If you’re looking for a comforting, effortless meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety gravy that’s packed with flavor and ready with minimal fuss. Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen as the slow cooker does all the work, delivering a dish that’s both hearty and elegant enough to make any dinner feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are so simple yet essential, each bringing a unique flavor, texture, or color to your Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe that helps make it such a crowd-pleaser and comfort food champion.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Acts as the base for the gravy, giving it the perfect consistency without overwhelming the flavors.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: Adds depth and that classic savory gravy taste that’s just irresistible.
- 1 1/4 cup condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted): Brings creaminess and richness, creating that luscious texture that defines the gravy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle but vital layer of warmth and savory aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every flavor to make sure the dish is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a gentle earthiness and a hint of color for visual appeal.
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Gives just a touch of heat to balance the creamy elements.
- 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about a pound): The star protein that stays juicy and tender after slow cooking.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Whisked in at the end to add an extra layer of smoothness and tang, elevating the creamy gravy to heavenly status.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken breasts a simple but flavorful rub with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This step ensures every bite is seasoned from the inside out, setting the stage for a deeply satisfying dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In your slow cooker, whisk together water, chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper until everything is smooth and well blended. This mixture will serve as the luscious gravy that envelops the chicken with comfort and richness.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared sauce in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover it up and cook on low heat for about 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking method lets the chicken soak up all those delicious flavors while turning incredibly tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, gently remove it from the slow cooker and shred or cut it into your preferred size. Shredding allows the creamy gravy to cling perfectly to every bite, creating a comforting texture and flavor combination.
Step 5: Finish with Sour Cream
Whisk the sour cream directly into the gravy remaining in the slow cooker until it becomes smooth and rich. Pour this creamy, tangy gravy over your shredded chicken for a final touch that truly makes this Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe shine.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a fresh note that brightens the rich flavors. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top can add just the right bit of bite and visual appeal to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe pairs effortlessly with classic mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. These sides soak up the gravy beautifully. For some extra green, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans provide a crisp contrast and vibrant color on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken and creamy gravy over buttery biscuits or inside warm puff pastry shells for a cozy pot pie vibe. You can even use it as a filling for sandwiches or over roasted sweet potatoes—get creative and make this comforting dish your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keeping the chicken and gravy together helps maintain that luscious texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. To keep everything fresh, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy if it has thickened too much, bringing it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will add even more flavor to the gravy as they cook low and slow, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe without the condensed cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can substitute with homemade white sauce or a mixture of cream and chicken broth, but the condensed soup adds incredible depth and creaminess that really makes this recipe special and convenient.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold the doubled quantity, and keep in mind the cooking time might extend a little to properly heat everything through.
What if I don’t have chicken gravy mix on hand?
You can use turkey or beef gravy mix, but chicken gravy mix gives the most complementary flavor. Alternatively, making a quick homemade gravy can work if you prefer.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
Of course! Root vegetables like carrots or potatoes can be added at the beginning, but keep in mind they will soften a lot by the end. For quicker-cooking vegetables, add them during the last hour of cooking to keep their texture intact.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe is a true kitchen gem, blending convenience with comforting flavors that taste homemade and heartfelt. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a cozy embrace, perfect for busy days and special dinners alike. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without having this simple yet delicious recipe in your dinner rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish featuring tender, shredded chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic and paprika-infused gravy. Perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers rich flavors and creamy texture with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 1/4 cups condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together 1 1/2 cups water, 2 packets chicken gravy mix, 1 1/4 cups condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated with the prepared sauce. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks or cut into desired pieces.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Whisk 1/2 cup sour cream into the gravy remaining in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy. Serve this rich gravy over the shredded chicken for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and less fat.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more paprika or garlic powder if desired.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a slightly different texture and richer flavor.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
