Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of coming home to an irresistibly comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe is about to be your go-to secret weapon. Imagine tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a dreamy blend of creamy soup, savory gravy, and just the right touch of herbs and spices. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy, you’ll find yourself wanting to make it week after week. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a soul-warming dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe plays a crucial role in creating layers of rich flavor and silky texture, while keeping things beautifully straightforward. You’ll love how these staples come together to create a scratch-like sauce without the fuss.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender base that soaks up all those delightful flavors while staying juicy.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry chicken gravy mix: Adds that signature savory depth and perfect gravy consistency.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup: Brings creaminess and richness, making the sauce luscious.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the gravy smooth and balances the flavors without overwhelming saltiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle punch of warm, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional): A lovely herbaceous note that enhances the dish with a hint of earthiness.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): The secret ingredient that transforms the gravy into a silky, dreamy sauce you’ll want to savor.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Gives a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor right before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Crockpot and Ingredients
Start by placing the chicken breasts directly at the bottom of your crockpot. This gives the chicken the perfect stage for slow cooking as the gravy mixture simmers over and around them, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme if you’re using it. This mixture forms the heart of your sauce, marrying creamy, savory, and herbaceous notes into one.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour this flavorful gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure they’re well coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Slow cooking is what tenderizes the chicken to perfectly shreddable goodness.
Step 4: Shred and Enrich
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. This is where the magic happens, breaking up the chicken so it soaks up even more flavor. Then stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts fully, creating that irresistibly creamy, dreamy gravy.
Step 5: Final Cook and Serve
Pop the lid back on and let it cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to marry the flavors and thicken the gravy to perfection. Then it’s ready to serve hot and garnished with fresh parsley if you want that extra pop of green and freshness.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a simple way to brighten the entire dish visually and add a subtle herbaceous note that complements the creaminess of the gravy. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can create a warming aroma and spice.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe pairs like a dream with mashed potatoes, whose fluffy texture soaks up the luscious gravy perfectly. Alternatively, creamy rice or buttered egg noodles add a comforting base that makes every bite indulgently satisfying. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted vegetables bring color and crunch to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests with presentation? Serve the chicken and gravy atop flaky buttermilk biscuits or creamy polenta to add texture contrast. You can also use this recipe as a hearty filling for puff pastry pockets for a fun twist. Drizzle a little extra gravy over the top and garnish with a sprig of thyme or rosemary for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect ready-to-go dinner when reheated.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This keeps the gravy creamy without separating. You can also reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can even offer a bit more moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix to ensure no hidden gluten sneaks in.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, doubling works well if your crockpot is large enough. Just adjust cooking time slightly as needed, checking for doneness before shredding.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
You can substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt added at the end, but be sure to stir gently and avoid boiling after adding to prevent curdling.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the final cooking stage and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that combines ease with incredible flavor, and this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe delivers just that. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping ahead for busy nights, this creamy, tender chicken dish will quickly become a beloved classic in your home. Grab your crockpot and enjoy the magic of a comforting dinner that feels like it took hours of love and skill, when really, it was effortless from start to finish.
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Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts cooked low and slow in a creamy, savory gravy. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, black pepper, and thyme, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a cozy family dinner. The addition of cream cheese enriches the gravy for a luscious finish, and it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Gravy
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them evenly.
- Mix the Gravy: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried thyme if using until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is covered. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the gravy to combine flavors.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese thoroughly until it melts completely and the gravy becomes creamy and smooth.
- Final Cook: Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the gravy thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and gravy hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. It pairs deliciously with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
- For a richer flavor, substitute with homemade gravy or add a splash of heavy cream instead of cream cheese.
- This recipe works equally well with boneless chicken thighs as a substitute for breasts.
- Use gluten-free gravy mix and cream of chicken soup to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
