If there’s one dinner that saves the day when you’re short on time but craving something warm and filling, it’s this crock pot chicken gravy recipe. It’s pure comfort in a bowl—tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy gravy that practically cooks itself. You’ll love how simple it is to throw everything into your slow cooker and walk away knowing dinner’s handled. In this article, you’ll discover how to make the best slow cooker chicken gravy, why it’s a family favorite, and tips to make it even better every single time.
The Story Behind Crock Pot Chicken Gravy
A Meal That Brings Everyone Together
Every family has that one “dump and go” recipe that everyone cheers for, and for me, crock pot chicken gravy is that dish. It started one weeknight when I was too tired to make anything elaborate. I tossed a few ingredients—chicken breasts, a can of cream of chicken soup, and a couple of gravy mix packets—into the slow cooker, hoping for the best. The aroma that filled the kitchen hours later made everyone gather at the table without being called. From that day on, this recipe became our go-to easy comfort meal.
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Crock Pot Chicken Gravy
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy – only 3 ingredients! Easy, creamy comfort meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
2 (0.87-oz) envelopes of chicken gravy mix
1/2 cup water or chicken broth, optional
Hot steamed rice
Instructions
1. Place chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
2. Whisk together soup, gravy mix, and water (if using). Pour over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
4. Before serving, break the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Serve over hot steamed rice.
Notes
Use unsalted soup to control sodium.
Do NOT make the gravy—just use the dry mix.
Can use chicken thighs or tenderloins instead of breasts.
Can use frozen chicken—cook on higher end of time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The magic lies in simplicity. Slow heat transforms the chicken into tender shreds, while the gravy mix and soup blend into a silky sauce that coats every piece perfectly. This crock pot chicken and gravy isn’t just tasty—it’s foolproof. The long, slow cook time infuses every bite with flavor, making it one of the easiest slow cooker chicken gravy meals you’ll ever try. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even biscuits, and watch everyone ask for seconds.
Ingredients & Substitutions for Slow Cooker Chicken Gravy
The Short Ingredient List That Delivers Big Flavor
What makes this crock pot chicken gravy recipe so appealing is how few ingredients it requires:
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3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
-
2 (0.87-oz) envelopes chicken gravy mix
-
½ cup water or chicken broth (optional)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
That’s it—just five simple ingredients to create a dish that tastes like it simmered all day.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
You can easily switch things up. Substitute chicken thighs or tenderloins for a richer flavor, or toss in frozen chicken breasts if that’s what you have. Want to add veggies? Stir in frozen peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking. Using unsalted soup helps keep sodium levels in check, especially if you’re adding broth instead of water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Gravy
Setting Up Your Slow Cooker
Start by placing your chicken breasts into the crock pot and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and water (or broth). Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken. That’s all the prep you’ll need—no searing, no fuss, no cleanup mess.
Slow Cooking Magic
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. When the chicken is tender enough to break apart easily, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir it into the gravy so it’s fully coated in that creamy sauce. Serve over steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or warm biscuits for the ultimate comforting experience.
Serving Ideas & Flavor Variations
Classic Pairings
This crock pot chicken and gravy shines when served over hot rice, but you can change it up based on what you have on hand. It’s equally satisfying over:
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Mashed potatoes
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Egg noodles
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Buttermilk biscuits
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Cauliflower rice (for a lighter option)
Each option turns this dish into a hearty, satisfying dinner without adding much extra work.
How to Elevate the Flavor
You can add a splash of milk or heavy cream during the last 15 minutes for an extra creamy texture. A handful of fresh herbs—like parsley or thyme—adds a fresh pop of flavor. If you love a little kick, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips
Prep Ahead for Busy Weeks
You can prepare all the ingredients the night before. Simply add the chicken, soup, and gravy mix to your slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, place it in the base, turn it on low, and walk away. Dinner will be ready by evening.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully. Transfer cooled chicken and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion it into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan or microwave until hot, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes! Just use frozen chicken breasts and cook on the higher end of the time range—around six hours on low.
2. Can I use homemade gravy instead of packets?
You can, but the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The packets create a perfect consistency and flavor balance.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen peas, carrots, or green beans blend perfectly into the creamy gravy.
4. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
5. What sides go best with crock pot chicken gravy?
Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even buttered noodles are all great choices.
Conclusion
Crock pot chicken gravy is one of those recipes that reminds us good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just three main ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers the kind of comforting flavor that makes everyone feel at home. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday dinner or a busy weeknight meal, this slow cooker chicken gravy recipe proves that easy can also be delicious.
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