There’s nothing quite like coming home to the smell of a warm, hearty dinner that’s been slowly cooking all day. This Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy recipe is one of those dishes that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. It’s rich, flavorful, and made with just a handful of pantry staples, yet tastes like something your grandma would spend hours making from scratch.
I first made this recipe on a cold Monday morning, hoping for something warm to greet me after a long day. I threw everything into the slow cooker before heading out, and by the time dinner rolled around, the house smelled like a cozy farmhouse kitchen. The chicken was unbelievably tender, the gravy thick and savory, and the whole family cleaned their plates without a word. It quickly became a weeknight staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a busy cook’s dream—it’s quick to prep, requires no babysitting, and delivers rich, savory flavor that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours (because it has!).
- Only 10 minutes of prep
- No chopping or browning needed
- Made with pantry staples
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Incredibly versatile—serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta
It’s the kind of recipe that fits into any season, though it’s especially comforting on chilly days when you’re craving something hearty and warm.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp dried thyme for added depth
- A splash of milk or heavy cream at the end for extra creaminess
- Sliced mushrooms or onions for extra texture
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Forks for shredding
How to Make Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
In the base of your slow cooker, combine the water, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts directly into the gravy mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the top to coat them.
Step 3: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and cook:
- On low: 8 hours (recommended for best texture)
- On high: 4 hours (for a quicker version)
The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated in the gravy.
Recipe Tips and Flavor Ideas
- Add Veggies: Toss in frozen peas, carrots, or green beans during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.
- Thicken It Up: If you want a thicker gravy, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of poultry seasoning for extra depth.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
This is one of those endlessly adaptable recipes that you can make your own with small tweaks each time.
Serving Suggestions
This slow-cooked chicken is delicious with almost any side, but here are some of our favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic pairing—spoon that gravy generously!
- White or Brown Rice: Great for soaking up the sauce
- Egg Noodles or Pasta: Turn it into a creamy chicken pasta bowl
- Buttered Corn or Green Beans: Add a veggie for a complete plate
- Biscuit or Dinner Roll: Because you’ll want to mop up every bit of that gravy
You can even turn leftovers into sandwiches, wraps, or serve them over toast for a comfort food twist.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
This freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or milk if the gravy has thickened too much.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy is the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to in any busy household. It’s warm, rich, easy to make, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re feeding a big family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want something satisfying without a ton of work, this dish delivers every single time.
With its creamy texture, juicy chicken, and that soul-warming gravy, it’s comfort food at its best—and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a fan favorite. Just toss it all in the slow cooker and come home to a dinner that’s ready to hug you back.
Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
- In the base of your slow cooker, combine the water, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts directly into the gravy mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the top to coat them.
Step 3: Set It and Forget It
- Cover the slow cooker and cook:
On low: 8 hours (recommended for best texture)
On high: 4 hours (for a quicker version)
- The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to become fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken is fully coated in the gravy.
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