This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm, comforting dish full of flavor! Just toss chicken, gravy mix, and some broth into your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
You’ll love how tender and juicy the chicken turns out! I enjoy serving it over mashed potatoes—it’s so good you’ll want to lick your plate! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can also use thighs for richer flavor or even frozen chicken if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time as necessary.
Gravy Mix: A packet of dry gravy mix adds convenience and flavor. If you prefer homemade, mix equal parts flour and broth with seasonings. You can also use a gluten-free gravy mix to suit your needs.
Chicken Broth: Use store-bought or homemade chicken broth. Vegetable broth works if you want a lighter dish or for dietary preferences. Feel free to add herbs for extra flavor.
Cornstarch: This is optional for thickening the gravy. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using flour instead, or just enjoy the gravy as is for a lighter consistency!
How Can I Make the Chicken Moist and Tender?
The key to succulent chicken in this recipe is the slow cooker. Cooking on LOW for 6-7 hours allows the chicken to become incredibly tender. If you’re short on time, cooking on HIGH for 3-4 hours works too. Always check the internal temperature; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Place chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cover and resist the urge to peek! Every time you open the lid, you lose heat.
- Shredding the chicken directly in the gravy before serving will make it even tastier.
Enjoy a hassle-free meal that warms the heart!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry gravy mix (brown or chicken flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then you can leave it to cook in the slow cooker. You’ll need 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. A little patience goes a long way to making the chicken super tender!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Mixing the Gravy:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry gravy mix, chicken broth, water, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This is going to create a flavorful sauce!
3. Combining it All:
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated with the gravy mixture.
4. Cooking Time!
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork!
5. Thickening the Gravy (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker gravy, about 30 minutes before serving, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for the last half-hour until the gravy thickens up nicely.
6. Serving the Dish:
Once everything is cooked, serve the chicken topped generously with the delicious gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side. Enjoy the comforting flavors and warmth!
Enjoy your comforting, easy slow cooker chicken and gravy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH to ensure they’re completely cooked through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and gravy mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid hotspots.
Can I Customize the Gravy Flavor?
Yes, you can! Feel free to swap the dry gravy mix for something else, or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. You could also use a can of cream of mushroom soup instead for a different twist!
