If you have been craving a comfort meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, the Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts slowly cooked in a rich, velvety gravy that is bursting with savory flavors. The magic lies in the simplicity of preparing everything in the slow cooker and coming back to a perfectly balanced dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and effortless to enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe comes from using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a truly satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the creamy soup base that thickens the gravy to the perfectly seasoned chicken that soaks up every bit of taste.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Essential for creating the base of the gravy, allowing the dry gravy mix to dissolve smoothly.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: Adds rich, savory depth that makes the sauce irresistibly flavorful.
- 1 1/4 cup Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (undiluted): Provides creaminess and binds the gravy together with a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth that perks up the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Brings out the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness with a lovely golden color.
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Gives a slight kick and fragrant depth without overpowering.
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about a pound): The star protein tenderized slowly, ensuring juicy, flavorful bites.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a luscious creaminess that makes the gravy silky and rich.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
The first step is to sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. This simple seasoning step locks in flavor right from the start and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned. It’s the foundation on which the rest of the dish is built.
Step 2: Whisk the Gravy Base
In your slow cooker, combine the water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. This mixture forms the rich gravy that will gently cook the chicken and absorb those incredible flavors.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Slow Cook
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, coating them thoroughly with the gravy mixture. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. The slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the chicken incredibly, letting it soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce while remaining juicy and delicious.
Step 4: Remove and Shred Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. You can shred the breasts with forks or slice them, depending on your preferred texture. The tender chicken will be incredibly easy to shred and ready to be served with that amazing gravy.
Step 5: Finish the Gravy
Whisk in the sour cream directly into the slow cooker’s gravy. This final step transforms the sauce into an ultra-creamy and rich gravy that perfectly complements the shredded chicken. Make sure it’s smooth and well combined, then serve warm over the chicken for a truly comforting meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor on top of this creamy chicken dish. If you enjoy a bit of tang, a dollop of extra sour cream makes a fantastic garnish too and enhances the creaminess even further.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every last bit of gravy. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer a crisp contrast and balance out the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded chicken and creamy gravy over a warm biscuit or puff pastry for a charming pot pie-style meal. Another fun idea is to spoon it into soft dinner rolls for flavorful sliders that kids and adults will love alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy thickens as it cools, so before serving again, add a splash of water or broth and gently reheat to restore luscious texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though for best results, store the chicken and gravy together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain tender chicken and creamy sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Add a little water or cream as needed to loosen the gravy and keep it deliciously smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and more flavorful, so they work great with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe without the condensed soup?
You can substitute the condensed cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce or cream, but the soup adds signature creaminess and flavor that’s hard to match.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be creamy and coat the chicken well without being too runny or overly thick. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, stir in a bit of warm water to reach the perfect consistency.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes! Adding hearty vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or celery at the start is a great way to create a one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
What can I serve with this Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe for a light meal?
Serving the chicken with a fresh side salad or steamed green beans balances the richness and makes for a lighter, yet satisfying dinner.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels like a cozy, home-cooked hug, you really should try the Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, packed with comfort, and has that perfect creamy texture that makes every bite special. Once you’ve tried it, it’s sure to be one of those dishes you make again and again without hesitation. Trust me, your slow cooker and your taste buds will thank you!
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 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a creamy, flavorful gravy made with chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and a blend of spices. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Sauce 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
Chicken
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt evenly over the chicken breasts to add flavor before cooking.
- Prepare Gravy: In the slow cooker, whisk together water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth sauce base.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated with the prepared gravy mixture. Cover with the lid.
- Cook: Cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or slice them as preferred.
- Finish Gravy: Whisk the sour cream into the gravy left in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the shredded chicken and spoon the creamy gravy over the top for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add diced onions or mushrooms to the slow cooker at the beginning.
- Use low-sodium gravy mix and cream of chicken soup to reduce salt content if preferred.
- The dish can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
- Leftover chicken and gravy can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
