Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy – Cozy, Easy, and Delicious

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the kind of meal that wraps you in a hug after a long day. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen at 5 PM, wondering what on earth to make with a pack of chicken breasts and zero motivation, this one’s for you. It’s hearty, rich, and soul-soothing—all while being ridiculously easy to throw together.

You just toss a few pantry staples into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a comforting dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day (without the effort). In the middle of the chaos of life—between school pickups, endless Zoom meetings, and trying to keep everyone fed—Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is your warm, no-fuss solution to dinner.

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What is Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the weekday answer to a Sunday-style comfort meal. At its heart, it’s a creamy, savory shredded chicken dish made from chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich gravy made with cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and gravy mix. What makes this dish shine is its simplicity—minimal prep and maximum flavor.

The chicken gets tender and juicy as it simmers low and slow, then it’s shredded and stirred together with a dollop of sour cream to add that final creamy finish. It’s typically served over rice or mashed potatoes, making it a complete, cozy meal that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or just need something warm after a long day, this dish is a total home run.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Let’s be real: not every recipe that calls itself “easy” actually is. But Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy walks the talk. First of all, it’s a true dump-and-go meal—no browning, no sautéing, no babysitting. It’s also super forgiving. Forgot to defrost the chicken? It still works. Need to stretch it a bit? Just add more broth and serve it over extra rice. It’s one of those recipes that checks all the boxes: comforting, family-friendly, budget-conscious, and honestly pretty hard to mess up.

Plus, the ingredients are the kind you probably already have on hand. No last-minute grocery runs, just easy, satisfying flavor. And if you’re trying to make your life easier during the week, this dish reheats like a dream for leftovers. Honestly, it’s like a meal-prep hero in disguise.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

• 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed if frozen)
• 1 (10.25-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 (0.87-ounce) packets of chicken gravy mix
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy step by step is easier than you might think—and this guide walks you through every detail so you can confidently create a warm, comforting meal with no stress. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step breakdown gives you all the tips, timing, and flavor know-how you need for dinner success.

Step 1: Arrange the Chicken

Start by placing 2½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. If the chicken was frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed first (a helpful guide on safe chicken thawing practices from USDA is worth checking out). Arrange the pieces in a single, even layer so they cook uniformly. This helps every bite turn out tender and juicy—no overcooked edges or underdone middles.

💡 Prep Tip: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, feel free to slice them in half lengthwise for quicker, more even cooking. You can read more about this technique in our Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken post.

Step 2: Whisk the Gravy Mixture

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine one can (10.25 ounces) of cream of chicken soup, two packets of chicken gravy mix, and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Use a whisk to stir the ingredients until smooth and well blended. This step-by-step mixing process is crucial to avoiding lumps and getting that silky texture right from the start.

This shortcut gravy combo is rich and full of flavor, without requiring you to stand over a stove making a roux from scratch. If you’re out of cream of chicken soup, try our substitution suggestion in this creamy chicken alfredo bake recipe—just swap in a mix of milk, broth, and flour for a homemade alternative.

Step 3: Pour the Gravy Over the Chicken

Carefully pour your prepared gravy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to gently spread the mixture, making sure all pieces of chicken are covered. This ensures each piece will cook in flavor-packed moisture, absorbing every bit of that savory goodness.

The slow cooker does the hard work here, gently breaking down the chicken and letting the flavors develop while you go about your day.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low heat. Let the chicken cook for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. A meat thermometer is your best friend here for precise doneness.

If you’re short on time, the high setting works too—just reduce the cook time to around 2½–3 hours. That said, low and slow is the way to go for the most tender, flavorful results.

While it cooks, you’ll start to notice your kitchen filling with a rich, cozy aroma—like a hug from Grandma’s house.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once your chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly inside the slow cooker. Work step by step through each piece, pulling the meat apart into bite-sized shreds. The chicken should be tender enough to fall apart with minimal effort. Mixing it into the hot gravy helps it soak up even more flavor and moisture.

Looking for more recipes with similar textures? Our Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken uses the same shredding method for a tangy twist on slow-cooked poultry.

Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream

After shredding, stir in ½ cup of sour cream. This final step brings everything together—adding just the right amount of tang and creaminess to balance the savory gravy. Stir until fully combined and smooth.

If you’re dairy-free or just out of sour cream, full-fat Greek yogurt is a solid swap. Learn more about smart ingredient substitutes in our guide on chicken fajita casserole swaps.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Now’s the time to season to taste. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper until the flavor hits just right for you. Then, serve spoonfuls of chicken and gravy over your base of choice—rice, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even low-carb cauliflower mash.

Top it all off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a little color and a pop of freshness. If you’re craving variety in your weeknight rotation, pair it with our Chicken and Potato Casserole for a double batch of cozy goodness.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

This dish already brings comfort in spades, but pairing it with the right sides takes it to the next level. Spoon it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up all that glorious gravy. If you’re in the mood for a Southern twist, try serving it over buttered noodles. A crisp side salad or steamed green beans can balance out the richness, and if you’ve got dinner rolls or biscuits lying around, don’t be shy—they make excellent gravy mops. Want something with more flavor kick? Serve it alongside our Firecracker Ground Chicken for a spicy side-by-side dinner table duo.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

1. Use chicken breasts or thighs—both work! Thighs give a slightly richer flavor.
2. Check doneness with a thermometer—the chicken should hit 165°F.
3. Don’t skip the sour cream—it adds creaminess and depth.
4. Want a thinner gravy? Stir in a splash of extra broth before serving.
5. Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe and serve it buffet-style with multiple sides.
6. If you like one-pot style meals, pair it with our 35-minute ground chicken and rice for a stress-free weekly menu.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This dish stores like a dream. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For freezing, skip the sour cream step and add it fresh after reheating—dairy can separate in the freezer. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up. If you froze it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Trust us, it’s just as good the next day (maybe better).

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Make sure it reaches a safe internal temp of 165°F.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook it, refrigerate it, and reheat when ready to serve. It gets better as it sits.

Can I use a different soup?
You can sub in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer. It changes the flavor slightly but still works great.

Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Turkey breast or pork tenderloin work well too—just adjust cooking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is more than just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver on chaotic nights and a warm hug on chilly days. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, it’s no wonder this one’s become a go-to in so many kitchens. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself after a long day, this dish delivers every single time. And if this meal speaks your language, you’ll definitely want to check out more cozy recipes like our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes or Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken. Dinner just got easier—and a whole lot tastier.

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