If you are craving comfort food that warms you from the inside out, the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy gravy bursting with savory flavors and just a hint of garlic and paprika. This dish effortlessly combines simple pantry staples into a luscious meal that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe promises an easy, satisfying dinner that’s destined to become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of essential ingredients come together to create a dish rich in taste, texture, and color. Each one plays its part, enhancing the creamy gravy or the juicy chicken to ensure every bite is utterly delicious.
- Water: The base that helps blend all the ingredients smoothly for the perfect gravy consistency.
- Chicken gravy mix (2 packets): Adds deep, savory flavor and thickens the gravy just right.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (1 1/4 cup, undiluted): Brings creamy richness and body to the sauce.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle punch that enhances the overall savory profile.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to balance and amplify the other flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
- Coarse ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings a mild warmth and bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 whole, about 1 pound): The tender protein star of the dish.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Whisked in at the end to lend a luxuriously creamy finish and slight tang.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by sprinkling garlic powder, kosher salt, and coarse ground black pepper evenly over your chicken breasts. This simple seasoning layer infuses each piece with foundational flavors that marry beautifully with the creamy gravy later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In your slow cooker, whisk together the water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper until everything is completely smooth. This mixture will become the luscious gravy that your chicken will cook in, soaking up every bit of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker, making sure they are well-coated with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the gravy to thicken to a perfect consistency.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred or slice the chicken as you prefer — shredding lets the gravy seep into every tender strand for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and whisk the sour cream into the gravy until it’s silky and smooth. This final step enriches the sauce with a tangy creaminess, making the dish utterly comforting and indulgent. Serve the chicken smothered in this luscious gravy and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy, plus an inviting aroma that’s hard to resist. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of smoked paprika on top enhances the dish’s color and smoky notes even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up every last bit of the rich gravy. You could also serve it alongside buttered egg noodles for a hearty meal or steamed green beans and roasted carrots for a fresh, colorful balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the shredded chicken and gravy over flaky biscuits or into open-faced sandwiches, turning it into a comforting handheld delight. Another option is layering the chicken and gravy in a casserole dish topped with crispy fried onions for an irresistible baked chicken and gravy bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container once cooled. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring you keep all that creamy goodness fresh and ready for your next meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Place cooled chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag, sealing tightly. It will keep its best quality for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and creamy. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe and add a bit more richness and moisture to the dish, making the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe even more succulent.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup alternatives that are labeled gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the comforting flavors safely.
Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
While it’s best to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours to get that tender, juicy chicken texture, you can cook it on high for about 2 to 3 hours. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.
Do I have to shred the chicken, or can I serve it whole?
Shredding the chicken allows the gravy to coat every piece for maximum flavor. However, you can absolutely serve the breasts whole if you prefer a chunkier texture or a more rustic presentation.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes at the start can transform this into a one-pot meal. Just remember they might require a longer cooking time to become tender alongside the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is something so utterly comforting about the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe that makes it a timeless go-to for family dinners or a special cozy night in. Its simplicity, rich creaminess, and hearty flavor hit all the right notes, giving you a dish that feels like a warm embrace. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how effortlessly it makes your meal times a little more special and a lot tastier!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a creamy, savory gravy. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients including chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and a hint of garlic and paprika for depth. The juicy chicken is shredded and smothered in a smooth sour cream-enriched gravy, ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 1 pound)
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 1/4 cup condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt evenly over the chicken breasts to season them well.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper until smooth and fully combined to create the savory base for the dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker and coat them evenly with the prepared sauce. Cover the cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or your preferred texture.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Stir the sour cream into the gravy left in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy or serve the gravy over the shredded chicken on plates.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and consistent cooking.
- For thicker gravy, you can cook uncovered in the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Serve this chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
