Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a meal that requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum taste, this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is the perfect solution.
Slow cooker recipes are a game-changer, especially for busy families, working professionals, and anyone who wants a delicious home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that fills your home with an irresistible aroma while requiring very little prep work.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the entire process, from gathering ingredients to serving up a rich and creamy dish. Plus, I’ll share some pro tips, variations, and storage ideas so you can enjoy this meal in multiple ways!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just dump the ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic!
- Rich & Flavorful: The combination of creamy chicken soup and savory gravy creates a comforting dish that melts in your mouth.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this dish, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even biscuits!
- Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, you’ll need a few simple pantry staples:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed, optional for extra creaminess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead. They tend to be juicier and add even more flavor to the dish.
Step 2: Mix Your Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. This creates a smooth and flavorful base for your chicken to cook in.
Step 3: Pour & Cook
Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. The meat will be incredibly tender and will easily fall apart.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese (Optional)
For an extra creamy texture, stir in cubed cream cheese and let it melt into the mixture for about 5-10 minutes. Stir again to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Now that your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is ready, it’s time to serve! Spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Rice: A simple bowl of white or brown rice soaks up the delicious flavors.
- Egg Noodles: For a heartier meal, serve this over buttered egg noodles.
- Biscuits: A flaky biscuit is the ideal vehicle for soaking up all that rich gravy.
- Steamed Vegetables: Balance out the meal with a side of broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Tenderness: While chicken breasts work great, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook: Slow cookers can sometimes overcook chicken, making it dry. If using chicken breasts, stick to the lower end of the cooking time.
- Add Extra Seasonings: If you like a stronger flavor, try adding a dash of poultry seasoning or Italian seasoning.
- Make It Thicker: If you want an even thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir it into the crockpot 30 minutes before serving.
- Use Leftovers Creatively: This dish is great as a filling for chicken pot pie, sandwiches, or wraps.
Variations & Add-Ons
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is easily adaptable. Here are some ways to switch it up:
- Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Add sliced mushrooms before cooking for a heartier version.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese before serving.
- Vegetable Boost: Add peas, carrots, or corn in the last hour of cooking for extra nutrients and texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the cream cheese and use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
- Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Crockpot: Place back in the slow cooker on low heat until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is the definition of comfort food! It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy? Let me know in the comments below! 🍽️💕