Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for the bold, soul-warming flavors of Mexico and beyond, you’re about to find out. Growing up in Orlando, I loved the bright sunshine, but my heart always beat faster in the kitchen. My abuela’s kitchen was filled with simmering pots and the smell of spices that told stories. Today, I bring you a comforting favorite, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This recipe is so easy, it feels like magic. Just three ingredients, a slow cooker, and a little patience will reward you with tender chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice or even a little twist of arroz con coco. If you love crockpot recipes, this one will become a regular in your kitchen.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 4–6 hours |
| Total Time | 4 hours 5 minutes |
| Servings | 6 people |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American Comfort Food |
| Best Season | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal effort: Just three ingredients and your slow cooker do all the work. No need to babysit the stove.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults love this creamy, savory chicken dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile serving options: Perfect over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even biscuits for a hearty meal.
- Great for meal prep: Make ahead and enjoy leftovers for days. The flavors only get better with time.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple pantry staples, so it’s easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy – only 3 ingredients! This creamy, savory crockpot dish is perfect for busy weeknights and kid-friendly too. Serve over hot steamed rice for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 (0.87-oz) envelopes of chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth, optional
- Hot steamed rice
Instructions
1. Place chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
2. Whisk together soup, gravy mix, and water (if using). Pour over chicken.
3. Cover crock-pot and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours.
4. Before serving break the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Serve over hot steamed rice.
Notes
Do NOT make the gravy. Use only the dry mix.
Do NOT add water to the soup. Use directly from the can.
Can substitute chicken thighs or tenderloins for breasts.
Frozen chicken can be used, but cook longer.
Add frozen vegetables for a complete meal.
Use unsalted cream of chicken soup to control sodium.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: Variable
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 (0.87-oz) envelopes of chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth, optional
- Hot steamed rice
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken breasts | You can substitute with chicken thighs or tenderloins for extra juiciness. |
| Cream of chicken soup | Choose unsalted to control sodium. Do not add extra water. |
| Chicken gravy mix | Use the dry mix only, no need to prepare beforehand. |
| Water or broth | Optional, adds extra moisture if you prefer thinner gravy. |
| Rice | White rice, brown rice, or coconut rice all pair beautifully with the gravy. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water or broth (if using).
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. For frozen chicken, cook on the higher end of the time.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred or break the chicken into bite-sized pieces right in the gravy.
- Serve warm over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Use a 6-quart slow cooker to ensure even cooking and space for gravy.
- If using frozen chicken, always increase the cooking time to ensure safe doneness.
- Stirring halfway through can help the gravy coat the chicken more evenly.
- For a creamier gravy, add a splash of heavy cream right before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot: This keeps all the juices and gravy locked in, making every bite tender and flavorful.
- Don’t thin the soup: Using it straight from the can creates a thick, rich gravy that clings to the chicken.
- Season at the end: Taste before adding extra salt, since gravy mix can be salty.
- Add veggies for nutrition: Frozen peas, corn, or carrots can be stirred in for color and balance.
Recipe Variations
- Crockpot Chicken & Vegetables: Add frozen mixed vegetables in the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
- Chicken & Mushroom Gravy: Stir in a can of mushrooms or fresh sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for a little heat.
- Southern Style: Serve over fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a Southern-inspired comfort dish.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove or microwave. For freezer storage, place cooled chicken and gravy in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop until warm.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over fluffy steamed rice for a classic combo. For variety, try mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even arroz con coco for a tropical twist. Garnish with parsley or chives for freshness.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp salad to balance the richness. A glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay, or a refreshing sweet tea makes the perfect drink pairing. Cornbread on the side also works beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. On the stovetop, reheat over low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but extend the cooking time to 6 hours for food safety and tenderness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Thighs stay juicier and are just as delicious.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, but the flavor will change slightly.
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW? Yes, but reduce cooking time to 2–3 hours. Low heat is better for tenderness.
How can I make it healthier? Use low-sodium gravy mix and soup, and serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Can I double this recipe? Yes, just use a larger crockpot or divide into two slow cookers.
Can I add fresh herbs? Yes, thyme or rosemary adds a lovely flavor twist to the gravy.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 cup |
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbs | 9g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the perfect slow cooker recipe for busy nights. With just three ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, comforting dinner that the whole family will love. Try it tonight and make dinnertime stress-free and delicious.
Hungry for more? Dive into our Crockpot Kielbasa and Green Beans recipe.
