Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: A 3-Ingredient Comfort Meal

Busy weeknights call for a comforting dinner without the fuss. This easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe delivers on all fronts, bringing a warm, savory meal straight from your slow cooker. It requires minimal ingredients, yet promises maximum flavor, making it a perfect solution for busy schedules. Prepare to enjoy the ultimate convenience of slow cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

This simple recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons. Get ready to enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

• Minimal prep time: You only need about 10 minutes to get everything into the slow cooker.
• Only 3 simple ingredients: This streamlined ingredient list makes grocery shopping and cooking a breeze.
• Rich, savory gravy: The creamy, flavorful gravy is the star, perfect for soaking into your favorite sides.
• Tender, fall-apart chicken: The slow cooking process guarantees juicy, shredded chicken every time.
• Versatile serving options: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, fitting any meal plan.
• Perfect for family dinners: Everyone at the table will enjoy this classic, comforting chicken recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple items to create a delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy:

• 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
• ½ cup water or chicken broth, optional
• Hot steamed rice, for serving

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this comforting meal to fit your pantry and preferences.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins also work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time slightly for thinner cuts.
• Soup: Unsalted cream of chicken soup is recommended to control sodium levels. Feel free to use a homemade cream of chicken soup base if you prefer.
• Gluten-free soup options: Look for certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mixes to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Gravy mix: Any brand or type of chicken gravy mix will work well. Experiment with different flavor profiles like savory herb or roasted chicken for variety.
• Liquid: Adjust the amount of water or chicken broth to achieve your desired gravy consistency. Use less for a thicker gravy, more for a thinner sauce.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.

• A 6-quart slow cooker or a similar size works best for this recipe.
• Grab a whisk to easily combine the soup and gravy mix.
• Measuring cups are helpful for the optional water or broth.
• Two forks make shredding the tender chicken effortless right in the pot.

Instructions

Creating this comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect meal.

1. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If you wish, season the chicken lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the canned cream of chicken soup and the chicken gravy mix packets until smooth. This ensures no lumps.
3. If you prefer a thinner gravy consistency, now is the time to add the optional ½ cup of water or chicken broth to the soup mixture. Whisk again to combine well.
4. Carefully pour the creamy soup and gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
5. Secure the lid on your slow cooker.
6. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and cook for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking times can vary based on your appliance and the thickness of the chicken.
7. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure destruction of bacteria.
8. Once cooked, use two forks to easily shred the tender chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should pull apart effortlessly.
9. Stir the shredded chicken into the rich, flavorful gravy until it is well coated.
10. Serve your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy immediately with your desired side dishes, like hot steamed rice.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results with your slow cooker chicken and gravy using these helpful hints.

• Browning chicken adds flavor: For a deeper taste, quickly sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the gravy before serving and add more salt or pepper if needed.
• For thicker gravy: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the hot gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• For thinner gravy: Simply stir in an additional splash of chicken broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
• Cook from frozen chicken longer: If using frozen chicken breasts, extend the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours on LOW.
• Shredding chicken: Two forks are the best tool for easily pulling apart the tender, slow-cooked chicken directly in the pot.
• Don’t overcook: Overcooking can lead to dry chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the juiciest results.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile Crockpot Chicken and Gravy adapts beautifully to various serving styles and can be stored for future enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve this comforting chicken dish over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy hot steamed rice.
• Hearty: It pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or your favorite pasta for a substantial meal.
• Creative: Use the shredded chicken and gravy to make delicious open-faced sandwiches or sliders.
• Low-carb: Enjoy it over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash for a lighter, healthy option.
• Pair with greens: Round out your meal with simple steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: Always thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
• Gravy consistency: If the gravy thickens too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to restore its creaminess.

Variations

• Add vegetables: Stir in a cup of frozen mixed vegetables like peas and carrots during the last hour of cooking.
• Include mushrooms or onions: Sauté sliced mushrooms or chopped onions and add them to the slow cooker with the chicken for extra depth of flavor.
• Swap gravy mix: Experiment with different flavored gravy mixes, such as brown gravy or mushroom gravy, for a unique twist.
• Add herbs: Enhance the aroma and taste with dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage, added at the beginning of cooking.
• Make it spicy: Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the gravy mixture for a subtle kick.
• Cheesy version: Stir in some cream cheese or shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking until melted and creamy.

Nutrition Information

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy provides a hearty meal. Please note that the following values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes. Choosing unsalted soup options can help reduce sodium content in this comforting dish.

Name	Value
Calories	91 kcal
Carbohydrates	5 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	1 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	36 mg
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	209 mg
Sugar	1 g
Vitamin A	17 IU
Vitamin C	1 mg
Calcium	3 mg
Iron	1 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about this delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on the LOW setting to ensure they cook through safely.
• How can I make the gravy thicker? Create a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot? Yes, pressure cook on high for 10-12 minutes with a natural release, then shred the chicken and whisk the gravy.
• What kind of chicken gravy mix works best? Any standard packet of chicken gravy mix will work well. Choose your favorite brand or flavor.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Not inherently, but you can make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix.
• Can I add vegetables to the crockpot? Absolutely! Add firmer vegetables like carrots or potatoes at the beginning, or softer ones like frozen peas and corn during the last hour.

Conclusion

This incredibly simple Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe truly makes weeknight meals effortless and delicious. With only three main ingredients and the magic of your slow cooker, you can create a flavorful, tender chicken dinner that everyone will love. Its ease, comforting taste, and versatility make it a perfect go-to meal. Give this fantastic Crockpot Chicken and Gravy a try soon, and enjoy a stress-free, homemade meal!