This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy has saved countless busy weeknights at my house. It's one of those recipes that feels like cheating it's so easy. Just a handful of ingredients tossed in the slow cooker and magic happens while you're away. The chicken gets so tender it practically shreds itself and that gravy oh my goodness. Pour it over mashed potatoes rice or noodles and watch your family come running.
Pure Comfort
In our house this dish means comfort food at its finest. My kids always request it over fluffy white rice but my husband loves it best with mashed potatoes. I love that I can throw it together before work and come home to dinner practically done. The slow cooking makes the chicken melt in your mouth and creates the most incredible gravy without any fuss.
Grab These Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I use boneless skinless they shred beautifully
- Garlic Powder: Just enough to wake up the flavors
- Onion Powder: Adds that something special without chunks
- Salt & Pepper: Go easy here the gravy packets have plenty
- Water: Two cans worth about 21 ounces
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to that creamy gravy
- Gravy Packets: Grab two they make everything amazing
Let's Get Cooking
- First Things First
- Layer your chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Give it a good sprinkle of those seasonings nothing fancy.
- Quick Mix
- Whisk together your water soup and gravy packets. I use the same measuring cup saves dishes. Pour it all over the chicken.
- Walk Away
- Cover it up set it to LOW and forget about it for 6 to 8 hours. Your house will smell amazing when you get home.
- Time to Eat
- Take two forks and shred that tender chicken right in the pot. Give it a good stir to coat everything in that delicious gravy.
Why We Love It
The beauty of this recipe is how little work it takes. Five minutes of prep in the morning means dinner is practically done when you need it. Everyone thinks you've been cooking all day but really your crockpot did all the heavy lifting.
Save Some For Later
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about four days if they last that long. Just warm them up gently add a splash of water if the gravy looks thick. My kids love taking it for lunch the next day we just pack the rice separately.
Stock Your Freezer
Sometimes I make a double batch and freeze half. Let it cool completely pop it in a freezer container and you've got dinner ready for another night. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge then warm it up slowly. The gravy stays nice and smooth this way.
Perfect for Company
This is my go to when we're having friends over. I can get it started early let it cook while we visit and everyone loves serving themselves from the crockpot. Add some crusty bread maybe a salad and dinner is done.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I toss in some dried thyme or a pinch of paprika. My sister adds red pepper flakes her kids like a little kick. Just taste before adding extra salt those gravy packets pack plenty of flavor on their own.
Watching Your Salt
Need to cut back on sodium? Look for the low sodium soup and reduced salt gravy packets. Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon at the end brighten everything up naturally.
Add Some Veggies
On busy nights I throw in some frozen peas or carrots right with everything else. They cook up tender and it's an easy way to make a complete meal in one pot. My kids don't even mind the vegetables when they're covered in that good gravy.
Mix Up Your Sides
While we love this over mashed potatoes it's amazing on egg noodles too. Sometimes I split a package of those big fluffy biscuits and ladle it right over top. Talk about comfort food heaven.
Bonus Idea
Here's a fun twist we discovered by accident. Shred the leftovers really fine warm them up and serve with chips for dipping. My teenagers came up with this one it's now their favorite after school snack.
Family Memories
This recipe has become more than just dinner in our house. It's what I make when someone needs comfort food when we're celebrating good news or just because we want something warm and cozy. Simple ingredients lots of love and always enough to share.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- For food safety, it's best to use thawed chicken. Frozen chicken may not cook evenly and could stay in the danger zone too long.
- → Why not prepare the gravy packets first?
- Adding the dry mix allows it to blend with other ingredients while cooking. Prepared gravy would make the sauce too thin.
- → Can I cook this on HIGH instead?
- While LOW heat is recommended for tender chicken, you can cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours if needed. Watch carefully to avoid drying out.
- → Can I use chicken thighs?
- Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and often stay more tender than breasts. Keep the cooking time the same.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.