Slow Cooker Chicken with Rich Homemade Gravy Recipe

Slow cooker chicken and gravy is comfort food at its best — rich, simple, and perfect for busy days. This recipe takes under five minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does the rest, producing tender shredded chicken bathed in creamy gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower mash for a low-carb option.

Slow cooker chicken and gravy

Imagine pulling apart juicy chicken breasts and letting them soak up a smooth, savory gravy — a dinner the whole family will ask for again. This version uses pantry staples for convenience, but it still delivers on flavor and texture. It’s an easy weeknight meal, yet comforting enough for a holiday-style dinner without the fuss.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This slow cooker chicken and gravy is hands-off, forgiving, and adaptable. The shredded chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or a vegetable mash. The recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have, and the slow cooker ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

It’s also a great Make-Ahead option — cook it in the morning, and it’s ready by dinner. Leftovers reheat well and make hearty sandwiches or pot pie fillings the next day.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts — lean and quick-cooking; use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
  • 1 (.87 oz) package gravy mix — any standard chicken or brown gravy mix will work.
  • 1 (10 ¾ oz) can reduced-fat cream of chicken soup — canned or homemade cream of chicken is acceptable.
  • 2 cups water — adjusts the gravy consistency.
  • 1 tsp onion powder — for a mild onion flavor without fresh onions.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder — adds savory depth.
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  • See the recipe card below for precise measurements and serving yield.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: In the slow cooker pot, whisk together the dry gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, and water until smooth.

Mixed gravy ingredients in crock pot.

Step 2: Place the chicken breasts on top of the gravy mixture. Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for about 8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender.

Gravy and chicken in crock pot.

Step 3: Remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks or using a handheld mixer right in the pot for a faster result. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy and stir to combine.

Shredded chicken with gravy in crock pot.

Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower mash. Garnish with freshly ground pepper or chopped parsley if desired.

Variations to Try

  • Add a few tablespoons of sour cream at the end for extra creaminess and tang.
  • If you prefer to avoid canned soup or gravy packets, cook the chicken plain and finish with a homemade gravy made from pan drippings, stock, and a roux.
  • Instant Pot option: use thawed chicken breasts, seal, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then perform a quick or natural release according to your appliance instructions.

What to Serve with Chicken and Gravy

Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Roasted or steamed vegetables make a balanced plate, and a simple green salad or warm biscuits are nice accompaniments. Choose a side that will soak up the gravy for maximum comfort.

Recipe FAQs

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight, food-safe container in the refrigerator. The chicken and gravy will keep for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened.

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If you try this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, please leave a star rating and a comment to let others know how it turned out for you — feedback helps improve the recipe and gives ideas for variations.

Description

Chicken cooked all day in a slow cooker until tender and coated in rich, creamy gravy.

Recipe Details

  • Author: Jenna
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 3–8 hrs (depending on setting)
  • Total Time: 3–8 hrs
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients (concise)

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (.87 oz) package gravy mix
  • 1 (10 ¾ oz) can reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk the gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, and water in the slow cooker until smooth.
  2. Place the chicken breasts on top of the gravy mixture.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for about 8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Shred the chicken using two forks or a handheld mixer, then stir the shredded chicken back into the gravy.
  5. Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or cauliflower mash.

Serving Size: approximately 3/4 cup per serving.

Notes

Make this recipe your own by adding herbs, finishing with sour cream for extra richness, or making a homemade gravy instead of using canned soup and mix. For Instant Pot cooks, use thawed chicken and 15 minutes on high pressure.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 181
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 23g

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