Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is an easy, comforting dinner made with tender chicken slowly cooked in a rich, savory gravy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation, the slow cooker does most of the work. Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or fluffy biscuits for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) chicken gravy mix
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and a small amount of salt.
If using chicken thighs, trim away any excess fat.
2. Make the Gravy Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken gravy mix
- Chicken broth
- Sour cream
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Everything to the Crock Pot
Place the butter in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Arrange the seasoned chicken on top.
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure the pieces are well coated.
4. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW: 5–6 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
The chicken is ready when it is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Avoid cooking the chicken much longer than necessary, especially if using chicken breasts, as they can become dry.
5. Shred or Slice the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker.
For shredded chicken, use two forks to pull it apart.
Alternatively, leave the chicken breasts or thighs whole and slice them into portions.
Return the chicken to the gravy and stir gently.
6. Finish the Gravy
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed.
If the gravy is thinner than you prefer, leave the slow cooker uncovered for approximately 10–15 minutes on HIGH, stirring occasionally.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve
Spoon the chicken and plenty of gravy over:
- Mashed potatoes
- White rice
- Egg noodles
- Buttered noodles
- Biscuits
- Steamed vegetables
- Cauliflower mash
A side of green beans, peas, roasted carrots, or steamed broccoli makes an excellent addition.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness: They contain more fat than breasts and are very forgiving in the slow cooker.
Don’t add too much salt: Gravy mix, canned soup, and chicken broth can already contain plenty of sodium.
Don’t lift the lid frequently: Every time you open the slow cooker, heat and steam escape and cooking takes longer.
Use low-sodium broth: This gives you more control over the final seasoning.
For richer gravy: Add an extra tablespoon of butter or replace a little of the broth with heavy cream.
Homemade Gravy Variation
If you prefer to skip the packaged gravy mix, make your own thickener.
Combine:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Melt the butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and simmer until slightly thickened.
Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the chicken and continue cooking as directed.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Gravy
For a mushroom variation, add:
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Place the mushrooms around the chicken before adding the gravy mixture.
The mushrooms become tender as they cook and add a delicious savory flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the gravy mixture and season the chicken several hours ahead.
Keep the ingredients refrigerated separately and assemble the slow cooker shortly before cooking.
For food safety, don’t leave raw chicken sitting at room temperature while preparing the meal.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly heated.
If the gravy becomes too thick, add a small splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Freezing Instructions
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy can be frozen.
Place cooled chicken and gravy in an airtight freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
The gravy may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring it thoroughly while reheating should help restore its consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety and more predictable cooking, it’s best to use thawed chicken in a slow cooker rather than starting with frozen chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work exceptionally well and tend to stay juicy.
Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?
Yes. Use a homemade white sauce or chicken gravy instead.
Why is my gravy too thick?
Add a small amount of warm chicken broth and stir until you reach the desired consistency.
Why is my chicken dry?
Chicken breasts can become dry if they’re cooked significantly longer than necessary. Check the internal temperature and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5½ hours
Servings: 6
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is tender, creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to prepare. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes with your favorite vegetables for a warm and comforting dinner the whole family will love.