If you’re like me and love recipes that practically cook themselves but still deliver on comfort and flavor, then this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how juicy the chicken turns out when slow-cooked in that rich, velvety gravy—it’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day when you want something satisfying without fuss.
This recipe works beautifully for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want dinner ready to serve with minimal effort. Plus, using just a handful of ingredients (and your trusty crockpot) means you don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to get fantastic results. I discovered this trick when I wanted delicious comfort food without staring at the stove for hours—you’ll find that once you try it, it’s going straight into your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: Just toss ingredients in the crockpot and walk away—no constant stirring or monitoring needed.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: Slow-cooking locks in moisture and flavor, making the chicken irresistibly soft.
- Versatile and Quick to Prep: With only a few pantry staples, it’s easy to pull together anytime.
- Perfect for Busy Schedules: Dinner’s ready when you are, making evenings less stressful and more delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in building that classic creamy gravy that you’ll want to spoon over everything.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I prefer breasts because they stay tender and cook evenly, but you can use thighs if you like a bit more richness.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and a subtle savory depth to the gravy; opting for unsalted helps you control the seasoning better.
- Chicken gravy mix: Two packets give that gravy the perfect flavor boost—if you find a good quality brand, it really makes a difference.
- Water or chicken broth: Optional but recommended for thinning out the sauce to your desired consistency; broth adds extra flavor.
- Hot cooked rice: This is how I serve the dish—it soaks up the gravy perfectly and makes the meal complete.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is how flexible it is—you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs, and I encourage you to make it your own.
- Add veggies: I sometimes toss in sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or even carrots before cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use boneless chicken thighs: For richer flavor and a juicier bite, thighs work beautifully, especially if you prefer darker meat.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free chicken soup and gravy mix, and this comforting dish is safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Try slow cooker shredded chicken: Cook the chicken breasts whole, then shred them before stirring back into the gravy for a different texture that’s great on biscuits or mashed potatoes.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients in the Crockpot
This is where the magic begins—and honestly, it couldn’t be easier. Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them out so they cook evenly. Next, pour the unsalted cream of chicken soup over the top. Then sprinkle in the chicken gravy mix evenly over the chicken and soup—no mixing needed at this point. If you want a thinner gravy, add the water or chicken broth now. The layers will meld and develop flavor as they cook.
Step 2: Set It and Forget It for Four Hours
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low heat for about 4 hours. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—as tempting as it is to peek, keeping the heat steady ensures your chicken cooks through and the gravy thickens perfectly. By the time the timer goes off, you’ll smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen, and the chicken will be cooked to tender perfection.
Step 3: Stir and Serve Hot Over Rice
Once cooked, gently stir the chicken and gravy together in the crockpot. The creamy sauce will coat the chicken so nicely—you’ll find every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve this over a bed of hot cooked rice; it soaks up all that gravy and turns your meal into a cozy, hearty plate. Trust me, this step is what keeps my family coming back for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Use fresh chicken breasts: I’ve noticed fresher chicken cooks more evenly and stays juicier—frozen can work but adjust cooking time slightly.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Once cooking is done, let the crockpot sit for 10 minutes before opening to let juices redistribute.
- Customize gravy thickness: If you want thicker gravy, just remove the lid toward the end and let it cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes.
- Avoid dryness: Adding a little broth or water is key to keeping the chicken moist and the gravy smooth.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top—these herbs add a lovely pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the gravy. Sometimes I crumble a bit of crispy bacon or sprinkle sharp shredded cheddar, depending on how indulgent I want to get.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside simple steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or even a crisp side salad to balance the creamy chicken and gravy. Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles also make excellent bases instead of rice—there’s no wrong way to serve it.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with puff pastry lids for an elegant twist on chicken pot pie vibes. Another fun option is spooning the chicken and gravy over buttery biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal that makes any holiday feel cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found that the chicken stays tender, and the gravy thickens beautifully overnight—just give it a good stir before reheating. This recipe also reheats incredibly well, making it perfect for planning lunches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe freezes wonderfully. After cooking, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers gently over low heat on the stove to keep the chicken juicy and the gravy smooth. Stir occasionally and add a bit of chicken broth or water as needed to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to be even juicier and more flavorful when slow-cooked. Just keep in mind thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time depending on their size, but generally, 4 hours on low still works well.
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Is it necessary to add water or chicken broth?
Adding water or broth helps thin out the cream of chicken soup and gravy mix so the sauce isn’t overly thick or gloppy. It also adds moisture to keep the chicken tender, but if you like a very thick gravy, you can skip or reduce this liquid.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and set your timer. It’s a great way to streamline meal prep on busy days.
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What should I serve with Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
I love serving it over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles so the gravy can soak in. Adding green veggies or a crisp salad balances the rich flavors nicely and rounds out your meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers classic comfort food without any stress or extra cleanup. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, it’s incredibly forgiving and always hits the spot. I urge you to try it on a day you want dinner done for you—your family will thank you, and you’ll love having this dependable, delicious meal in your back pocket.
Print
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Perfect for a comforting meal, it requires minimal prep and combines classic ingredients like cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix. Serve it over hot cooked rice for a satisfying dinner that’s both simple and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gravy
- 1 can (10.5 oz) unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 packets (0.87 oz each) chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
To Serve
- Hot cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the Gravy: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix packets, and water or chicken broth if using. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and the gravy mix is fully dissolved.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well covered with the sauce to infuse flavor and moisture during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours (approximately 240 minutes), allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the savory gravy flavors.
- Check and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, check that the chicken is cooked through and tender. Serve the chicken and gravy hot over freshly cooked rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for busy days since it requires little active preparation time and relies on slow cooking for flavor and tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken broth for water to enhance the gravy’s richness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley before cooking.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
