Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Gravy Recipe

Comforting Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe for Families

Comfort arrives in a bowl of creamy crockpot chicken and gravy that melts away weeknight stress.

Slow-cooking transforms ordinary chicken into a tender, mouthwatering meal that beckons you to the dinner table.

Rich, savory gravy blankets succulent chicken pieces, creating a classic dish that speaks to home-cooked simplicity.

This effortless recipe requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with every spoonful.

Busy cooks will appreciate how quickly ingredients come together in the crockpot.

Minimal effort produces maximum satisfaction when you serve this hearty, soul-warming meal.

Prepare to savor each comforting bite of this irresistible chicken and gravy delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 6

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Ingredient Rundown

For The Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a hearty base for the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation.
For The Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken Broth, Cream of Chicken Soup: Rich liquid base that creates depth of flavor and ensures moisture, select low-sodium versions for better control of saltiness.
  • Gravy Mix Packets: Convenient seasoning blend that adds instant savory richness and thickening power, look for packets with balanced herb and spice profiles.
For The Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic ground spices that infuse subtle, warm undertones without adding extra texture, choose high-quality, fresh ground versions for maximum flavor punch.
  • Black Pepper, Paprika: Zesty spices that add gentle heat and vibrant color, opt for freshly ground black pepper and sweet or smoked paprika depending on desired flavor complexity.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

  • What if I don't have gravy mix packets?

You can substitute with homemade gravy mix by combining flour, salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to create a similar seasoning blend.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional gravy mix packets contain wheat. Look for gluten-free gravy mix or make your own using cornstarch and gluten-free seasonings to adapt the recipe.

  • Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re often more tender and flavorful, and they’ll absorb the gravy mixture beautifully.

Tools That Help You Set It and Forget It

  • Crockpot: Large slow cooker essential for this one-pot meal.
  • Whisk: Handy tool for blending gravy ingredients smoothly.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining broth and seasoning mix.
  • Measuring cups: Helps ensure accurate liquid and seasoning amounts.
  • Measuring spoons: Precise for adding garlic powder, pepper, and spices.

Cook Tender Chicken in a Rich, Savory Gravy

  • Lay the Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Carefully arrange chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.

  • Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine chicken broth, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and a blend of aromatic spices. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-incorporated.

  • Cover Chicken with Flavorful Liquid

Gently pour the seasoned sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets a delicious coating. The liquid will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with rich, savory flavors.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let the chicken simmer for 6-7 hours, allowing the meat to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious gravy goodness.

  • Shred and Serve

Once cooking is complete, use two forks to easily shred the chicken. The meat will be so tender it practically falls apart. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish for a comforting meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Tips for That Creamy, Hearty Consistency

  • Prep this dish the night before by placing chicken and gravy mixture in the crockpot, then refrigerate overnight. Simply start cooking in the morning for a stress-free meal.
  • For ultra-tender chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
  • Swap traditional gravy mix with cornstarch or gluten-free gravy packets. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this recipe celiac-safe.
  • Experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to add depth and complexity to the basic gravy. Fresh herbs can elevate the entire dish.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium gravy packets to control salt intake without compromising taste. Season with additional herbs for extra flavor punch.

Serve Over Mashed Potatoes or Rice

  • Comforting Family Dinner: Serve this creamy chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal that warms everyone's heart.
  • Versatile Sandwich Option: Shred the cooked chicken and pile it high on soft rolls with a drizzle of the extra gravy for a delicious lunch or quick dinner.
  • Side Dish Companions: Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad to add fresh vegetables and balance the rich, creamy chicken.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chicken and gravy into meal prep containers for easy weekday lunches that taste just as delicious reheated.

Store for Weeknight Meals Made Easy

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The chicken stays moist and flavorful when sealed properly, preventing moisture loss and maintaining its delicious taste.
  • Portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers. These meals can be frozen for 2-3 months, offering a quick solution for busy weeknights when cooking feels overwhelming.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Gentle reheating prevents the meat from becoming tough or dry.
  • Prepare the entire recipe in advance, dividing into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with the date to track freshness and ensure optimal taste.
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Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Gravy Recipe

Hearty Crockpot Chicken And Gravy Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Gravy blends tender chicken with rich, creamy sauce for a comforting meal. Slow-cooking techniques ensure juicy meat and deep flavor. Families will savor this classic dish that warms both plate and soul.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (2 lbs / 900 g)
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 2 packets (1 oz / 28 g each) chicken gravy mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or heavy cream (optional)
  • Mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Layering: Arrange chicken breasts in a uniform single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an optimal base for cooking.
  2. Gravy Preparation: Whisk chicken broth, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings until blended into a smooth, uniform liquid mixture that will infuse the chicken with robust flavors.
  3. Coating: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage to guarantee maximum flavor penetration and moisture retention.
  4. Slow Cooking: Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to tenderly cook and absorb the rich gravy essence over 6-7 hours, developing deep, complementary flavors.
  5. Finishing and Serving: Once cooking completes, transfer chicken to a serving platter and vigorously whisk the remaining gravy to create a silky, integrated sauce. For enhanced thickness, incorporate a quick cornstarch slurry, letting it rest momentarily to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Presentation: Plate the succulent chicken and generously drizzle with the luxurious gravy, complementing the dish with mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

Prevent Dry Chicken: Use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness to ensure even cooking and avoid overcooking, which leads to tough, dry meat.

Flavor Boost Technique: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy mixture for an enhanced aromatic profile that elevates the overall taste of the dish.

Texture Modification: For a creamier consistency, replace part of the chicken broth with heavy cream or sour cream during the final mixing stage of the gravy.

Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular condensed soup with low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate specific dietary needs without compromising the recipe’s rich flavor profile.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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