There are meals that fill your belly, and then there are meals that feed your soul. Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy falls firmly into the second category. It’s the kind of dish that instantly wraps you in warmth and comfort, the type of recipe that brings back memories of family dinners, cozy Sunday suppers, and the smell of something delicious simmering in the kitchen all afternoon.
What makes this version so special is that you don’t need a laundry list of ingredients or complicated steps. With just five pantry staples and about five minutes of prep time, your slow cooker does all the work for you. At the end of the day, you’ll come home to fork-tender chicken bathed in the creamiest, most flavorful gravy. It tastes like you spent hours whisking on the stove, but in reality, you set it and forgot it.
This is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, every bite is satisfying, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe Works
- Minimal effort – Just dump, stir, and let the slow cooker handle everything.
- Tender and juicy chicken – The low, moist heat of the slow cooker guarantees fall-apart results.
- Gravy that makes itself – No need for a separate pot or roux; the juices naturally thicken into rich, savory gravy.
- Budget-friendly – Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Family-approved – Mild, creamy flavors that even picky eaters love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup mushrooms (add at the start)
- 1 cup frozen peas (add during the last 30 minutes)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning
- ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
Ingredient Substitution Guide
- Chicken thighs – Highly recommended for juiciness and flavor. Breasts work but cook faster, so watch the timing.
- Cream of chicken soup – Acts as the creamy base. Substitute with cream of mushroom, celery soup, or a homemade version.
- Gravy mix – Adds depth and seasoning. Swap with onion soup mix or boost with extra herbs if needed.
- Chicken broth – Keeps things moist and flavorful. Vegetable broth or water with bouillon also works.
- Onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness. A small fresh onion, finely diced, is a great alternative.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, dry gravy packet, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Combine and cook: Pour the mixture over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return to the slow cooker.
- Thicken the gravy (optional): If you prefer thicker gravy, stir in a slurry made from 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water. Switch to HIGH and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Stir the shredded chicken into the thickened gravy. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
Pro-Tips for Success
- Use thighs for maximum juiciness. If using breasts, check them early to avoid dryness.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often—each peek adds cooking time.
- For extra depth, sauté onions or garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- For lighter gravy, skim excess fat from the surface before stirring in the chicken.
- Add a dollop of sour cream at the end for tangy richness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when paired with something that soaks up all that delicious gravy.
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort combo.
- Spoon onto fluffy rice or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.
- Pair with biscuits or crusty bread to mop up every last drop.
- Add roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without canned soup?
Yes! Mix ½ cup sour cream and ¼ cup melted butter with the broth and gravy packet for a scratch-style version.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For safety reasons, it’s best to thaw chicken first. Starting with frozen may leave it in the danger zone too long.
My gravy is too thin. How do I fix it?
Whisk a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) into the gravy and cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Root veggies like carrots and potatoes can go in at the beginning. Peas or corn should be added in the last half-hour.
How long will leftovers last?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Cool completely, store in airtight containers, and refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth if the gravy has thickened too much.
Nutrition Snapshot
This recipe is hearty and comforting, but you can make it lighter by using chicken breasts, low-fat soup, and reduced-sodium broth. A serving provides lean protein, moderate fat, and rich flavor—balanced nicely with a side of vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy is the definition of comfort food. It’s creamy, flavorful, and impossibly tender, yet requires almost no effort. With just five ingredients and your slow cooker, you can create a meal that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day.
It’s the kind of recipe that families ask for again and again—the kind that becomes a weeknight staple and a weekend favorite. Serve it with mashed potatoes, biscuits, or rice, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a warm hug.
So next time life feels hectic, or you just want something cozy and satisfying, pull out your crockpot and make this Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy. Simple, budget-friendly, and soul-soothing—it’s comfort food at its very best.