. Its flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. For those times you need *crockpot chicken for a crowd*, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is perfect for making in advance.

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Let the mixture cool completely. Store in a freezer-safe, airtight container or a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes it an ideal *meal prep chicken recipe*.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They contain more fat, resulting in even more tender and flavorful meat. The cooking time for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy remains the same.

Can I put frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker?

For food safety reasons, it’s recommended to thaw chicken completely before adding it to a slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can keep the chicken in the unsafe temperature « danger zone » (40°F-140°F) for too long, which can allow bacteria to grow. When cooking Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy with frozen chicken, it’s safer to thaw it first.

My gravy is too thin. How can I thicken it?

The easiest way to thicken the gravy is to use a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker, turn the heat to HIGH, and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until thickened. This is a reliable method for *how to make gravy in a slow cooker* to your preferred consistency.

Can I make this recipe without canned soup?

Yes. You can absolutely make a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy without canned soup by creating a homemade base. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour to make a roux, and then slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk or heavy cream until thickened. Season well and use this in place of the canned soup and water.

The Ultimate Comfort Meal: Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

« This simple, savory, and incredibly easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is comfort in a bowl. With just minutes of prep, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering with love all day long. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and any time you crave a hearty, home-cooked *slow cooker comfort food*. We hope you and your family love this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy as much as we do! If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating below! »

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