Short Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken cooked low and slow in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a cozy, fuss-free dinner that practically makes itself. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is all about ease and comfort. Imagine tender, juicy chicken that falls apart as you pull it from the slow cooker, swimming in a creamy, savory gravy that’s perfect for dipping or pouring over your favorite side. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and the result is a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hassle-free dinner, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s a simple list of the ingredients you’ll need for this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (check below for the full list).
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Dried thyme (optional)
- Cornstarch (for thickening the gravy)
Directions
1. Prep the Chicken and Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to brown the chicken beforehand—just put it right in! This is a super easy, no-fuss recipe.
2. Add the Gravy Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme (if you’re using it). Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. It should cover the chicken completely.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred when it’s done. Resist the urge to open the lid too often, as this will slow down the cooking process and affect the texture.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy and stir to combine. This is the point where all the flavors come together!
5. Thicken the Gravy
If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little bit of cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the gravy. If you like your gravy a little thinner, feel free to skip this step.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles. This dish is creamy, comforting, and perfect for any time you need a meal that feels like a hug!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier, making them a great choice for slow cooking. However, chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
- Add Extra Flavor: If you want to kick up the flavor, feel free to add a little splash of white wine, a pinch of paprika, or some fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out if left in the slow cooker for too long, so be sure to stick to the recommended cook times.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can easily substitute it with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add some veggies to the slow cooker. Carrots, peas, and potatoes can all be added during the last hour of cooking for a more complete meal.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and cornstarch for thickening. Be sure to double-check your chicken broth for gluten-free certification.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is best served over a bed of mashed potatoes for that classic comfort food vibe. If you’re not a fan of mashed potatoes, rice or buttered noodles are great alternatives. You could even pair it with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad for some balance.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. Leftovers also freeze well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to cook it on high for 4-5 hours instead of the usual low setting. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook (about 7-8 hours on low), and you’ll need to remove the bones before serving.
3. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
While this recipe is designed for the slow cooker, you can cook it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and gravy mixture in a large pot over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour. Just be sure to check the chicken’s internal temperature and shred it once it’s fully cooked.
4. How can I make the gravy thicker without cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use a bit of flour or even instant mashed potato flakes to thicken the gravy. Just be sure to add small amounts at a time and stir well to avoid clumping.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights when you want a hearty meal without spending all day in the kitchen. With tender, flavorful chicken and a creamy, savory gravy, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or using it for leftovers, it’s a meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken cooked low and slow in a rich, flavorful gravy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a cozy, fuss-free dinner that practically makes itself. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening gravy)
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken and Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to brown the chicken first. -
Add the Gravy Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and thyme (optional). Pour over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s fully covered. -
Cook Low and Slow:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds. -
Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy and stir well. -
Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with a little cold water to form a smooth slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the gravy. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs tend to be juicier due to higher fat content, while chicken breasts are leaner but will still work well.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of paprika for more depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley also work well.
- Cornstarch Tip: If you want thicker gravy, always make sure to use the cornstarch slurry. For a thinner gravy, skip this step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with gravy
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 85mg