When life gets busy, there’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of a warm, comforting meal that’s been simmering away all day. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is one of those recipes that delivers pure comfort with very little effort. It’s creamy, savory, and hearty, the kind of dish that reminds you of cozy Sunday dinners and family gatherings. Best of all, it requires minimal prep—just a handful of ingredients, a slow cooker, and a few hours of patience.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Juicy chicken breasts or thighs slowly cook in a flavorful blend of cream-based soups, rich broth, and seasonings until they become so tender they practically shred themselves. The gravy cooks right along with the chicken, making it a true one-pot wonder. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even biscuits, and you’ll have a meal that feels homemade and indulgent without taking up your entire day.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is not just easy—it’s versatile. You can make it for a weeknight dinner, prep it ahead for a family gathering, or let it be the star of your Sunday comfort-food lineup. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to slow cooker favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless comfort food – Let the slow cooker do all the work while you go about your day.
- Minimal ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Family-friendly – A dish everyone at the table will love, from kids to adults.
- Make-ahead friendly – Great for meal prep or serving a crowd.
- Versatile – Pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, noodles, or bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, a sprinkle of paprika, or shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Crockpot
Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier. Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 4: Shred or Slice the Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, or remove and slice if you prefer larger pieces. Stir everything so the chicken is coated in the creamy gravy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Add a sprinkle of parsley for freshness and enjoy the ultimate comfort meal.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Chicken and Gravy
- Use thighs for juicier results – Chicken thighs have more flavor and stay moist, but breasts work well too.
- Don’t overcook – Slow cookers can vary, so check for doneness around the minimum cooking time. Chicken should shred easily but not be dry.
- Adjust consistency – If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes. For thinner gravy, add extra broth.
- Add veggies – For a complete meal, stir in frozen peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
- Finish with cream – For extra richness, stir in ½ cup heavy cream just before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Herb and garlic chicken – Add fresh rosemary or sage for a stronger herb flavor.
- Cheesy chicken and gravy – Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella before serving.
- Spicy twist – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Mushroom gravy chicken – Swap one can of cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and add sliced mushrooms.
- Ranch-style chicken – Add 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to the gravy mix for a tangy flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken before cooking in the crockpot to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What should I serve with chicken and gravy?
Mashed potatoes are the most popular option, but rice, pasta, or warm biscuits are equally delicious.
Can I make this without canned soup?
Yes. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade roux-based sauce made from butter, flour, and milk or broth.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough and extend the cooking time slightly if needed.
How do I thicken the gravy?
A cornstarch slurry works perfectly. Add it in the last half hour and stir until thickened.
Nutrition Benefits
While Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a comfort dish, it can still fit into a balanced diet. Chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and satisfied. If you want to lighten it up, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-sodium broth. Serving it with vegetables like roasted green beans, carrots, or a side salad balances the richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer – Freeze cooled chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the perfect recipe for when you need a comforting, hearty meal that doesn’t take hours of hands-on work. With simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you’ll end up with tender chicken bathed in rich, savory gravy that tastes like it took all day to make.
This dish is versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly satisfying. Pair it with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience, or keep it simple with rice and a side of vegetables. However you serve it, one thing is certain—this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
So the next time you’re craving cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, pull out your slow cooker and try this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. It’s proof that sometimes the easiest recipes are the ones you’ll come back to again and again.