Masters of kitchen
Craving comfort food with zero effort? This dish might be your new favorite. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate cozy, fuss-free dinner that practically cooks itself. Just toss a few ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and come home to a meal that smells like a warm hug.
Whether you’re juggling a busy workday, helping kids with homework, or just not in the mood to stand over a stove, this recipe delivers serious comfort with minimal effort. It’s rich, creamy, and absolutely satisfying—exactly what a slow cooker was made for.
With a few pantry staples and some chicken, you’ll end up with fork-tender meat bathed in savory gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttery biscuits for a dinner that feels homemade without the stress.
This recipe is all about simplicity, flavor, and comfort—everything we love in a slow-cooked meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe checks all the boxes for a weeknight win:
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Dump-and-go – Just add everything to the crockpot and walk away
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Family-friendly – Kids love the creamy texture and simple flavors
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Minimal prep – No chopping, browning, or fussing over the stove
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Versatile – Great with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice
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Freezer-friendly – Leftovers reheat like a dream
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Crowd-pleaser – Comfort food that appeals to everyone
Whether you’re feeding a picky eater or prepping a make-ahead meal, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a flexible, no-fail dinner option. It’s also a lifesaver for those days when cooking feels like too much but takeout isn’t in the budget.
Once you try it, this dish will likely earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation—easy, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s why each ingredient matters:
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Chicken breasts or thighs:
Both work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier in long cooking times. If you prefer leaner meat, go for boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them—they can dry out slightly more than thighs. -
Cream of chicken soup:
This isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a flavor powerhouse. It creates a creamy, savory base that becomes your gravy. Want to make it from scratch? There are homemade versions that taste even better. -
Chicken gravy mix:
This thickens the sauce and layers in even more savory flavor. Some versions also contain seasonings that balance out the richness of the soup. -
Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper:
These pantry staples are small touches that make a big difference in the overall flavor. They help round out the taste and give the gravy more depth. -
Optional Add-ins:
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Sour cream adds a tangy richness.
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Cream cheese gives it extra body and a slight tang.
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Ranch seasoning brings herby, savory depth—great for a twist!
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You can stick to the basics or customize it to your taste. The core ingredients do most of the heavy lifting, so it’s almost impossible to mess this up.
What’s the Texture Like?
Think of this dish as comfort in a bowl. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically shredding itself as you stir. The gravy? Smooth, velvety, and just thick enough to coat everything beautifully without being too heavy.
This isn’t a fancy dinner—it’s a cozy, family-style meal you’ll want to dive into with a big spoon. It’s the kind of dish you serve over a generous scoop of mashed potatoes or buttery noodles and just let the day melt away.
Every bite is warm, rich, and satisfying. Perfect for cold nights or any day you need something comforting and filling.
Best Type of Chicken to Use in Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Both boneless skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, but they each bring different qualities to the table.
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Chicken breasts are lean and cook up tender if you don’t overdo the time. They’re great if you’re watching fat content or prefer a milder taste.
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Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more forgiving. They hold up better to longer cooking and have a richer flavor.
If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully separated (not clumped together), and check your slow cooker’s manual—some models recommend thawing first for safety. When in doubt, thaw overnight in the fridge to be safe.
Cooking tip: Thighs tend to stay moist even if left in the crockpot a little longer, while breasts may dry out if overcooked. Whichever cut you choose, you’re still getting a cozy, satisfying meal with very little effort.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Making this recipe is as easy as it gets—no stovetop, no fancy prep, just layers of flavor building slowly throughout the day. Here’s how:
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Place chicken in the bottom of your crockpot.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. No need to cut or sear them—just lay them in evenly. -
Whisk together the cream of chicken soup and gravy mix in a bowl.
Add a splash of water or broth if you prefer a slightly thinner gravy. -
Add seasoning.
Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for extra depth. -
Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Make sure the chicken is well coated. -
Cover and cook:
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On LOW for 6–7 hours
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On HIGH for 4 hours
Tip: Avoid overcooking, especially if using chicken breasts. They can dry out if left too long.
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Resist the urge to peek!
Keep the lid closed to maintain steady heat—lifting the lid releases valuable steam. -
Optional – Add dairy near the end.
If using sour cream or cream cheese, stir it in during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling. -
Shred or slice chicken before serving.
You can shred the chicken with forks right in the pot or serve the pieces whole for a more structured dish.
Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits and let that creamy gravy work its magic.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
This recipe is made for cozy pairings. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
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Mashed potatoes – The classic choice for soaking up all that rich gravy.
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Steamed white or brown rice – Great for a gluten-free twist.
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Egg noodles – Adds a rustic, homestyle touch.
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Buttermilk biscuits – For the ultimate Southern-style comfort.
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Dinner rolls – Perfect for dipping and scooping.
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Roasted or steamed veggies – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans make a balanced plate.
Family meal idea #1: Serve with mashed potatoes and green peas for a classic meat-and-potatoes dinner.
Family meal idea #2: Ladle the chicken and gravy over rice with a side salad for an easy weeknight meal.
No matter how you plate it, this dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
Want to change things up? Try these tasty spins on the original:
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Ranch Twist: Add 1 packet of ranch seasoning for a bold, tangy kick. You’ll end up with Crockpot Chicken and Ranch Gravy—seriously addictive.
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Cream Cheese or Sour Cream: Stir in ½ cup near the end of cooking to make the gravy extra rich and velvety. Sour cream adds a little tang; cream cheese makes it silkier.
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Veggie Boost: Add frozen peas or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for a heartier dish. They’ll soak up the gravy flavor beautifully.
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Tex-Mex Style: Swap the gravy mix for taco seasoning and add salsa instead of soup. Serve over rice and top with shredded cheese.
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Southern-Style Comfort: Serve it over cornbread or grits with a drizzle of hot sauce or honey butter for a comforting Southern meal.
These easy variations let you keep the same no-fuss method while changing the flavor profile to suit your mood.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Crockpot Chicken and Gravy stores and reheats like a dream.
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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers.
To reheat:
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Microwave: Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each.
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Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.
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Crockpot: Reheat on low for 1–2 hours if you’re feeding a group again.
Tip: The gravy will thicken in the fridge, but that’s easy to fix—just stir in a bit of warm broth, milk, or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even an easy recipe like this has a few pitfalls to watch out for:
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Too much liquid: The soup and gravy mix already make a rich sauce. Adding extra broth at the start can make it watery.
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Lifting the lid too often: Every time you peek, heat escapes and delays cooking. Trust the process.
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Overcooking the chicken: Especially with breasts, set a timer and check at the low end of the cook time.
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Skipping seasoning: Even with the soup and gravy mix, a little garlic and onion powder go a long way.
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Not tasting before serving: Give it a taste before plating—you may want a pinch more pepper or salt.
Pro Tip: Add fresh herbs or chopped parsley at the end for a quick flavor boost and color.
FAQs: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, but only if your slow cooker manual allows it. Many recommend thawing first for safety. Frozen chicken may also release extra water, which can thin the gravy.
How do you thicken gravy in the slow cooker?
If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this with turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey breasts or tenderloins work great and give it a festive twist. Just adjust the cook time based on thickness.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with homemade cream of chicken soup or use cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor profile.
How long does chicken take to cook in a crockpot?
On low, it takes about 6–7 hours. On high, expect 3.5–4 hours. Always check that chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F.
Can I double this recipe? Will the cook time change?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker isn’t more than ¾ full. Cooking time may increase slightly, so check for doneness before serving.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Equipment
- 5–6 quart slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Forks (if shredding chicken)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cans 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
- Optional Ranch seasoning packet
Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, covering evenly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- (Optional) In the last 30 minutes, stir in sour cream or cream cheese.
- Shred chicken with forks or leave whole.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix.
- Add frozen peas or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for extra heartiness.
- If your gravy thickens too much after refrigeration, add a splash of broth when reheating.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts & Reader Encouragement
Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is proof of that. It’s a rich, soul-warming dish that tastes like home—and all you need is a slow cooker and a few pantry staples.
We’d love to hear how you served yours! Mashed potatoes? Biscuits? Drop a comment and share your favorite twist or side pairing.
Looking for more simple crockpot favorites? Try our Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken—another easy win for your weeknight menu.
Warm, easy, and always delicious—that’s the kind of dinner we all deserve.
