There’s something about a warm, hearty meal that just makes everything feel right in the world. When life gets busy (which, let’s be real, is pretty much always), having a go-to dish that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor is a lifesaver. That’s exactly why I love this chicken and gravy recipe it’s cozy, rich, and ridiculously easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something deliciously comforting, this dish has you covered.
A Dish That Feels Like a Hug
Some meals just bring a sense of nostalgia, don’t they? This one takes me straight back to childhood, when my mom would make something similar on cold evenings. The house would fill with the most amazing aroma savory, buttery, and downright irresistible. And let me tell you, the first bite of tender chicken drenched in that velvety gravy was pure magic.
I know life is hectic. Between work, family, and the million little things that pop up, who has time to stand in the kitchen for hours? That’s why I swear by slow cooker recipes like this one. It gives you all the goodness of a home-cooked meal without the stress. Set it up, go about your day, and come back to something truly delicious.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: This is a true set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker recipe. Just toss in a few ingredients, and let the crockpot work its magic.
- Unbeatable Flavor: Juicy chicken smothered in creamy, savory gravy? Yes, please.
- Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this dish. It’s pure comfort on a plate.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day, making this an ideal recipe for busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.5-oz) can of unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 (0.87-oz) envelopes of chicken gravy mix
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot steamed rice, for serving
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Grab your slow cooker and place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts inside. If you like a little extra seasoning, go ahead and sprinkle on some salt and pepper. While the gravy will add plenty of flavor, I find that a light seasoning on the chicken itself makes every bite just a little more delicious.
2. Make the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water (or chicken broth, if you’re using it). This mixture is going to become the luscious, rich gravy that makes this dish so incredible. Once everything is smooth and combined, pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Let It Cook
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to LOW. Let everything simmer together for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will soak up all that incredible flavor and become tender enough to shred effortlessly. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on HIGH for about 3 hours, but the longer, slower method yields the juiciest results.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, take a fork and gently break it into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be fall-apart tender, melting right into the gravy. Stir everything together so that the chicken is evenly coated in that velvety sauce.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon that rich, comforting chicken and gravy over a bed of hot steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the sauce, making every bite incredibly satisfying. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a side of mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits to mop up every last drop of that delicious gravy.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken and Gravy
- Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are lean and tender, boneless, skinless chicken thighs add an extra depth of richness to this dish.
- Add Garlic and Onion Powder: A little sprinkle of garlic or onion powder into the gravy mixture gives the dish even more flavor.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter just before serving for an extra luxurious touch.
- Vegetable Boost: If you want to sneak in some veggies, add peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
- Try It Over Mashed Potatoes: While rice is the classic choice, this chicken and gravy is also incredible over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! If using frozen chicken breasts, simply extend the cooking time by an additional hour. Just make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Sauté the chicken in a bit of butter, then add the gravy mixture and let everything simmer for 20-30 minutes until tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
What can I serve with this dish?
Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple side salad all pair wonderfully with this meal. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, go for buttery biscuits or cornbread!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using bone-in thighs, just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Definitely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then add the gravy mixture and pressure cook for 10 minutes (with a natural release of 5 minutes).
How can I thicken the gravy?
If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir it into the gravy. Let it cook for a few more minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Of course! Feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra depth of flavor. Fresh thyme or rosemary also adds a delicious touch!
Final Thoughts: A Comforting Classic You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something truly special about a warm, home-cooked meal that fills the kitchen with rich, savory aromas and brings everyone together at the table. This chicken and gravy recipe is one of those dishes a true comfort food classic that never disappoints. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a busy weekday, or just one of those nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying, this dish delivers every single time.
What makes this recipe so wonderful? It’s simple, flavorful, and effortless. With just a few ingredients, a slow cooker (or stovetop method), and minimal prep time, you get a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. The tender, juicy chicken absorbs the rich, savory gravy, creating a meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or fluffy biscuits, and you have the perfect comfort meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Gravy Recipe
✔ Easy to Make A true set-it-and-forget-it dish, making it perfect for busy days.
✔ Packed with Flavor The slow cooking process ensures tender, fall-apart chicken infused with delicious, savory goodness.
✔ Minimal Ingredients No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just simple pantry staples that come together beautifully.
✔ Versatile Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits for a meal that suits any mood.
✔ Family-Friendly Kids and adults alike will love the rich, comforting flavors.
How to Make It Even Better
This dish is already a winner, but here are a few ways to make it even more irresistible:
- Add Veggies Stir in peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Enhance the Flavor A splash of white wine, Worcestershire sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika can take this dish to the next level.
- Make it Creamier If you love an extra rich and velvety gravy, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Use Bone-In Chicken While boneless chicken is convenient, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs bring even more flavor.
A Meal That Feels Like a Hug
At the heart of it, this chicken and gravy recipe is all about comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and feel a little extra warmth inside. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something cozy and satisfying but don’t have the time (or energy) for complicated cooking.
So grab your slow cooker, set it up, and let the magic happen. And don’t forget to share the love because nothing says “I care” quite like a warm, homemade meal.
Enjoy every bite!
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The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and effortless to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you get tender, juicy chicken smothered in a savory, velvety gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or buttery biscuits. A stress-free, delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or use thighs for extra flavor)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 2 (0.87 oz) packets chicken gravy mix
- ½ cup water or chicken broth (optional, for thinner gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for serving
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (for a richer, savory taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter or heavy cream (for a creamier texture)
- 1 cup frozen peas, carrots, or mushrooms (for a veggie boost)
Instructions
Prepare Your Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Season lightly with salt and pepper for added flavor.
2. Make the Gravy:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and water or broth until smooth.
3. Pour & Cook:
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender.
4. Shred & Stir:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir well to coat all the pieces in the delicious, savory gravy.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Ladle the chicken and gravy over hot rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and dig in!
Notes
- For Thicker Gravy: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- To Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter before serving.
- For More Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder to the gravy mix.
- Want Extra Veggies? Toss in peas, carrots, or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.
- Instant Pot Version: Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then pressure cook for 10 minutes with a 5-minute natural release.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker) or 3 hours on HIGH
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with gravy
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg (depends on gravy mix)
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chicken and Gravy, Slow Cooker Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Crockpot Chicken