Few dishes hit the comfort zone quite like Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy. From the very first bite, you’re wrapped in creamy, flavorful gravy and impossibly tender chicken, making this meal a weeknight savior and a Sunday favorite all in one. It’s cozy, it’s nostalgic, and it couldn’t be easier to pull off with everyday ingredients. Whether you’re after a fuss-free dinner or hoping to wow family around the table, this is one recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is all in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role—adding richness, moisture, and that signature savory taste, while offering a blank canvas for your favorite sides or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the heart of the dish, turning ultra-juicy after hours in the slow cooker—make sure to use fresh or fully thawed for best results.
- Cream of chicken soup: This gives the gravy its creamy body and silky texture, melding everything together beautifully.
- Chicken gravy mix: The one-step secret for instant depth and bold flavor—choose your favorite brand, or opt for low-sodium if you prefer.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture while letting you control the seasoning level—homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlicky warmth elevates all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Lends mild sweetness and complexity that rounds out the savory profile.
- Black pepper: Just enough to give the dish a subtle kick and balance all the creamy notes.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh pop of color and a gentle herby finish—totally optional, but delightful.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy
Step 1: Mix the Gravy Base
Start by whisking together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper directly in your slow cooker insert. Whisk well until the gravy mixture is completely smooth—this ensures the flavor is balanced and the gravy turns out silky, not lumpy.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Nestle the chicken breasts right into the savory gravy you just mixed. Give them a quick turn so they’re well coated on all sides. The chicken will soak up all those delicious flavors during the slow cooking process and emerge fork-tender.
Step 3: Slow Cook Perfection
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is that you don’t need to hover—it’s hands-off magic! Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing as the chicken gently cooks and the gravy thickens.
Step 4: Shred, Slice, or Serve
When the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and it shreds easily), you have options: either shred it with two forks for a rustic look or slice it for a neater presentation. Return the chicken to the gravy and give everything a gentle stir so every bite is blanketed in that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
Spoon the chicken and gravy over your favorite base—mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or tender noodles are all wonderful. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley, if you’re feeling fancy, and serve piping hot for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy
Garnishes
While Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is already delicious on its own, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and just a hint of freshness. If you like a touch of zest, try a few thinly sliced green onions or even a little freshly cracked black pepper on top.
Side Dishes
This is a dish that begs for something to soak up all that amazing gravy. You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or classic egg noodles. Roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or steamed broccoli make easy veggie partners to round out the meal and keep things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the chicken and gravy in bread bowls for a fun, cozy twist, or pile it atop garlic toast for an open-faced sandwich. For family style, place everything in a big serving dish and let everyone help themselves—a guaranteed crowd pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When you have extra Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or a fuss-free next-day dinner.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes incredibly well. Cool the chicken and gravy, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this helps the gravy stay silky and the chicken tender.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the gravy smooth. If it thickens up too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
For food safety and the best texture, it’s always recommended to use thawed chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Starting from frozen can result in uneven cooking, so take the time to thaw first for perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy every time.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free gravy mix and a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Many stores now carry excellent versions of these staples, so you can still enjoy all the classic flavors without the gluten.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra tenderness and flavor. They’re a great swap if you prefer darker meat or already have thighs on hand—just keep the cooking time the same and check for doneness before serving.
How do I prevent the gravy from getting too salty?
Stick with low-sodium soup and low-sodium chicken broth, and keep an eye on your gravy mix—some brands are saltier than others. Taste the gravy before serving and add extra seasoning only if you need it.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Definitely! Double all ingredients and use a large slow cooker. Just make sure there’s enough room for everything to cook evenly—if the chicken layers are thick, you might need a little extra cooking time. It’s a fantastic way to feed a hungry crowd or stock up for easy meals later in the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving an effortlessly delicious dinner the whole family will love, give Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy a try. With its creamy sauce, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, and comforting flavors, it’s the kind of crowd-pleasing meal you’ll come back to again and again. Go ahead and let your slow cooker work its magic—this is comfort food at its finest!
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Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy recipe is a comforting and easy dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich gravy, served over your favorite starch – it’s a classic favorite!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. Add the chicken breasts and coat them with the gravy mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove chicken and shred or slice if desired, then return to the slow cooker and stir to coat in the gravy.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if using.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soup and broth to control salt levels.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
