Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is creamy, cozy, and incredibly easy. With just a few pantry staples, you get tender chicken in rich gravy that tastes like pure comfort. It is simple, filling, and perfect for busy days.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
First, Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy takes only 10 minutes to prep, so you can get dinner started fast. Then, the slow cooker does all the work while you handle the rest of your day. As a result, you come home to tender chicken in thick, creamy gravy.
Also, you only need a handful of ingredients. Chicken breasts, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream come together in a simple way. Meanwhile, the flavor turns out rich and savory without extra effort.
Because the ingredients are budget friendly, this recipe works well for feeding a family of four. In fact, kids usually love the mild, creamy sauce. You can spoon it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, so everyone feels full and happy.
Finally, you can control the salt and seasoning easily. Since gravy mix and soup already contain salt, you can adjust the rest to your taste. So, Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy fits your kitchen and your family.
Ingredients and Easy Substitutions
What You’ll Need
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Lean, tender cuts of chicken that become juicy and easy to shred after slow cooking. They form the main protein base of the dish.
Garlic Powder – A dried, ground seasoning that adds a mild, savory garlic flavor throughout the gravy without overpowering it.
Salt – Enhances overall flavor. Used lightly since the gravy mix and soup already contain sodium.
Black Pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth, balancing the creamy richness of the sauce.
Chicken Gravy Mix – A seasoned powdered mix that thickens the sauce and provides concentrated chicken flavor.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup – A creamy, savory base that adds richness and body to the gravy.
Water or No-Sodium Chicken Broth – Helps thin the sauce to the right consistency while allowing flavors to blend during slow cooking. Broth adds extra flavor.
Sour Cream – Stirred in at the end for a creamy, slightly tangy finish.
Plain Greek Yogurt – A protein-rich alternative to sour cream that adds tanginess and creaminess.
Heavy Cream – Creates a richer, smoother sauce with extra indulgent texture.
Sliced Green Onions (Optional) – A fresh, mild onion topping that adds color and a light, crisp contrast to the creamy gravy.
Simple Swaps and Flavor Upgrades
If you prefer darker meat, use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay juicy and tender in Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy. Chicken tenderloins also cook well and shred easily.
Next, you can swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom if needed. A homemade cream of chicken soup works too if you want fewer processed ingredients.
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. On the other hand, heavy cream makes the gravy extra rich. You can also change the seasoning. Try lemon pepper for brightness, Cajun seasoning for a little kick, or blackened seasoning for deeper flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Season the Chicken
First, place the chicken breasts on a plate. Then, sprinkle both sides with garlic powder and black pepper. Add a small amount of salt, but keep it light.
Because the gravy mix and soup already contain salt, too much can make the sauce overly salty. So, start small. You can always adjust at the end if needed.
Whisk the Gravy Base in the Slow Cooker
Next, add the gravy mix packets to the slow cooker. Then, spoon in the condensed cream of chicken soup. Pour in the water or no sodium broth.
Whisk everything together until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and will dissolve as it cooks. At this point, the mixture will look thin, but it thickens slowly during cooking.
Cook Low and Slow
Now, place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. Turn each piece so it coats fully in the gravy mixture.
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Meanwhile, keep the lid closed so the sauce does not thin out. The chicken should feel very tender and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
As it cooks, the gravy becomes thicker and richer. The chicken soaks up flavor and becomes easy to shred.
Shred or Chunk, Then Finish with Sour Cream
Once the chicken is tender, use a fork to break it into chunks or lightly shred it right in the slow cooker. Stir it gently into the gravy.
Then, stir in the sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream. If your slow cooker runs hot, turn it off before adding dairy so it stays smooth. The gravy should look creamy and thick, coating each piece of chicken.
Best Ways to Serve It
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy tastes best served hot over fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up the creamy sauce, which makes every bite comforting.
You can also spoon it over mashed potatoes for classic comfort food. Meanwhile, egg noodles give it a hearty, homestyle feel. Because the sauce is rich, a simple side salad or steamed green beans balance the meal nicely.
For extra color and flavor, sprinkle sliced green onions on top. In fact, this dish works great for family dinners, especially on busy weeknights. If you love cozy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice for an easy, creamy comfort dinner or Best Chicken Pot Pie Crock Pot for cozy, creamy slow cooker comfort food.
Tips for the Best Thick, Creamy Gravy
First, always cook Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy on LOW for the best texture. High heat can thin the sauce and change the texture of the dairy.
Also, keep the lid closed during cooking. Every time you lift it, heat escapes and moisture builds up, which can make the gravy watery.
If the sauce looks thin at the end, let it sit uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. It thickens naturally as it rests. However, if you need it thicker, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Then, stir it in and cook a little longer until thick.
Because brands vary, some gravy mixes create thicker sauces than others. The same goes for cream of chicken soup. So, adjust liquid slightly if needed, and always taste before adding extra salt.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy stores well, so it works great for meal prep. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.
When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over low heat. You can also use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the gravy separates slightly, add a splash of broth and stir until smooth.
For longer storage, freeze it up to 3 months. However, the texture may change slightly after thawing because of the creamy gravy. Therefore, reheat slowly and stir well to bring it back together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to eat with chicken gravy?
You can serve chicken gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. It also pairs well with biscuits or soft dinner rolls.
What are common mistakes when making chicken and gravy?
Adding too much salt is common because gravy mix and soup already contain sodium. Also, lifting the lid often can thin the sauce.
Can you use gravy in a crockpot?
Yes, you can use gravy mix in a crockpot. In fact, it thickens slowly and blends well with soup and broth for a creamy sauce.
Can you slow cook chicken in Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can slow cook chicken in Alfredo sauce. However, cook on LOW and stir in extra dairy at the end so the sauce stays smooth.
Recipe Summary and Key Details
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy gives you tender chicken in creamy, savory sauce with very little effort. First, you spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients. Then, the slow cooker handles the 8 hour cook time on LOW. In total, dinner takes about 8 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe makes 4 generous servings, so it works well for families. The chicken turns fork tender, and the gravy comes out thick and rich. Because the flavors are mild and comforting, most kids enjoy it too.
Per serving, you can expect about 331 calories, 26 grams of protein, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 18 grams of fat, 1203 milligrams of sodium, and 3 grams of sugar. So, it feels hearty while still fitting into a balanced meal.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- Classic Crockpot Chicken Tacos with juicy shredded chicken for meal prep
- Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup for a hearty slow cooker soup night
- Crock Pot Turkey Breast with Cranberry for a sweet-savory gravy-style slow cooker meal
- Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice for a bright, flavorful slow cooker dinner
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is simple, cozy, and dependable. Because you can adjust seasoning and salt, it fits your taste easily. Try it over your favorite base, and make it your own with fun spice blends.
If you make this recipe, share your thoughts and leave a rating. I would love to hear how your family served it. Also, remember to watch the salt level based on your gravy mix and soup brand.
For more easy comfort meals, visit pinterest and save your favorites.
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Equipment
- Slow cooker 4 to 6 quart size works well
- Whisk For mixing gravy base
- Forks For shredding or chunking chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- garlic powder to taste
- salt, use lightly
- black pepper to taste
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups water or no-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or heavy cream
- sliced green onions for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together the chicken gravy mix packets, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water or broth until mostly smooth.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker and turn to coat in the gravy mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the chicken is very tender and reaches 165°F internally.
- Use a fork to break the chicken into chunks or lightly shred it in the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream until creamy and combined.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Top with sliced green onions if desired.
