Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy Recipe

If there’s one recipe I reach for when I want a cozy, fuss-free dinner, it’s this Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy. The chicken cooks up unbelievably tender in a rich, savory gravy that tastes like hours of effort—when in reality, your slow cooker does all the work. It’s a beloved favorite for busy weeknights and one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine spoon-tender chicken bathed in golden, silky gravy, your kitchen filled with comforting aromas, and dinner practically making itself. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even thick slices of bread, and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Hands-Free: Prep takes just a few minutes, then your slow cooker works its magic. It’s truly a “set it and forget it” meal.
Ultimate Comfort Food: That creamy gravy and tender chicken are pure nostalgia. Every bite is hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying.
Adaptable: You can add your favorite veggies or switch up sides, making it easy to fit your cravings or what you have on hand.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters love the mild, savory flavors, making this an easy win at the dinner table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—these become incredibly juicy and fork-tender after hours in the slow cooker.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to that velvety gravy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a homemade version!
Chicken Gravy Mix Packets: These add depth, boosting the savory, home-cooked flavor.
Water: Blends everything together and creates plenty of luscious sauce.
Onion Powder: For sweet, subtle onion flavor, with no chopping required.
Garlic Powder: Because almost every great dish deserves garlic.
Salt and Pepper: Adjust according to your taste—sometimes just a little extra cracked pepper makes all the difference.
Fresh or Frozen Vegetables (Optional): Stir in peas, carrots, or green beans for color, nutrition, and a touch of sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Go Creamier: Stir in a splash of sour cream or a little cream cheese during the last hour for an extra luxurious sauce.
Make It a Complete Meal: Toss in baby potatoes or use a mix of carrots and green beans for a one-pot wonder.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soup and gravy packets—several brands offer fantastic alternatives.

How to Make Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Gather and Mix

Start by adding your cream of chicken soup, water, chicken gravy mix packets, onion powder, garlic powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper right into your slow cooker. Stir until everything is well blended and smooth—you want a consistent, creamy base.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, turning them over so they’re well-coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker—high for 4 hours if you need dinner soon, or low for 8 hours if you’re planning ahead. This hands-off step is where the magic happens—the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender as it soaks up the savory gravy.

Step 4: Veggie Boost (Optional)

If you want to add vegetables, toss them in during the last hour of cooking. Frozen peas, carrots, or even a bag of mixed vegetables work beautifully—they’ll steam gently in the sauce, picking up all those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once everything is cooked through and piping hot, serve heaping spoonfuls of chicken and gravy over your favorite base—rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta are all perfect canvases for soaking up that delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: While chicken breasts are sturdy, too much time can dry them out even in gravy. Stick to the recommended times for best texture.
Shred or Slice: For extra-cozy vibes, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker before serving—that way every bit is coated in gravy.
Layer Flavors: Don’t skip the onion and garlic powders—they build a savory foundation that really brings everything together.
Use a Liner: Slow cooker liners make cleanup a total breeze, especially when dealing with creamy sauces.

How to Serve

Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy is all about comfort. Pile it high over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or hot steamed rice for the ultimate comfort meal. Add a side of sautéed green beans or roasted broccoli for some color and crunch. Want something a little different? Spoon it over thick slices of toasted bread for a rustic open-faced sandwich.

Extra tip: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits!

Freezing

This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for easy meal prep.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and hold up perfectly to slow cooking. They add a slightly richer flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or use a combination of non-dairy milk and chicken broth thickened with a cornstarch slurry. Just be mindful that the finished gravy might have a slightly different texture.

What vegetables work best in this dish?

Classic choices include peas, carrots, green beans, or even corn. Add them during the last hour to keep them bright and tender, not mushy.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No need! The slow cooker will do all the work, and you’ll still get supremely tender chicken. But if you want a burst of flavor, a quick sear in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker is a nice touch.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy is a lifesaver for anyone craving real comfort food without spending hours cooking. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally customizable. Whether you serve it over potatoes, noodles, or rice—or add your own twist with veggies and spice—you’ll have a dinner that’s as easy as it is delicious. Don’t wait for a busy night to try it—this is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking something to look forward to!