Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, blending the convenience of slow cooking with the creamy richness of a classic gravy. It’s perfect for busy families, offering a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal preparation. With the use of a crockpot, this dish saves time while delivering restaurant-quality flavors right at home.

This recipe is ideal for anyone seeking a cozy, filling dish that requires little hands-on effort. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this slow-cooked chicken and gravy recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

The beauty of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy lies in its simplicity. By combining basic pantry staples like condensed cream of chicken soup and a packet of gravy mix, this dish packs an impressive punch of flavor. Learn more about the history of slow cooking to appreciate how crockpots revolutionized easy home cooking.

Key Ingredients and Their Importance

This recipe features a handful of simple yet impactful ingredients that come together to create a luscious, satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of each essential component:

Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tenderness and allows the gravy to soak in beautifully. Learn more about the nutritional value of chicken here.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple forms the creamy base of the gravy, binding all the flavors together.
Chicken Gravy Mix: The secret to this dish’s flavor depth, the gravy mix enhances the richness of the sauce.
Garlic: With its aromatic properties, garlic elevates the flavor profile while providing health benefits. Discover more about garlic’s culinary uses here.
Parsley and Black Pepper: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, while cracked black pepper gives the dish a mild kick.

Step-by-Step Preparation and Tips

Preparing the Chicken

To begin making Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, prepare your slow cooker by selecting a 5-quart size for the perfect balance of space and even cooking. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom, ensuring they form a single layer. This arrangement allows the gravy mixture to evenly coat the chicken, promoting consistent tenderness.

Using chicken breasts offers a leaner option, but you can also substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Be sure to trim any excess fat from the chicken before placing it in the crockpot.

A slow cooker is invaluable for dishes like this. Its steady heat ensures the chicken remains moist and absorbs the flavors thoroughly. Explore more slow cooker hacks for added inspiration in perfecting your slow-cooked meals.

Making the Gravy Mixture

Creating the perfect gravy mixture is key to the success of this dish. In a small mixing bowl, combine three cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, a packet of chicken gravy mix, and the minced garlic. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients until smooth. This ensures a lump-free, creamy consistency.

If you’d like to experiment, consider adding a teaspoon of onion powder or a pinch of dried thyme for an extra layer of flavor. You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free soup and gravy mix alternatives.

Gravy plays a central role in many comfort foods, providing rich and satisfying textures. Learn more about gravy’s significance in culinary traditions here.

Combining and Cooking

Once the gravy mixture is ready, pour it over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are completely covered. This step guarantees that the chicken soaks up all the savory flavors while cooking.

Set your crockpot to high and cook for 3 hours, or opt for a low setting and cook for 5 hours. The longer cooking time on low heat results in incredibly tender chicken. Avoid opening the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend the cooking time unnecessarily.

By the end of this step, the chicken should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. If you’re wondering about temperature consistency, review these slow cooker tips to ensure optimal results.

Shredding and Final Seasoning

Once the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is fully cooked, it’s time to shred the chicken. Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart directly in the slow cooker. This shredding process allows the tender chicken to absorb even more of the rich, creamy gravy.

After shredding, stir in the freshly minced parsley and cracked black pepper. These final touches enhance the flavor and bring a fresh, slightly peppery kick to the dish. If you prefer a spicier profile, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. While the gravy mix is already flavorful, you might want to add a touch more pepper or salt based on your preference. Learn more about the culinary benefits of parsley here.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy makes it a perfect centerpiece for various dishes. Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience. Alternatively, pair it with steamed white rice or buttered noodles for equally satisfying options.

For a complete meal, consider adding simple sides like roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a garden salad. The dish can also be adapted into a casserole by layering it with cooked pasta or rice in a baking dish and topping it with shredded cheese before baking.

Looking for other pairing ideas? Check out these mashed potato pairings for inspiration. This recipe is also freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prepping or saving leftovers for busy weeknights.

Expert Tips and Variations

Expert Tips for Best Results

To ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy turns out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:

Use Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh parsley instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor and color. Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking prevents them from losing their potency.
Prevent Curdling: When cooking with creamy soups, avoid high heat for extended periods, as this can cause curdling. Stick to low settings if you have time.
Store Properly: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in a microwave-safe dish to maintain the creamy consistency.

If you’re looking for slow cooker insights to optimize this recipe, check out these slow cooker tips for even better results. For more on parsley’s culinary versatility, explore its many applications here.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to fit your preferences. Here are some popular variations:

Vegetable Additions: Incorporate chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms into the slow cooker for a heartier dish with added nutrition.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different gravy mixes, such as turkey or mushroom, for unique flavor twists. You can also add a splash of white wine for a sophisticated touch.
Turn It Into a Casserole: After shredding the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish with cooked pasta or rice. Top with shredded cheese and bake until golden and bubbly for a delightful casserole.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the creamy chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly version.

Looking for more meal prep inspiration? Check out these quick meal prep ideas for creative ways to utilize this versatile recipe.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They are more forgiving and remain juicy even if cooked a little longer. However, thighs have a slightly higher fat content, which can make the dish richer in flavor.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a plant-based alternative, such as a dairy-free cream of mushroom or homemade non-dairy cream sauce. Use a gravy mix labeled as dairy-free or create your own from scratch.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can replicate this recipe using an oven-safe dish. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), layer the chicken and gravy mixture in a covered baking dish, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours until tender.

Can this recipe be frozen?

Absolutely! Portion the cooked chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers. Store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave.

How do I thicken the gravy if needed?

If the gravy is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir it into the crockpot and let it cook on high for an additional 10–15 minutes until thickened.

For more inspiration on slow cooker meals, check out these crockpot comfort recipes.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Author: Christopher

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a simple, hearty, and flavorful dish that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a rich, creamy gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest with minimal prep work.

Ingredients

Scale

2 kg (4.4 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cans (295 g / 10.4 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 packet (43 g / 1.5 oz) chicken gravy mix
12 cloves garlic, minced (30 g / 1.1 oz)
60 ml (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, minced
4.5 teaspoons (7 g) cracked black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in a 5-quart slow cooker.

Make the Gravy Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and minced garlic until smooth.

Add Gravy to the Slow Cooker: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.

Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

Shred the Chicken: Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.

Finish the Dish: Stir in the minced parsley and cracked black pepper, mixing until everything is well combined.

Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal.

Notes

Chicken Substitutions: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier and richer flavor.
Vegetable Add-Ins: For added texture and nutrition, mix in vegetables like chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms during the cooking process.
Thickening Gravy: If your gravy turns out thinner than desired, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) and stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Freeze for longer storage, up to three months.
Dietary Adjustments: Make it dairy-free by substituting the cream of chicken soup with non-dairy alternatives and using a homemade gravy mix.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or pasta for a complete meal. It also makes a delicious filling for casseroles or pot pies.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for an extra kick of flavor.

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