If you’re craving comfort food with minimal fuss, my Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe is an absolute lifesaver. It’s the ultimate cozy dish where tender, juicy chicken perfectly soaks up a rich, velvety gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Using simple pantry staples, this recipe comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, freeing you up to relax while the magic happens. Whether you need dinner on the table after a busy day or want a crowd-pleaser that everyone will rave about, this dish delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a key role in building the deep, satisfying flavor and irresistible texture of this dish. The balance between creamy, savory, and mildly spiced elements is what makes this Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe a standout favorite.
- 1 1/2 cups water: The base liquid to create a smooth, luscious gravy that perfectly coats the chicken.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: Adds that classic savory flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 1/4 cup condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted): Brings a rich, creamy body to the gravy that feels indulgent yet homey.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a subtle aromatic punch that complements the gravy.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the gravy’s richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a faint smoky warmth and a gentle pop of color.
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat.
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about a pound): The star protein, tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end to give the gravy a creamy, tangy finish that elevates every bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by sprinkling the garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt directly over the chicken breasts. This simple seasoning step ensures each piece is flavorful from the inside out once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In your slow cooker, whisk together the water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth. This blend will transform into a luscious gravy that envelopes the chicken with every forkful.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Gravy
Add the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker bowl, fully coating them in the gravy mixture. Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking method breaks down the chicken into tender perfection while infusing it with savory goodness.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred or chop the chicken as you prefer—this texture will soak up even more of that irresistible creamy gravy you’re about to add.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Whisk the sour cream into the leftover gravy in the slow cooker until the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy. This final step adds depth and a wonderful tang that complements the chicken beautifully. Serve the shredded chicken topped with the creamy gravy for a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this homey dish to something truly special. A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. For a touch of elegance and texture, try toasted sliced almonds or crispy fried onions on top.
Side Dishes
This chicken and gravy shines alongside classic comfort sides. Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural pairing, soaking up every bit of that luscious gravy. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots offer a fresh, vibrant counterpoint. For something heartier, buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice work wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or just make weeknight dinners more exciting? Serve the shredded chicken piled high on warm buttermilk biscuits for a Southern-inspired twist. Alternatively, spoon the creamy chicken and gravy over roasted sweet potatoes or inside a baked potato for a cozy, satisfying bowl. For a lighter presentation, layer the chicken and gravy over sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe is a delight to have on hand. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken stays moist, and the gravy thickens slightly, making it even better after a day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Portion the chicken and creamy gravy into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and gravy over low heat on the stove or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the gravy thickens too much. This will revive the smooth, creamy consistency you fell in love with initially.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work nicely and may even add extra richness due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can cook a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply choose gluten-free chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup alternatives. Many brands now offer gluten-free options, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy this comfort dish.
Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot?
You can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function to mix the gravy, then pressure cooking the seasoned chicken for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir in sour cream after cooking for the best texture.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you’re out of sour cream or want a dairy-free option, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute—it adds similar creaminess and a nice tang to the gravy.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still fluid enough to drizzle. If it’s too thin, you can whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water and cook for an extra 15 minutes to thicken it up.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe that feels like a warm embrace after a busy day. Its effortless preparation paired with deeply comforting flavors makes it a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it too. Once you’ve tasted this tender chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy, I promise it will become one of your go-to meals for easy, soul-satisfying dinners.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a creamy, flavorful homemade chicken gravy. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal, the chicken simmers slowly in a rich blend of chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and spices, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dinner served with creamy gravy on top.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 1/4 cup condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and salt evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor prior to cooking.
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In the slow cooker, whisk together water, chicken gravy mix, undiluted condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, and coarse ground black pepper until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker and ensure they are well coated with the prepared gravy mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or cut them into bite-sized pieces as preferred.
- Finish the Gravy: Whisk the sour cream into the remaining gravy in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy. Serve the creamy gravy poured over the shredded chicken for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped onions or garlic when cooking the chicken.
- This recipe is ideal for meal prep and leftovers reheat well.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the chicken gravy mix and soup are gluten-free certified.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use low-fat or light sour cream to reduce fat content if desired.
