If you are craving something comforting, rich, and incredibly easy to put together, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes simple, wholesome ingredients and transforms them into a luscious dish with tender shredded chicken bathed in creamy, flavorful gravy. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum cozy vibes. Whether it’s for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and for this recipe, all you need are a few essential pantry staples that come together to create unforgettable comfort food. Each element brings its own magic — from the creaminess of the soup and sour cream to the savory notes in the chicken gravy mix and broth, every bite is layered with flavor and perfect texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2½ pounds): Thawed chicken breasts provide the tender, juicy protein base you’ll shred into the gravy for ultimate comfort.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.25 ounces): Adds velvety creaminess to the sauce and a subtle savory undertone.
- Chicken gravy mix (2 envelopes, 1.74 ounces): Concentrated flavorings that give your gravy a rich, mouthwatering depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful without overpowering the main ingredients.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tang and a luscious finish to the gravy’s texture.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors in every bite.
- Cooked rice: The perfect, fluffy base to soak up all that amazing chicken and gravy.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. This simple setup means you get to skip any pre-cooking steps, which saves time and effort.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and chicken broth until smooth. This mixture will form the luscious gravy that your chicken will cook in, soaking up all those delicious flavors as it simmers.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Pour the soup and gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become perfectly tender, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F, making it safe and juicy.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooking is done, use two forks to shred the breasts right in the crockpot. This allows the chicken to capture even more of the rich gravy flavor, creating a cohesive, comforting dish.
Step 5: Add the Final Touches
Stir in the sour cream until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Give it a taste, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe over warm cooked rice and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only brings vibrant color but also adds a subtle fresh herbaceous note that balances the rich, creamy gravy perfectly. For an extra flourish, you might consider a dash of paprika or even some crispy fried onions on top to introduce texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to lighten the richness. Mashed potatoes instead of rice can also be a delicious alternative, turning the meal into a super indulgent, cozy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken and gravy over buttery egg noodles for a twist on traditional chicken and gravy, or even spoon it onto toasted biscuits for a hearty, rustic touch. For family-style meals, offer the components separately so everyone can customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. As flavors meld overnight, leftovers can be even more flavorful and comforting the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is your friend. Place the cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave a little headspace to allow for expansion.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. Serve hot over freshly cooked rice to revive all the delicious textures and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe, offering extra juiciness and a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure tenderness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this dish gluten-free, look for gluten-free chicken gravy mixes and cream of chicken soup alternatives. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will maintain the rich texture and taste you love.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You sure can! Use the slow cooker function or pressure cook for about 12-15 minutes, then manually release the pressure. Just be sure to shred the chicken and stir in the sour cream before serving.
How creamy is the gravy?
The gravy is wonderfully creamy and smooth thanks to the combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream. It’s thick enough to coat the chicken and rice without being heavy or gloopy.
What’s the best rice to serve with this dish?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are excellent choices because they absorb the gravy beautifully. If you want something healthier, brown rice or cauliflower rice can be great alternatives without sacrificing texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a go-to meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, do not hesitate to try this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s fuss-free, delicious, and endlessly satisfying. Once it’s on the table, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends. So grab your crockpot, gather those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both timeless and truly comforting.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that features tender shredded chicken simmered in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Perfect for a hands-off meal, it combines simple ingredients like cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and sour cream, cooked low and slow to develop rich flavors. Serve it over cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley for a satisfying classic dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed if frozen)
Gravy
- 10.25 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1.74 ounces chicken gravy mix (2 envelopes)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
To Serve
- Cooked rice
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly spread out for uniform cooking.
- Mix the Gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and low-sodium chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, indicating it is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Finish the Gravy: Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the sauce. Taste the gravy and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed for your preference.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken and gravy mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content in the dish.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can cook uncovered for an additional 15–30 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, omit sour cream or substitute with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
