How to Make Chicken and Gravy in a Crock Pot
Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful
Imagine this: You’ve just wrapped up a hectic day. Your feet ache, your energy’s drained, and the last thing you want to do is slave over a hot stove. But then, the rich, savory scent of slow-cooked chicken and gravy wafts through your kitchen. Sound dreamy? It’s not just a fantasy—this can be your reality, thanks to the simplicity of an easy crock pot chicken recipe.
Crock Pot chicken and gravy is more than a meal. It’s warm, nostalgic comfort served on a plate. Whether you’re a busy parent, a novice in the kitchen, or someone who simply loves hearty food without the hassle, this guide will walk you step-by-step through creating a dish that feels like home.
Let’s dive into one of the coziest easy crock pot chicken recipes you’ll ever try.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
There are hundreds of chicken recipes out there, but this one hits differently. Here’s why:
- Minimal ingredients – You probably have most of them in your pantry right now.
- No-fuss prep – Toss it in the Crock Pot and forget it.
- Budget-friendly – Delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
- Freezer-friendly – Great for meal planning and future you.
It’s a time-saving, belly-warming, weeknight lifesaver that keeps your kitchen stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts or thighs | 2-3 | Boneless preferred |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can | For richness and creaminess |
| Chicken gravy mix | 2 packets | Adds deep, savory flavor |
| Water or chicken broth | 1 cup | Enhances sauce consistency |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Optional, adds extra depth |
Optional Add-Ins: Sliced mushrooms, onions, chopped parsley, or even baby carrots for an extra comforting twist.
Table of Contents
How to Make Chicken and Gravy in a Crock Pot
Step 1 – Prep the Crock Pot
Before anything else, give your Crock Pot a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray or use a liner. It makes cleanup effortless and keeps everything from sticking.
Step 2 – Mix the Gravy
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, gravy packets, water (or broth), and garlic powder. Mix until everything is smooth and lump-free. This creamy concoction will be the heart of your dish.
Step 3 – Add Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts or thighs flat in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Pour the gravy mixture over the top, ensuring all the chicken is fully coated.
Step 4 – Cook Low and Slow
Set your Crock Pot to:
- Low for 6–8 hours (best for tender, juicy chicken), or
- High for 3–4 hours (if you’re short on time).
Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks—this lets out heat and extends cooking time.
Step 5 – Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it right in the pot. Mix the meat with the gravy so it soaks up all the flavor. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving for a thicker, richer consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Gravy
Pair your chicken and gravy with the perfect sides to turn it into a complete meal:
- Mashed potatoes – The ultimate pairing for soaking up the gravy.
- Steamed rice – A lighter option that still delivers comfort.
- Buttered noodles – Classic, simple, and kid-approved.
- Green beans or peas – Add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Warm biscuits or cornbread – Mop up every last drop of gravy.
Choose your favorite or mix and match to suit your mood.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Choose chicken thighs if you want extra moist, flavorful meat.
- Use low-sodium soup and broth to control salt levels.
- Want thicker gravy? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) near the end of cooking.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for brightness.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
Make-Ahead
You can assemble the entire dish in your Crock Pot insert the night before. Store it in the fridge and set it to cook the next morning.
Storage
Leftovers? Perfect! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Cool the dish completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a saucepan on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the gravy.
Variations to Try
Feel like mixing it up? Here are some delicious variations:
Add Veggies
- Mushrooms
- Carrots
- Celery
- Frozen peas (add in the last hour)
Spice It Up
- Dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes
- Add jalapeños for a kick
Make It Creamier
- Stir in cream cheese or sour cream in the final 30 minutes
Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free gravy mix and cream soup
These swaps let you make the recipe your own without sacrificing that comforting flavor.
Health Benefits of This Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
- Lean protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein to support muscle growth.
- Lower fat: Using skinless chicken and limiting cream-based ingredients keeps fat levels moderate.
- Balanced nutrition: Serve with whole grains and vegetables for a complete meal.
- Portion control: Easy to measure and store portions for those managing calorie intake.
Crock Pot Chicken Cooking Times Chart
| Chicken Type | Cooking on Low | Cooking on High |
| Boneless Chicken Breast | 6–8 hours | 3–4 hours |
| Chicken Thighs | 6–8 hours | 3–4 hours |
| Bone-In Chicken | 7–9 hours | 4–5 hours |
Always check internal temperature—it should be 165°F (74°C).
FAQs – Easy Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken in a Crock Pot?
Technically, yes—but it’s safer to thaw your chicken first. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety risks.
Q2: Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Absolutely. While low is best for maximum tenderness, the high setting will still give you great results in less time.
Q3: Is this a healthy recipe?
With lean protein and minimal added fat, it can be! Opt for low-sodium ingredients and add veggies for a more balanced meal.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough. The cooking time may increase slightly—keep an eye on it.
Q5: What’s the best way to serve it?
Over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Top with fresh herbs for a touch of color and freshness.
Q6: What size Crock Pot should I use?
A standard 4 to 6-quart Crock Pot is perfect. For doubling, go with 7 quarts or more.
Q7: Can I use chicken thighs with bones?
Yes, but you’ll need to remove the bones when shredding. Add 30 minutes to cooking time.
Conclusion: Comfort Food Without the Hassle
When life feels overwhelming, let your Crock Pot be your kitchen hero. This chicken and gravy recipe brings all the flavor and comfort of a home-cooked meal—without the stress.
So the next time your day gets hectic, you’ll know dinner is already taken care of. Just a few simple ingredients, a bit of patience, and your slow cooker will deliver a rich, hearty dish that hits all the right notes.
Now it’s your turn: Try this easy crock pot chicken recipe tonight, and share your experience in the comments! What sides did you pair it with? Did you add any twists? Let us know below!
Enjoyed this recipe? Don’t forget to bookmark this page and share it with your fellow comfort food lovers.
Happy slow cooking!
