Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe – Cozy, Creamy Comfort in Every Spoonful

There’s nothing like the smell of a homey dinner simmering all afternoon; it pulls you toward the kitchen like a familiar hug. Right away I’ll tell you this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy fills the house with warm, savory notes — and it’s one of those dishes that makes everyone sit up a little straighter at the table. When I make it on a rainy afternoon, the whole house feels softer, and the first taste always brings back Sunday dinners with my family.

Try a comforting soup if you want something lighter on a different night, but for pure stick-to-your-ribs comfort, this recipe wins.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, even on busy days.
• Comforting homemade flavor that smells like home.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
• Great for family dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
• Always a crowd-pleaser who gets asked for seconds.

Also, if you enjoy hands-off slow cooking, you might like how this compares to a slow cooker beef stew for colder evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) — thighs stay juicier, and I use them when I want extra richness.
• 2 packets chicken gravy mix — pantry shortcut for deep gravy flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup — makes the sauce silky and cozy.
• 1 1⁄2 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) — broth adds depth, so use it if you can.
• 1⁄2 tsp black pepper — freshly ground if possible for brightness.
• Optional: 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder or onion powder — either one adds gentle savory notes.
• Optional: 1⁄2 cup sour cream — stir in at the end for a richer, creamier finish.

Pro tip: if you have fresh garlic, mince one clove and toss it in for a tiny flavor boost. And if you’re watching salt, choose low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning. For another cozy casserole idea, check this chicken and stuffing casserole.

How to Make It

1. First, whisk together gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, water (or broth), black pepper, and garlic or onion powder if you’re using them. You’ll see the sauce turn smooth and glossy.
2. Next, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer so they cook evenly.
3. Then pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. It should smell savory and homey right away.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. Meanwhile, your kitchen fills with a warm, inviting aroma.
5. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker; it should pull apart in soft ribbons.
6. Stir in the sour cream if you like a creamier finish, and then let it heat for another 5–10 minutes so the flavors marry.
7. Finally, spoon it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or warm buttered biscuits and serve while it’s steamy and fragrant.

If you want a cheesy twist, try serving this with a side inspired by my cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole for extra comfort.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, then shred and add sour cream just before dinner.
• Fix a thin gravy: if the sauce seems too thin, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the hot gravy; let it thicken for a few minutes.
• Flavor twist: add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or a splash of white wine for deeper, slightly tangy notes.

Also, serve with a buttery side like this slow cooker corn pudding for a nostalgic, Southern-style meal.

Serving Ideas

This dish shines at family dinners, cozy weeknights, or even a casual holiday buffet. Serve it over:

• Creamy mashed potatoes for classic comfort.
• Steamed rice to soak up every drop of gravy.
• Buttered egg noodles for a hearty, homey bowl.
• Split biscuits for a delicious sandwich-style plate.

Garnish with chopped parsley or a little extra black pepper so each plate looks as inviting as it smells.

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Leftover idea: Make sandwiches with shredded chicken and warm biscuits, or fold it into an omelet for a savory brunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have settled.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course — use thighs for juiciness, or swap water for broth for more flavor. This recipe is forgiving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Serve it right from the slow cooker while it’s warm and aromatic, spooned over mashed potatoes or noodles.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: The chicken should shred easily and the gravy should smell rich and savory — that’s your sign it’s done.

You can also find more variations of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy in recipe collections online for inspiration.

Conclusion

If you want another trusted version to compare, this classic Crockpot Chicken & Gravy – Plain Chicken offers a similar comforting approach. And for extra ideas and user-tested tips, check this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe from Allrecipes.

Final thoughts: make it your own, invite someone over, and enjoy every warm, saucy spoonful — because Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the kind of dish that turns ordinary days into gentle celebrations.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

A comforting and creamy chicken dish slow-cooked to perfection, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs stay juicier for extra richness.

For the Gravy

• 2 packets chicken gravy mix Pantry shortcut for deep gravy flavor.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup Makes the sauce silky and cozy.
• 1.5 cups water Or chicken broth for extra flavor.
• 0.5 tsp black pepper Freshly ground for brightness.
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder or onion powder Optional, adds gentle savory notes.
• 0.5 cup sour cream Optional for a richer, creamier finish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Whisk together gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, water (or broth), black pepper, and garlic or onion powder if using, until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
2. Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
3. Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
5. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
6. Stir in the sour cream if desired, then let it heat for another 5–10 minutes.
7. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or warm buttered biscuits.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. This dish is great for sandwiches or in an omelet.