Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. It blends tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, comforting gravy that’s rich with the perfect balance of creamy soups and savory seasonings. The slow cooker takes all the work off your hands while melding the flavors beautifully, making weeknight dinners or cozy weekend lunches something truly special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to comfort meal that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet create a dish packed with flavor, texture, and homey comfort. Each plays its role perfectly—creamy soups lend richness, spices enhance aroma, and the chicken broth ties it all together beautifully.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed chicken for tender, juicy results after slow cooking.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Adds a velvety smoothness to the gravy, making it irresistibly creamy.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthy depth and subtle umami flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix: The secret to that rich, savory gravy taste that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the gravy from being too thick and adds an extra boost of savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle, aromatic punch throughout the dish without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory base while blending seamlessly with other flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and gravy.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a silky finish and slight tang that brightens the richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to complete the dish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the canvas for all the flavors to build upon. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These simple spices set the foundation for a deeply flavorful dish as the chicken slowly cooks and absorbs all those delicious seasonings.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken gravy mix, and chicken broth until smooth. This mixture is the star sauce that will slowly thicken and become the irresistible creamy gravy surrounding your chicken. Taking a moment to mix it well ensures that the gravy cooks evenly and prevents lumps.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the creamy gravy mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover it with a lid and set your cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow cooking time is what makes the chicken unbelievably tender and juicy, while the gravy thickens and locks in all that rich flavor.
Step 4: Add the Sour Cream
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, remove the lid and stir in the sour cream. This final touch transforms the gravy into a luxuriously smooth and slightly tangy sauce that balances the savory richness wonderfully. Be sure to mix gently so the sour cream blends without breaking.
Step 5: Shred or Serve Whole
At this point, you can either shred the chicken right in the slow cooker for a heartier, textured dish or leave the breasts whole if you want a more elegant presentation. Both ways are fantastic and depend on how you prefer to serve your comforting meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds vibrant color and a mild herbal freshness that perfectly offsets the creamy richness. It’s a simple garnish that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting every single time.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken and gravy pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles. Their mild, comforting profiles soak up the gravy perfectly, making every bite a delight you’ll never forget.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving the creamy chicken gravy over roasted vegetables or on a bed of creamy polenta. Another fun idea is to turn it into a hearty pot pie filling topped with puff pastry for a golden, flaky finish. The possibilities with this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gravy may thicken further when chilled, so give it a good stir while reheating to bring back that luscious texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Slowly reheat the chicken and gravy over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce appears too thick will help restore the creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more moisture and richness to the dish because of their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked and tender.
Do I have to use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups?
While the combination creates a wonderfully balanced flavor, you can substitute with just one if you prefer. Cream of chicken soup alone will keep it lighter, and cream of mushroom adds earthiness. Feel free to experiment based on your taste!
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by cooking on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural release. Stir in the sour cream after cooking as usual for that silky finish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. Also, check labels on soups and gravy mix for dairy ingredients or look for dairy-free versions to keep it allergy-friendly.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely without being too runny. Stirring in the sour cream at the end helps achieve a smooth, luscious texture that clings perfectly to every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to any meal with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special but cooks itself while you get on with your day. I can’t recommend it enough—a true classic that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and fall in love all over again with simple, delicious home cooking!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 14 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich and savory blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups, enhanced with chicken gravy mix and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal, this dish is finished with a creamy touch of sour cream and fresh parsley garnish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner to serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Gravy Mixture
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
Finishing Touch
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert if desired and place the chicken breasts at the bottom to form an even layer.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure each piece is well-flavored.
- Mix the Gravy: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken gravy mix, and chicken broth. Stir until you have a smooth, well-blended gravy mixture.
- Pour and Cook: Pour the prepared gravy evenly over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high heat for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Add the Sour Cream: Once cooking is complete, remove the slow cooker lid and stir in the sour cream thoroughly until the gravy becomes smooth and creamy.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Choose to shred the chicken with two forks for a rustic texture that blends well with the gravy, or leave the breasts whole for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a bright garnish and serve the creamy chicken and gravy warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
- Adding vegetables like mushrooms or carrots into the slow cooker can add extra flavor and nutrition.
- If the gravy is too thick after cooking, stir in a little extra chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
