Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Comfort Food Made Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you want hearty comfort without standing over the stove, this slow cooker chicken and gravy delivers big time. The chicken becomes tender enough to shred, and the gravy turns rich and flavourful as all the ingredients mingle during slow cooking. It’s great over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles — or with bread to soak up all that sauce. Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and maximum comfort make it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Here are the key ingredients and what each brings to the dish:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – They cook down to tender, shreddable pieces that absorb the flavors of the gravy. Chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer darker meat or more richness. Cooking in the Midwest+2The Cooking Jar+2
• Cream of chicken soup – Acts as a base for the gravy; gives creaminess and flavour. Plain Chicken+2The Cooking Jar+2
• Chicken gravy mix (dry packets) – Adds seasoning and thickening to the gravy. Two packets are common in many versions. The Cooking Jar+3Plain Chicken+3Allrecipes+3
• Chicken broth (or water) – Helps thin the gravy base where needed and adds extra savoury depth. Some recipes rely entirely on broth or add water. Cooking in the Midwest+2Allrecipes+2
• Seasonings: pepper, paprika, garlic powder, herbs – To give flavour; common spices include paprika, garlic powder, thyme, oregano. Cooking in the Midwest+1
• Milk or sour cream (optional, in some versions) – For extra creaminess at the end. Recipes vary whether they include this or not. Cooking in the Midwest+2The Country Cook+2
• Onion gravy mix (optional in some versions) – Some recipes use a mix of chicken + onion gravy for more flavour. The Cooking Jar+1

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make it:

1. Season the chicken
   Place the chicken breasts (or thighs if using) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season both sides with pepper, paprika, garlic powder (and any other herbs you prefer). Cooking in the Midwest+2The Cooking Jar+2
2. Mix the gravy base
   In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, the dry gravy mix (chicken and/or onion), and chicken broth or water. Make sure it’s smooth with no lumps. If you’re using optional ingredients (milk or sour cream), often they’re added later. Allrecipes+3The Cooking Jar+3Cooking in the Midwest+3
3. Pour over chicken
   Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, making sure the pieces are mostly covered. The Country Cook+1
4. Slow cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for about 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily. Some versions allow cooking on HIGH if you’re short on time. Cooking in the Midwest+2Allrecipes+2
5. Shred the chicken
   Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks (or shred in the cooker if the sauce is thick enough). Then return the shredded chicken into the gravy. Allrecipes+2The Country Cook+2
6. Finish the gravy
   If using optional milk or sour cream, stir it in at this point for extra richness. If you want the gravy thicker, you can make a slurry of cornstarch + water and stir it in, let it cook a little more. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Cooking in the Midwest+2The Cooking Jar+2
7. Serve
   Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even with bread to soak up the gravy. Garnish with parsley or green onions if you like. The Country Cook+1

Servings and Timing

Detail	Estimate
Servings	Usually 4 to 6 people depending on portion size and how much chicken / gravy is used. Cooking in the Midwest+2The Cooking Jar+2
Prep Time	Very short — about 5-10 minutes to season chicken and mix gravy base. The Cooking Jar+2Allrecipes+2
Cook Time	Approximately 4-6 hours on LOW. If using HIGH, may take less. The Country Cook+1
Total Time	Around 4-6 hours + prep (so plan accordingly). Best for when you can set it in the morning and let it cook.

Storage / Reheating

• Storing: Let the dish cool to near room temperature, then store chicken & gravy in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days. The Country Cook+1
• Freezing: Many versions freeze well. Freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently. Gravy may thicken; add a splash of broth or water when reheating. The Cooking Jar+1
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring to prevent sticking. Or microwave. Add a bit of liquid if needed to adjust consistency.

Variations and Customizations

Some ways to adjust things according to taste or what you have:

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more richness and juiciness.
• Add vegetables: mushrooms, sliced onions, peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Add some in the later stages so they don’t turn mushy. The Cooking Jar+1
• Use herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley. Fresh herbs at the end brighten the dish.
• Make the gravy thicker or richer: use milk or sour cream; increase dry gravy mix; use cornstarch slurry.
• For lower sodium: use low-sodium soup, broths, and gravy mixes.
• For a “country” version, serve over mashed potatoes, or biscuits; for a simpler base, rice or noodles work well.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes — you can, but add extra cooking time. Also, frozen chicken releases moisture, so the gravy may be thinner; you may need to thicken it later.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with homemade white sauce (béchamel), or maybe cream of mushroom or a similar cream-soup, adjusting seasonings accordingly.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking low & slow helps. Also, avoid overcooking — when chicken shreds easily, it’s done. Using thighs helps as they are more forgiving.

How can I adjust thickness of the gravy?

Use a cornstarch or flour slurry (mix cold cornstarch/flour with water and stir into hot gravy). Or reduce the amount of liquid. If too thick, thin with extra broth or water.

Can I add more flavor / spices?

Yes — garlic (fresh or powder), onion, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaves etc. Adjust to your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default (gravy mixes and cream soups often contain gluten). But you can use gluten-free gravy mix / soups & make sure all packaged ingredients are labelled gluten-free.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting, set-and-forget meal that delivers tender chicken and rich gravy with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up, especially when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Ideal when you want flavour without fuss. If you like, I can send you a printable recipe card with metric measurements, or adapt it to use ingredients you have.

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