Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts With Gravy Recipe

Juicy Slow-Simmered Chicken Breasts with Gravy Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, hearty comfort food that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Slow cooker chicken breasts with rich, velvety gravy strike the perfect balance between convenience and deliciousness.

These mouthwatering chicken breasts emerge so tender they practically melt on your plate, infused with savory seasonings that transform an ordinary meal.

Each bite promises a succulent experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.

The slow cooking method ensures lean chicken remains juicy and packed with incredible depth of flavor.

Herbs and spices blend seamlessly, creating a gravy so irresistible you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality dish without hours of complicated preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Breasts and Gravy Ingredient Rundown

For Chicken Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds warm, earthy flavor depth to enhance chicken's natural taste.
  • Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic background notes.
  • Paprika: Introduces mild pepper warmth and beautiful reddish color.
  • Salt: Amplifies overall seasoning and brings out chicken's natural flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and enhances other spice characteristics.
For Liquid Base and Gravy Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates rich cooking liquid and helps tenderize meat.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creamy texture and additional savory flavor.
  • Gravy Mix: Thickens sauce and adds concentrated meat flavor profile.
  • Dried Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal undertones with subtle minty notes.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Sour Cream: Adds silky smoothness and tangy richness to final gravy.
  • Fresh Parsley: Brings bright color and fresh herbal accent to finished dish.

Tools to Help with Slow Cooker Success

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken evenly and keeping it moist.
  • Measuring Spoons: Perfect for precise seasoning measurements.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing dry seasonings.
  • Medium Bowl: Great for whisking broth and soup mixture.
  • Whisk: Helps blend ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Serving Platter: Provides a nice surface for presenting chicken.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing or shredding cooked chicken.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring gravy and serving.

Slow Cook Chicken Breasts in Savory Gravy

  • Prep the Flavor Blast

Blend aal mix of garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage this delicious seasoning all over your chicken breasts, making sure every inch gets some love.

  • Slow Cooker

Nestle those seasoned chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Whip up a dreamy sauce by whisking chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and thyme until silky smooth. Pour this liquid gold all over the chicken, making sure it’s completely hugged by the sauce.

  • Low and Slow Cooking

Cover your slow cooker and let the happen. On low heat, let it simmer for 4-5 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, crank it to high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is super tender and hits 165F.

  • Creamy Gravy Finale

Gently lift the chicken onto a serving platter and keep it cozy. Stir in some sour cream to transform the cooking liquid into a luxuriously creamy gravy.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Slice or shred the chicken however you like. Drench it in that irresistible gravy and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top. Serve over your favorite base like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comfort food dream.

Tips for Flavorful, Fall-Apart Chicken

  • Cook extra chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
  • Replace chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful alternative that stays juicy during slow cooking.
  • Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of dried thyme to elevate the gravy's flavor profile and add a personal touch.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-sodium gravy mix to control salt intake without compromising taste, perfect for those watching their sodium levels.

Serve This Meal with Mashed Potatoes or Rice

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this tender chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic, hearty meal that hugs your taste buds.
  • Rustic Weeknight Wonder: Serve over fluffy white rice and add a side of steamed green beans for a balanced, quick dinner that impresses the whole family.
  • Noodle Nest Delight: Layer shredded chicken and rich gravy over wide egg noodles, creating a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table.
  • Meal Prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunch options, transforming the chicken into delicious sandwiches or salad toppers throughout the week.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken the Right Way

  • Divide cooked chicken into individual or family-sized portions in airtight containers for quick future meals. Smaller servings reheat faster and maintain moisture better.
  • Allow chicken and gravy to cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes before refrigerating. This prevents condensation and keeps texture perfect.
  • Store chicken with gravy in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Keep refrigerator temperature consistently below 40°F to maintain food safety and quality.
  • Transfer chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent drying out.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

The recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking. Thicker or unevenly sized chicken breasts might require adjusting cooking time.

  • Can I use different herbs instead of thyme?

Absolutely! You can substitute dried thyme with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning. Just use the same measurement and adjust to your taste preference.

  • Is it okay to use low-sodium broth and soup?

Yes, low-sodium options work great. They help control salt intake while maintaining the recipe’s delicious flavor profile. Just taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender throughout.

Print
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Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts With Gravy Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts With Gravy Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken breasts with gravy offer a comforting family meal that promises tender meat and rich flavor. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation ensure you’ll enjoy a satisfying dinner with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 lb / 907 g)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (10.5 oz / 298 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (0.87 oz / 25 g) packet chicken gravy mix
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season Preparation: Blend garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the spice mixture, covering every surface evenly.
  2. Slow Cooker Assembly: Position seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker base. Whisk chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and dried thyme until smooth. Pour liquid mixture over chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches 165F (74C) and becomes tender. The meat should easily pull apart when gently prodded with a fork.
  4. Gravy Refinement: Remove chicken and transfer to serving platter. Stir sour cream into remaining cooking liquid, creating a velvety, rich gravy with luxurious consistency.
  5. Serving Finale: Slice or shred chicken according to preference. Drench meat with creamy gravy, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Plate alongside complementary accompaniments like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Optimize Seasoning: Rub the spice blend thoroughly into chicken, ensuring no spots are missed for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Control Moisture: Avoid lifting slow cooker lid frequently to prevent heat and moisture loss, which can dry out chicken.
  • Check Temperature Precisely: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F for safe, tender results without overcooking.
  • Customize Consistency: Adjust gravy thickness by whisking in extra broth if too thick or simmering uncovered if too thin.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 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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