If you are searching for a comforting, utterly delicious meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas all day long and ends with tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, flavorful gravy. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it a perfect go-to for busy days when you want incredible homemade food without the hassle. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite staples for cozy dinners with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to crafting the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and richness in your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. Each item plays its part—whether it’s the tender chicken, the savory onion soup mix, or the creamy touch of sour cream to make the gravy so luxurious.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation that infuses the chicken with flavor and creates the base of the gravy.
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: Adds a burst of savory depth, garlic, and onion flavors without any extra effort.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute): Creates that wonderfully creamy texture essential for rich gravy.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky kick that enhances the overall taste beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Introduces just enough heat and warmth to round out the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional): Adds a gentle smoky aroma and a lovely hint of color.
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creamier gravy): Stirred in at the end for a velvety finish that makes the gravy extra luxurious.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by ensuring your crockpot is clean and ready to go. This cozy kitchen appliance is your best friend here—just place the chicken right in the bottom of the pot to get all the flavors mingling perfectly.
Step 2: Place Chicken Breasts or Thighs at the Bottom
Lay the chicken pieces in an even layer. This gives them plenty of room to cook slowly and absorb the savory ingredients that will be poured over them next.
Step 3: Mix the Gravy
Take a bowl and whisk together the chicken broth, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until smooth. This mixture is the heart of your gravy and will seep into the chicken while it cooks, creating that irresistible savory sauce.
Step 4: Pour Gravy Over Chicken
Pour this flavorful gravy mix generously over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each piece is well-coated. This step locks in moisture and seasoning, setting the stage for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re short on time, opt for high heat for 3-4 hours. Either way, you’ll end up with perfectly tender chicken that’s falling-apart soft and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly inside the crockpot. This allows the tender strands of chicken to soak up even more of the luscious gravy, making every bite comforting and satisfying.
Step 7: Optional Creamy Finish
For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in the sour cream right before serving. This addition makes the gravy wonderfully creamy and velvety, taking your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe to the next level of deliciousness.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives add a delightful pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor. A sprinkle on top immediately brightens the appearance and complements the rich gravy beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken and gravy pairs like a dream with classic mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or warm, buttery biscuits. These sides soak up the gravy and create a complete, hearty meal that satisfies every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative—serve the shredded chicken and gravy over puff pastry for a more elegant twist or spoon it on top of roasted vegetables for a lighter option. You can even use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for an unexpected treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day, perfect for quick lunches or second dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When properly thawed, the chicken and gravy retain their lovely texture and taste, making weekend meals a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, making your dish even more indulgent.
Is it necessary to add sour cream?
Sour cream is optional but highly recommended if you want a creamier, richer gravy. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip it, and the gravy will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free onion soup mix and cream of chicken soup to make the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing any flavor.
How thick is the gravy supposed to be?
The gravy should be creamy and slightly thick but still pourable. It coats the chicken and sides nicely. If it’s too thin, you can cook uncovered for a little while to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! The Crockpot is perfect for larger batches. Just ensure your slow cooker is big enough, or split the recipe between two crockpots to serve a bigger group.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a true winner for anyone craving a comforting, fuss-free meal that tastes like it took hours of love and attention. It’s a wonderful way to feed your family or guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Give it a try—you’re going to adore the tender chicken bathed in that savory, creamy gravy. Soon it will become one of your most trusted recipes for cozy dinners at home.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe offers tender, shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful homemade gravy made with chicken broth, onion soup mix, and cream of chicken soup. Perfectly cooked low and slow, it’s an easy and comforting meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Optional sour cream adds a creamy finish to the savory gravy.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Gravy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
Optional
- 1/4 cup sour cream (for creamier gravy)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease or spray the inside of your crockpot if desired to prevent sticking.
- Place Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Mix the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika until smooth and combined.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot ensuring the chicken is well covered.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot by pulling it apart and mixing it thoroughly into the gravy to absorb the flavors.
- Optional Creamy Finish: Stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream into the shredded chicken and gravy mixture for a richer, creamier texture and taste.
- Serve: Spoon the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce if preferred to control sodium and additives.
- Chicken thighs provide a moister and richer flavor compared to breasts.
- For a lower-fat option, omit the sour cream or use a light version.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe freezes well; cool completely before freezing in portions.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving if needed.
