When it comes to simple yet satisfying meals, few can top the ease and flavor of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This dish is the definition of comfort food — tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You can start it in the morning, set it and forget it, and by dinner time, you have a meal that’s ready to enjoy without much effort.
I can’t even count the number of times this meal has saved me on busy days when I just don’t have the energy or time to spend hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and the result is so incredibly delicious that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Plus, the chicken comes out so tender that it practically shreds itself, and the gravy is perfect for drizzling over whatever side dish you decide to pair it with. This recipe is a keeper.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Before we dive into the steps, let’s gather what you’ll need to get started. You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, which makes this recipe even more appealing.
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3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounce each)
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1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce)
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1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounce)
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2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
I love that this recipe calls for just a few pantry staples, and the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. The chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth create a smooth, flavorful gravy that turns this simple dish into something special.
Steps to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
1️⃣ Prepare the crockpot
The first step is to prep your crockpot. Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze afterward. Trust me, anything that saves time on the cleaning side of things is a win in my book.
2️⃣ Season the chicken
Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. It’s a simple seasoning mix, but these few ingredients add so much flavor to the chicken as it cooks. Once seasoned, place the chicken directly into the crockpot. No need to sear the chicken or do anything fancy. The slow cooker is going to take care of everything!
3️⃣ Make the gravy
Now for the fun part! In a small bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This gravy will be the star of the dish — it’s rich, creamy, and has just the right balance of flavors to complement the chicken perfectly.
4️⃣ Pour over chicken
Once your gravy is mixed, pour it over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the gravy mixture so that it can absorb all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
5️⃣ Cook
Now it’s time to let the crockpot work its magic. Seal the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will cook slowly, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is so tender that it can be shredded easily with a fork.
6️⃣ Shred the chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. The chicken should fall apart effortlessly at this point. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well with the gravy. This helps to coat the chicken in that rich, flavorful gravy, making every bite even more delicious.
7️⃣ Serve
Now comes the best part — serving! This shredded chicken and gravy is perfect over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. I personally love it with a big scoop of mashed potatoes, but any of these options will soak up the gravy and create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Tips for Success and Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Now that you’ve got the basics of the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy down, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to make this meal even more delicious, as well as some variations to switch things up. Whether you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile or trying to make this meal even easier, I’ve got you covered.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
1️⃣ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor
While this recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily swap them out for chicken thighs if you prefer a richer, juicier option. Chicken thighs tend to have more flavor and remain incredibly tender when slow-cooked. The slightly higher fat content in chicken thighs will make the gravy even more flavorful. If you’re not picky about the cut of chicken, give this a try — it’s absolutely delicious!
2️⃣ Adjust the Gravy Consistency
Some people prefer a thicker gravy, while others like it a little thinner. If you want a thicker gravy, you can use less chicken broth or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water toward the end of cooking. If you prefer a thinner gravy, simply add a little more chicken broth or a splash of water until it reaches the consistency you like. The great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to adjust the gravy to suit your taste.
3️⃣ Don’t Skip the Dijon Mustard
I know that Dijon mustard isn’t an ingredient you might automatically associate with a chicken and gravy dish, but trust me — it adds a subtle tangy depth of flavor that really elevates the whole dish. It’s optional, so if you’re not a fan of mustard, feel free to leave it out, but I highly recommend giving it a shot. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in the flavor profile!
4️⃣ Add Veggies for a One-Pot Meal
If you want to make this meal even more of a complete dish, you can add some vegetables to the crockpot. Carrots, potatoes, or onions all pair beautifully with the chicken and gravy. Just be sure to chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken. You can toss them in at the start along with the chicken and gravy mixture, and by the time it’s ready, you’ll have a full meal in one pot.
5️⃣ Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot
While the recipe calls for 3-4 chicken breasts, if you’re using a smaller crockpot, it’s important not to overcrowd it. If the chicken is stacked too high, it might not cook evenly. You want the chicken to be fully submerged in the gravy, so if you’re using larger chicken breasts or more than 4, consider increasing the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is cooked through and tender.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Now that you have the basic recipe down, here are a few variations to consider. These tweaks can help you customize the dish based on what you have in your pantry or your personal preferences.
1️⃣ Cream of Mushroom Soup Variation
If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup or simply want a different flavor, you can swap it out for cream of mushroom soup. It adds a savory, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. The mushroom variety still creates that creamy, comforting texture, but it gives the dish a slightly different taste that’s just as delicious.
2️⃣ Use a Different Gravy Mix
While the chicken gravy mix is a classic choice for this dish, you can get creative with other types of gravy mixes. For instance, you could try turkey gravy mix or beef gravy mix if you’re looking to try something a little different. Each variety will give the dish a unique flavor, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
3️⃣ Add a Kick with Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes
If you like a little heat, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the gravy. It’s a subtle way to bring some spice to the dish without overwhelming the other flavors. Just be careful — start with a little, then taste and adjust to your liking.
4️⃣ Turn It into a Chicken Pot Pie
If you’re craving a comforting chicken pot pie, this recipe can be easily adapted into a pot pie filling. After you shred the chicken, you can mix it with some frozen peas and carrots, then pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top it with a layer of pie crust (store-bought works perfectly!), and bake until the crust is golden and flaky. You’ll have a delicious chicken pot pie without the fuss.
5️⃣ Make It Dairy-Free
For those who are avoiding dairy, you can make this dish dairy-free by swapping out the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version, or using a can of coconut milk or cashew cream for a rich, creamy base. Additionally, use a dairy-free gravy mix, and you’re all set to enjoy this dish without the dairy.
Final Thoughts on Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Whether you’re a busy parent, a meal prepper, or simply someone who loves delicious comfort food, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The slow-cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, while the gravy makes everything so rich and satisfying. Plus, with all the variations and tips I’ve shared, you can easily make this recipe your own and adapt it to suit your taste.
FAQ Section and Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered the recipe, tips, and variations, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This should clear up any lingering questions and give you even more confidence in making this dish.
FAQ Section
1️⃣ Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Since the chicken is frozen, it will take longer to cook. Set the crockpot to cook on low for 7-9 hours instead of 6-8 hours. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
2️⃣ Can I use other types of gravy mix?
Absolutely! While chicken gravy mix works perfectly, feel free to experiment with other gravy mixes like turkey, beef, or even mushroom gravy. Each one will add its own unique flavor to the dish, so don’t hesitate to try something new.
3️⃣ How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water). To do this, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the gravy about 30 minutes before serving. The cornstarch will help thicken the gravy while it continues to cook.
4️⃣ Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to make this dish even heartier. You can add potatoes, carrots, peas, or onions to the crockpot along with the chicken and gravy mix. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly, and you’ll have a complete meal all in one pot.
5️⃣ What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. You can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles would also be great alternatives. It pairs well with almost any side dish, so feel free to get creative!
6️⃣ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time! You can prep everything in the crockpot the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
7️⃣ Can I double the recipe?
If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, doubling the recipe is easy to do. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold the additional ingredients, and you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Conclusion: A Comforting Dinner for Any Day
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate easy, comforting meal that requires very little effort but delivers big flavor. Whether you’re short on time, looking for a stress-free dinner, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe fits the bill. The tender chicken and rich, creamy gravy are perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, making it a versatile dish that can suit any taste.
I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your meal rotation — it’s so easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding when you get to enjoy it with your family. Feel free to experiment with the tips and variations I’ve shared to make it even more to your liking, and let me know what works best for you! If you try something new or have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
Happy cooking!
PrintCrockpot Chicken and Gravy
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that comes together with minimal effort. The chicken breasts cook slowly in a rich, savory gravy, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect when served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, hands-off dinner.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounce each)
1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce)
1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounce)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place them directly into the crockpot.
3️⃣ Make the gravy: In a small bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4️⃣ Pour over chicken: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
5️⃣ Cook: Seal the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and can easily be shredded with a fork.
6️⃣ Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it well with the gravy.
7️⃣ Serve: Serve the shredded chicken and gravy over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
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This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
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For a richer flavor, you can substitute the chicken broth with homemade broth or low-sodium broth.
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The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, but it can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
