Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts slowly cooked to perfection with a luscious homemade gravy that envelops every bite. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to put together, yet the flavors and creamy texture make it feel truly special. Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or just want a fuss-free meal that tastes decadent, this dish has become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy lies in its simplicity and the straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. Every item contributes to creating that rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken that you’ll crave again and again. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 to 4): These provide lean protein and become incredibly tender with slow cooking.
• Unsalted cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is the creamy base that brings richness without overpowering flavor.
• Chicken gravy mix (2 packets, 0.87 oz each): Adds savory depth and the perfect gravy consistency.
• Water or chicken broth (1/2 cup, optional): Helps thin the sauce just enough and adds extra flavor if you choose broth.
• Hot cooked rice: Serves as the perfect bed for soaking up all that flavorful gravy.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. This hands-off approach lets the crockpot work its magic. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper if you like, but don’t worry too much about over-seasoning since the gravy will bring plenty of flavor.

Step 2: Prepare and Pour the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and your water or broth until smooth and well combined. This mixture is the heart of the Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy and will envelop the chicken with a rich, velvety sauce as it cooks. Pour it evenly over the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pop the lid on the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4 to 6 hours. This slow and steady cooking not only makes the chicken incredibly tender but also allows the gravy flavors to deepen and meld beautifully. Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often — that heat is key for a perfect finish.

Step 4: Final Preparation

When the cooking time is up, it’s time for the final touch. Use a fork or spoon to shred or break the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces right in the crockpot. This makes serving simpler and ensures every forkful is coated with plenty of that luscious gravy. Plus, it’s easier to enjoy.

Step 5: Serve

Now for the fun part — spoon the chicken and gravy over hot, fluffy rice. The rice soaks up delicious drizzles of gravy and creates a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like classic home cooking at its best. Get ready for some serious comfort food joy.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

To brighten the dish and add a fresh contrast to the creamy gravy, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving. A little cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors and add a zingy pop that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

While the Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is already a complete meal over rice, you can add crisp steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple garden salad for some vibrant, crunchy texture. Mashed potatoes can be a cozy alternative to rice if you want to pile on even more creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, try serving the chicken and gravy on buttery biscuits or inside puff pastry shells to turn this comfort food into a charming pot pie-like dish. Or spoon it over buttered noodles for a different twist that transforms it into a comforting pasta dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers of Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken submerged in the gravy prevents it from drying out and helps maintain its tender texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly to preserve all those wonderful flavors and creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy since thickening can occur in the fridge. Warm it through until steaming hot and ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and tend to stay moist even after long cooking. Just adjust cooking times as thighs might cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No need to brown the chicken beforehand. The slow cooker gently cooks the chicken in the gravy mixture, which keeps the meat tender and infuses the sauce with rich flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix, and ensure your broth is gluten-free as well. The recipe easily adapts to dietary needs while still being delicious.

What can I substitute for the rice?

If you’re not a rice fan, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice make fantastic alternatives to soak up the gravy and complement the chicken perfectly.

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?

To thicken the gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker near the end of cooking. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy truly feels like a hug in a bowl—comforting, satisfying, and effortless to make. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and leaves everyone asking for seconds. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience firsthand how simple ingredients and a little patience can create such a memorable, delicious dish.

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