There’s something truly magical about coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of a meal that’s been simmering all day. This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is the epitome of effortless comfort food—perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a warm, hearty meal with minimal fuss. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you’ll create a dish that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Serve it over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles for a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Growing up, my mom’s Sunday chicken and gravy was a staple that made the house smell heavenly and brought the family together. Now, with the convenience of the crockpot, this beloved dish has become a regular feature in my own kitchen—delivering that same nostalgic comfort with even less effort. So, let’s dive in and make some magic happen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s everything you need to create this deliciously simple dish:
- ½ cup chicken broth: This adds moisture and a depth of flavor to the gravy.
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that makes the gravy rich and luscious.
- 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning: For that savory, herbaceous punch.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounces each): The secret to a perfectly seasoned gravy.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main event—tender, juicy chicken that absorbs all the gravy goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by setting up your crockpot. You’ll want to plug it in and set it to low heat so it’s ready to work its slow-cooking magic.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, mix together ½ cup of chicken broth, the can of cream of chicken soup, 1 tablespoon of chicken seasoning, and the 2 packets of chicken gravy mix.
- Stir Well: Use a whisk or spoon to blend these ingredients until smooth. This flavorful mixture will form the base of your dish, infusing the chicken with a rich, savory gravy as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Next up, it’s time to add the star of the show—those succulent chicken breasts.
- Prepare the Chicken: If needed, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts to keep things lean and tidy.
- Coat with Gravy: Nestle the chicken breasts into the crockpot, making sure they’re well-coated with the gravy mixture. You can use a spoon to scoop some of the gravy over the top of the chicken if needed. This step ensures that every bite of chicken is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Set and Forget
Here’s where the crockpot shines—just set it and go about your day.
- Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can crank it up to high and reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours.
- Let It Simmer: While the crockpot does its thing, you can kick back and relax, knowing that dinner is taken care of. The slow cooking process will make the chicken incredibly tender and infuse it with the rich, savory flavors of the gravy.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once your house is filled with the delicious smell of home-cooked goodness, it’s time to finish things up.
- Check Doneness: After the cooking time has passed, check the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked. The chicken should be so tender that it easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove and Shred: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also cut the chicken into cubes.
- Return to Gravy: Once shredded, return the chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the gravy. This step ensures that every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
With the chicken ready, it’s time to dish up and dig in!
- Prepare Sides: While the chicken is soaking up the gravy, prepare your sides. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles.
- Serve the Chicken and Gravy: Spoon the chicken and gravy over your chosen side dish. The creamy, savory gravy is perfect for soaking into the rice, potatoes, or noodles, making each bite wonderfully flavorful.
- Garnish: For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own
This recipe is already a winner, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.
Spice It Up:
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture. It’ll give your dish a subtle, spicy kick that’s perfect for those who like things a bit zesty.
Herbal Notes:
For a more herbaceous flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the mix. These herbs complement the savory gravy and add a touch of sophistication.
Low-Sodium Option:
To control the salt content, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and look for reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup. This way, you can enjoy all the flavor without the extra sodium.
Gluten-Free:
If you need a gluten-free version, make sure your gravy mix and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free. There are plenty of great gluten-free options available that will still give you that rich, creamy gravy.
Adding Vegetables:
For a more complete meal, consider adding vegetables like sliced carrots, celery, or peas to the crockpot along with the chicken. These veggies will cook down beautifully and add extra nutrition and color to the dish.
Serving Suggestions: Pair It Perfectly
This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- Classic Comfort: Serve the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy will soak into the potatoes, creating a dish that’s pure comfort food heaven.
- Rice Bowl: Spoon the chicken and gravy over steamed rice for a simple, satisfying meal. The rice will absorb all that delicious gravy, making every bite full of flavor.
- Pasta Night: For a twist, serve the chicken and gravy over egg noodles. The wide noodles are perfect for catching every drop of the savory sauce.
The Final Touch
This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is not just about convenience—it’s about creating a meal that’s rich, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity and versatility, making it a staple in any kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to enjoy a warm, comforting dinner at the end of a long day, this recipe delivers every time.
So next time you’re looking for a meal that practically cooks itself, remember this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, ready to welcome you home. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix 0.87 oz each
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Gravy Base : In your crockpot, mix together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chicken seasoning, and chicken gravy mix. Whisk until smooth.
- Add the Chicken : Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are well-coated with the gravy mixture. Use a spoon to spread the gravy over the top of the chicken if needed.
- Cook the Chicken : Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken : Once cooked, check the chicken for doneness—it should easily shred with a fork. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them on a cutting board, then return the shredded chicken to the gravy in the crockpot.
- Serve and Enjoy : Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Add cayenne pepper for spice, or dried thyme for an herbal note. Use low-sodium ingredients to control salt content.
- Quick Tips: Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to make it a complete one-pot meal.