Let’s be real: Life gets busy. You’ve got work, errands, maybe kids to juggle, and the last thing you want to worry about at the end of the day is making dinner. That’s where Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy comes in. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that will leave your family licking their plates clean without any extra hassle on your part.
This dish is the definition of comfort food. It’s warm, hearty, and filled with savory flavors that make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket. And the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients to pull it together! If you’re a fan of easy dinners that taste like they took hours to make, you’re going to love this recipe. For more comfort food goodness, you can also check out this Chicken and Gravy Recipe that pairs perfectly with any kind of comfort carb you can think of.
Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of tender chicken cooking in a rich, creamy gravy that’s ready to be spooned over mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. That’s what’s in store when you make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy—a meal that takes minutes to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this super simple and delicious dish!
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details of how to make this beauty, let’s talk about why you’ll absolutely love this dish.
It’s easy: Seriously, if you can sprinkle seasoning on chicken and dump it into a slow cooker, you’re already a pro.
Minimal ingredients: You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients—just chicken breasts, some gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and a few seasonings.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a crowd, this dish is always a hit. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal.
Set it and forget it: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here. You can prep this dish in the morning and come home to a meal that’s ready to go. For more set-it-and-forget-it meal ideas, check out these slow-cooker dinner recipes.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, noodles, or biscuits—it’s up to you! It’s comfort food that can be customized depending on what you’ve got on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Ready to get cooking? Here’s everything you’ll need to make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy. Don’t worry—if you’re missing something, I’ve got plenty of substitution ideas for you later on!
The Basics:
- 1 lb. Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the standard here, but you can easily swap them out for chicken thighs if you want something a little juicier.
- 2 Packets Chicken Gravy Mix: You’ll need about two packets of chicken gravy mix to get that rich, savory flavor. If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for the low-sodium variety.
- 1 (10.5 oz.) Can of Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and helps to thicken the gravy as it cooks. If you only have cream of mushroom soup on hand, don’t worry—you can use that, too.
- 2 Cups of Water or Chicken Broth: Water works fine, but using chicken broth adds more flavor. You could also use low-sodium broth if you’re keeping an eye on salt.
- 1/2 Cup Sour Cream: This gets added at the end for extra creaminess. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt works just as well!
- Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: You’ll want to season your chicken before it goes into the slow cooker. A simple blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper does the trick.
Optional Add-ins:
- Sliced Mushrooms: If you want to bulk up the dish, mushrooms are a great addition.
- Frozen Peas or Carrots: For a one-pot meal, toss in some frozen veggies.
- Lemon Pepper or Cajun Seasoning: Want to add some extra flavor? Swap out regular black pepper for something like lemon pepper or cajun seasoning.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy in just a few easy steps.
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, black pepper, and just a little bit of salt. Remember, the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup both have salt, so don’t go overboard.
Step 2: Whisk the Gravy Mix
In your slow cooker, whisk together the two packets of chicken gravy mix, the can of cream of chicken soup, and 2 cups of water (or chicken broth if you’re feeling fancy). Whisk it until it’s mostly smooth—don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place your seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they’re covered in the gravy mixture. The more gravy-soaked they are, the more flavor they’ll absorb while cooking.
Step 4: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but cooking it low and slow gives you the most tender, juicy chicken. The chicken will literally fall apart when you’re ready to serve it.
Step 5: Add the Sour Cream
Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir in the sour cream. This makes the gravy extra rich and creamy. At this point, you can either shred the chicken with a fork or leave it in larger pieces—whatever you prefer!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part—eating! Serve the Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even biscuits. You can garnish with some fresh parsley or green onions if you’re feeling fancy.
Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
This dish is amazing on its own, but it’s even better when served with the right sides. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy:
- Mashed Potatoes: Let’s face it, mashed potatoes were made to soak up gravy. The creamy potatoes pair perfectly with the rich gravy and tender chicken.
- Rice: If you’re looking for something a little lighter, rice is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. The grains soak up the gravy without adding too much heaviness.
- Egg Noodles: If you love chicken and noodles, then this is the way to go. The thick, chewy noodles pair beautifully with the savory gravy.
- Biscuits: Want to go all-in on the comfort food? Serve the chicken and gravy over warm, fluffy biscuits. It’s basically like a Southern-style chicken and biscuits dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Balance out the richness of the gravy with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots.
Variations on Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
One of the best things about this dish is that it’s super versatile. Here are some easy variations and swaps you can make to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand.
1. Swap the Chicken Breasts for Chicken Thighs
If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs tend to be juicier and a little more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them. Plus, they’re often more affordable!
2. Add Extra Veggies
For a complete meal, toss in some vegetables like sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or carrots with the chicken. The veggies will cook down and absorb the flavor of the gravy, giving you a hearty, one-pot meal.
3. Make It Gluten-Free
If you need to make this dish gluten-free, it’s super easy. Just swap out the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup for gluten-free versions. Many brands now offer gluten-free options, and you can make your own cream of chicken soup with gluten-free flour if needed.
4. Use Different Flavors
Feeling adventurous? Try adding different seasonings like lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, or even a little hot sauce to give the gravy an extra kick. You can also use different types of gravy mix, like pork or turkey, for a new twist on the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Got questions? No problem. Here are the most common FAQs when it comes to making Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy.
1. Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts, just add an extra hour to the cooking time. Keep in mind that frozen chicken may release more water as it cooks, which can thin out the gravy. If that happens, you can thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).
2. Can I Cook This on High Heat?
Definitely! If you’re in a rush, you can cook the dish on high for 3-4 hours. However, cooking it on low for 6-8 hours gives you the most tender, fall-apart chicken.
3. What If I Don’t Like Sour Cream?
No worries! If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can swap it out for plain Greek yogurt, which has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. You could also use cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer, smoother gravy.
4. Can I Double the Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra chicken and gravy. You may also need to add a little extra cooking time to ensure everything cooks evenly.
5. How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Want to make sure your Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy turns out perfectly every time? Here are some expert tips to help you out.
- Watch the Salt: Both the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup can be pretty salty, so be careful not to add too much extra salt. You can always taste the gravy at the end and add more seasoning if needed.
- Use Chicken Broth Instead of Water: For extra flavor, swap the water for low-sodium chicken broth. It adds a subtle richness to the gravy without making it too heavy.
- Shred the Chicken for a Thicker Gravy: If you want the gravy to be extra thick and creamy, shred the chicken with two forks after it’s cooked. The shredded chicken will mix with the gravy and give it a more stew-like texture.
- Thicken the Gravy If Necessary: If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on high to thicken.
Conclusion: Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Is a Must-Try Dinner
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is the answer. It’s warm, hearty, and full of comfort food flavor—everything you need in a weeknight dinner. The best part? You don’t need a ton of ingredients or time to make it. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
So next time you’re craving something comforting and satisfying, give this recipe a try. Your slow cooker will do all the work, and you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.