Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe Made Simple
If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, the Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. This dish blends tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety gravy, slow-cooked to perfection with minimal prep and mess. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you want a classic homemade meal without the hassle—this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: Just toss your ingredients in the crock pot and walk away while the magic happens.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy gravy meets succulent chicken in a way that’s satisfying and nostalgic.
- Minimal Ingredients: With simple pantry staples, you can create an impressive, hearty meal.
- Family Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will ask for again.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is easy to scale up or down and store for leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe relies on ingredients that balance one another perfectly to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each item plays a crucial role—from adding creaminess to deep savory notes—making your dinner simple but unforgettable.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for lean protein.
- Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base that infuses the meat with flavor as it cooks.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: A shortcut to creamy, earthy goodness for the gravy.
- Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These spices build a flavor foundation that enhances the chicken’s taste.
- Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the gravy’s finish.
- Flour or Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy for that perfect silky consistency.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
Variations for Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Customization is part of the fun with this recipe. Whether you’re tailoring it to dietary preferences or ingredient availability, these variations can help you make this dish your own.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage to the crock pot for an aromatic twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut milk and use dairy-free butter to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas to add nutrition and texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky heat.
- Thick and Chunky Gravy: Use chunks of sautéed onions or bacon bits for extra depth.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This foundational layer of flavor helps the meat stay juicy and tasty throughout the slow-cooking process.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place the seasoned chicken into the crock pot. Pour the chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup over the top. Add a few pats of butter for richness. Stir slightly to combine everything evenly.
Step 3: Slow Cook on Low
Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours. Slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully, creating that signature creamy gravy.
Step 4: Thicken the Gravy
About 30 minutes before serving, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and let it cook uncovered to thicken to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once thickened, give the chicken and gravy a gentle stir, check seasoning, and serve piping hot with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Use Chicken Thighs: For extra moist and flavorful results, thighs are a fantastic choice over breasts.
- Don’t Skip the Slurry: Adding flour or cornstarch slurry late in cooking ensures a nice, smooth gravy without lumps.
- Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat really allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Layer Flavors: Season the chicken well before cooking and adjust salt at the end for a perfectly seasoned dish.
- Use a Digital Timer: Keep your crock pot on a timer if you’re away to prevent overcooking or drying out the chicken.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add a burst of color and freshness that contrast beautifully with the creamy gravy, enhancing every plate visually and tastefully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, creamy rice, buttered noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up every drop of that incredible gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and gravy over a bed of roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes for extra nutrients and vibrant color, turning dinner into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent the gravy from absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe freezes well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months — perfect for meal prep or quick meals later.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the gravy from separating, or microwave covered in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out quicker than thighs. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy instead of regular flour, and ensure the cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this recipe in a slow cooker liner?
Definitely. Slow cooker liners make clean-up super easy and won’t affect the flavor or cooking process.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or gluey—adjust the slurry amount to your preference.
Can I add vegetables directly to the crock pot?
Yes, adding hearty veggies like carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms works great and enhances the meal’s nutrition and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone looking for a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss. From the tender chicken to the rich, creamy gravy, it’s a dish that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Give it a try, personalize it with your favorite twists, and enjoy the cozy goodness it brings to your table.
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Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe offers a warm, comforting meal featuring tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy mushroom gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it requires minimal prep and simple pantry ingredients for a classic, hearty dish that pleases every palate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour/cornstarch and soup)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Liquids and Soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Fats and Thickeners
- 2 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for slurry)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken pieces evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful base that keeps the meat juicy during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the seasoned chicken into the crock pot. Pour chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup over the top, then add several pats of butter. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook on Low: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld for a creamy, rich gravy.
- Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot and cook uncovered until the gravy thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Stir the chicken and gravy gently, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results, but breasts work fine if preferred.
- Adding the flour or cornstarch slurry late ensures smooth, lump-free gravy.
- Cooking low and slow enhances tenderness and flavor integration.
- Season the chicken well before cooking and adjust salt at the end.
- Using a digital timer can prevent overcooking and drying out the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crock pot chicken, chicken and gravy, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy chicken, family meal, gluten free option