This easy crockpot chicken and gravy is tender, juicy, comforting, and incredibly simple to make. Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich, savory gravy until they’re tender enough to cut with a fork.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, this slow cooker chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, and family meals.
Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits for a comforting dinner everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Easy slow cooker dinner
- Minimal prep
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Rich homemade-style gravy
- Family-friendly
- Great comfort food
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Excellent with mashed potatoes
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
If the breasts are very thick, gently pound them to create a more even thickness.
2. Season the Chicken
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. Prepare the Gravy Mixture
Add cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper to a bowl.
Whisk until smooth.
4. Add Gravy to the Crockpot
Pour approximately half of the gravy mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot.
Arrange them in a single layer when possible.
6. Add Remaining Gravy
Pour the remaining gravy mixture over the chicken.
Make sure the chicken is well coated.
7. Add Butter
Place small pieces of butter over the chicken if using.
This adds richness to the gravy.
8. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
LOW: approximately 4–6 hours
HIGH: approximately 2–3 hours
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken and your slow cooker.
9. Check the Chicken
The chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm that the thickest part reaches a safe internal temperature.
10. Make the Gravy Creamier
If desired, stir in sour cream during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking.
Do not add it too early because prolonged cooking can affect its texture.
11. Shred or Slice
You can serve the chicken breasts whole, slice them, or gently shred them directly in the gravy.
12. Garnish
Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
13. Serve
Serve the chicken and plenty of gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work particularly well because they stay juicy during slow cooking.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts?
Yes.
Chicken breasts are lean and convenient.
Try not to overcook them because they can become dry if left in the slow cooker for too long.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
For food safety, it’s best to thaw chicken before putting it into a slow cooker.
Thaw it safely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken?
Yes.
Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can be used, although the cooking time may vary.
Remove the bones before serving if desired.
Can I Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup?
Absolutely.
Homemade cream of chicken soup can replace the canned version.
Can I Make This Without Cream of Chicken Soup?
Yes.
You can make a simple gravy with chicken broth, butter, flour, and seasonings, then add it to the cooked chicken.
Can I Use Chicken Gravy Mix?
Yes.
A packet of chicken gravy mix is a convenient way to create a flavorful gravy.
Can I Make Homemade Gravy?
Absolutely.
For homemade gravy, whisk butter and flour together, then gradually add chicken broth while whisking until smooth.
You can add the gravy to the slow cooker toward the end of cooking.
Can I Add Mushrooms?
Yes.
Sliced mushrooms are delicious with chicken and gravy.
Add them at the beginning of cooking.
Can I Add Onions?
Absolutely.
Sliced yellow or white onions add extra savory flavor.
Can I Add Carrots?
Yes.
Sliced carrots can cook alongside the chicken.
They’ll add sweetness to the gravy.
Can I Add Potatoes?
Yes.
Baby potatoes or chopped Yukon Gold potatoes can be added to the crockpot.
However, if serving with mashed potatoes, you may prefer to cook the potatoes separately.
Can I Add Garlic?
Definitely.
Fresh minced garlic adds excellent flavor.
Use approximately 2–3 cloves.
Can I Add Herbs?
Yes.
Try:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Sage
Fresh herbs can be added near the end for a brighter flavor.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes, depending on the ingredients.
Use a dairy-free cream soup or homemade dairy-free gravy and dairy-free butter.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes.
Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free gravy mix.
Always check package labels.
Can I Make This Lower in Sodium?
Yes.
Use low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-sodium cream soup, and a low-sodium gravy mix.
You can also reduce the added salt.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes.
Cook the chicken and gravy ahead of time and refrigerate.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How Long Does Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for approximately 3–4 days.
Can I Freeze Chicken and Gravy?
Yes.
Cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to approximately 3 months for best quality.
How Do I Reheat It?
Reheat gently over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of chicken broth if the gravy has become too thick.
Why Is My Gravy Too Thin?
If the gravy is thinner than desired, transfer some of it to a saucepan and simmer until reduced.
You can also thicken it with a small cornstarch slurry.
Simple Cornstarch Slurry
Mix:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Whisk together and stir into the hot gravy.
Why Is My Gravy Too Thick?
Add chicken broth a little at a time and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I Shred the Chicken?
Absolutely.
Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir it into the gravy.
This creates a delicious pulled chicken and gravy mixture.
What Should I Serve With Chicken and Gravy?
Serve it with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Egg noodles
- Biscuits
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Corn
- Dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli
Can I Serve It Over Biscuits?
Absolutely.
The creamy chicken and gravy combination is excellent over warm buttermilk biscuits.
Can I Serve It Over Rice?
Yes.
White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well.
Can I Serve It Over Pasta?
Yes.
Egg noodles are especially good because they hold onto the gravy.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Variations
Mushroom Chicken and Gravy
Add sliced mushrooms and extra thyme.
Onion Chicken and Gravy
Add sliced caramelized onions for deeper flavor.
Garlic Herb Chicken and Gravy
Add fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.
Creamy Ranch Chicken and Gravy
Add a small amount of ranch seasoning to the gravy.
Chicken and Mushroom Gravy
Combine mushrooms with the creamy chicken gravy.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Add carrots, peas, and potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
Chicken Gravy Over Biscuits
Shred the chicken and serve it over warm homemade biscuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. They’re especially juicy in the slow cooker.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s safest to thaw chicken before slow cooking.
Can I use homemade gravy?
Absolutely.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes. Add sliced mushrooms at the beginning.
Can I shred the chicken?
Yes. Shred it directly in the gravy.
What should I serve it with?
Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, biscuits, or vegetables.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze for up to approximately 3 months.
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Approximately 3–4 days.
How do I thicken the gravy?
Use a cornstarch slurry or simmer the gravy until reduced.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, with suitable dairy-free substitutes.
Recipe Card
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons butter, optional
- 1/3 cup sour cream, optional
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Whisk cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, gravy mix, thyme, and remaining seasonings.
- Pour half the gravy mixture into the crockpot.
- Add seasoned chicken.
- Pour remaining gravy over the chicken.
- Add butter if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Check that chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in sour cream during the final 10–15 minutes if desired.
- Slice or shred chicken.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.