Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy (The Ultimate “Sunday Dinner” Shortcut)
I started a pot of this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy earlier today, and the way it makes the house smell is pure nostalgia. This is the kind of meal that defines comfort food—tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy that tastes like it simmered on the stove all day. It’s a rare and beautiful victory for those days when you want a “proper” sit-down meal but only have five minutes to prep.
The secret to this recipe is the slow-cooking process itself. The chicken breasts stay incredibly moist as they bathe in the gravy, eventually becoming so tender they practically shred themselves. There’s no need for a separate roux or a complicated thickening process; the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a thick, velvety sauce that’s begging to be ladled over something starchy.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for the world’s best leftovers, this “dump and go” recipe is a guaranteed gold medal.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients
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1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup
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2 packets (0.87 oz each) chicken gravy mix (dry)
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1 cup chicken broth (or water)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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Optional: ½ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess at the end)
Instructions
1) Layer the Chicken Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If they are particularly thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to ensure they stay submerged in the sauce.
2) Mix the Gravy In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, the dry gravy packets, chicken broth, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
3) Combine and Cook Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered.
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Slow Cooker Method: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. Low is always recommended for the most tender results!
4) Shred or Serve Whole Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, you can leave the breasts whole or use two forks to shred the meat directly into the gravy for a “pulled chicken” style.
5) The Final Touch If you want an extra-rich sauce, stir in the sour cream just before serving. Taste and add salt if needed (the gravy packets usually provide enough saltiness on their own!).
6) Serve Ladle the chicken and gravy generously over:
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Buttery mashed potatoes
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Fluffy white rice
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Toasted open-faced bread
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Wide egg noodles
Why This Chicken & Gravy Is the Best
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Effortless Prep: It takes less than 5 minutes to get everything into the pot.
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Foolproof Texture: The cream soup acts as a protective barrier, keeping the chicken from drying out.
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Massive Flavor: Using both the condensed soup and the gravy packets creates a deep, multi-layered savory taste.
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Family Favorite: It’s a mild, comforting flavor profile that even the pickiest kids will love.
Tips for Success
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Check the Salt: Gravy packets can vary in saltiness. I recommend using “low sodium” chicken broth to give you more control over the final seasoning.
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Don’t Overcook: Even in a slow cooker, chicken breasts can get “chalky” if left too long. 6 hours on Low is usually the “sweet spot” for most machines.
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Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a very thick gravy, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Easy Variations
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Mushroom Gravy: Swap one can of cream of chicken for cream of mushroom soup and add 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
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Herb Infusion: Add 1 tsp of dried rosemary or thyme for an earthy, “roasted chicken” aroma.
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Pot Roast Style: Add baby carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot at the beginning for a complete one-pot meal.
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Vegetable Boost: Stir in a cup of frozen peas and corn 15 minutes before serving.
FAQ – Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are even more forgiving in the slow cooker and will stay incredibly juicy.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it will release more moisture, which might make your gravy a little thinner. You may need to add a cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken it back up.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This is one of those meals that actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stove.
