Slow Cooker Country Gravy Chicken

Slow Cooker Country Gravy Chicken

A hearty, creamy comfort-food dinner made with tender slow-cooked chicken and rich country-style gravy. It takes only a few minutes to prepare, then the slow cooker does the work.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Country Gravy

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 packets chicken gravy mix
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and prevents excess moisture from diluting the gravy.

Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt.

2. Make the gravy mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and black pepper.

Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the gravy powder has dissolved as much as possible.

If you like a deeper savory flavor, add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce.

3. Layer everything in the slow cooker

Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom in a single layer.

Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute it over the chicken.

Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure the chicken is well covered.

Do not add the sour cream yet. Adding it at the beginning can cause it to separate during the long cooking time.

4. Slow cook the chicken

Cover the slow cooker with the lid.

Cook on:

• LOW: 5–6 hours
• HIGH: 3–4 hours

Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Try not to repeatedly remove the lid while cooking because this releases heat and can significantly increase the cooking time.

5. Shred the chicken

Once the chicken is completely cooked, carefully transfer the breasts to a large plate or bowl.

Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes, then shred them using two forks.

For larger pieces of chicken, you can also slice or chop the chicken instead of shredding it.

6. Finish the gravy

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Add ½ cup sour cream and stir gently until it is completely incorporated into the gravy.

Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed.

If the gravy is too thick, stir in a little warm chicken broth, 1–2 tablespoons at a time.

If the gravy is too thin, leave the slow cooker uncovered on HIGH for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

For a thicker gravy, you can also mix:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water

Stir the mixture until smooth, then add it to the slow cooker. Cook uncovered on HIGH for about 15–20 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.

7. Let everything come together

Once the gravy reaches your preferred consistency, let the chicken sit in the gravy for another 5–10 minutes with the slow cooker on LOW or WARM.

This allows the shredded chicken to absorb the flavorful gravy.

8. Serve

Spoon a generous portion of chicken and gravy over:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Egg noodles
• Buttered pasta
• Warm biscuits

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Helpful Tips

Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if left in the slow cooker for much longer than necessary. Start checking them toward the lower end of the cooking range.

Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and tend to stay especially juicy during slow cooking.

For extra creamy gravy: Add an additional 2–3 tablespoons of sour cream at the end.

For richer flavor: Brown the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil for 2–3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker. This isn’t necessary, but it adds extra savory flavor.

For a complete meal: Serve the chicken and gravy with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, green beans, or buttered corn.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the gravy has become too thick.