Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food made super simple. Tender chicken cooks slowly in a rich, creamy gravy that’s full of flavor without needing a lot of fuss. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with just the right balance of silky gravy coating every bite.
I love how this recipe frees up my day – just toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time, the house smells amazing and the chicken is falling-apart tender. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and satisfying without a lot of mess or stress.
When serving, I like to pile the chicken and gravy over buttery mashed potatoes or soft egg noodles to soak up all the goodness. It’s also great with steamed veggies on the side for a simple, comforting dinner that feels like a little celebration every time. This dish always brings smiles around the table, and I hope it does the same for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: They cook evenly and stay tender in the crockpot. If you prefer dark meat, boneless skinless thighs work well for more juiciness and flavor.
Dry turkey gravy mix: This adds rich, savory flavor. If you don’t have turkey gravy, plain chicken gravy mix or even mushroom gravy mix are good alternatives.
Cream of chicken soup: It makes the gravy creamy and thick. For a lighter option, try cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, which also complement chicken nicely.
Chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. If broth isn’t available, water with a chicken bouillon cube can work too.
Herbs and seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley add layers of flavor. Fresh parsley can be used for garnish to brighten the dish just before serving.
How Do I Get the Perfect Thick and Creamy Gravy?
The gravy’s texture makes this dish so comforting. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix the dry gravy packet, soup, and broth well before adding to chicken. This prevents lumps.
- Cook on low to let flavors blend and chicken become tender.
- For thicker gravy, stir together cornstarch and cold water, then add to the crockpot near the end. Turn heat to high and cook 15 extra minutes until thickened.
- If you want a thinner gravy, skip cornstarch or add a splash more broth.
Shredding the chicken in the gravy helps it soak up all the flavors. Stir gently so the gravy stays smooth and creamy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot/slow cooker – this is key for cooking the chicken slowly and keeping it tender.
- Mixing bowl – great for whisking the gravy mix, soup, and broth together smoothly.
- Whisk – helps prevent lumps in the gravy for a creamy texture.
- Forks – perfect for shredding the chicken easily after cooking.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for precise seasoning and liquid amounts.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs to get richer flavor and juicier meat.
- Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste and extra texture in the gravy.
- Stir in some cooked bacon bits before serving for a smoky twist.
- Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, bright flavor.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry turkey gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thicker gravy)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in your crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a hands-off dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot in a single, even layer so they cook uniformly.
2. Make the Gravy Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk together the dry turkey gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the gravy mixture all over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the delicious gravy flavors.
4. Shred and Finish:
Before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to mix well with the gravy.
5. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
If you like your gravy thicker, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 15 minutes until the gravy thickens.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken and creamy gravy hot, garnished with extra parsley. It’s wonderful over mashed potatoes and green beans to complete the comforting meal just like in the picture!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before placing them in the crockpot. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety issues.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, just cook as directed, adding some extra time if cooking from cold.
What Can I Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
This dish is delicious over mashed potatoes or soft egg noodles to soak up the gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables also make great side options for a balanced meal.
