Crockpot Chicken & Gravy: 7 Dinner Hacks

When the aroma of slow-cooked goodness starts to fill the kitchen, I’m instantly transported back to my grandma’s house. There’s something inherently comforting about a dish that practically cooks itself, promising a hearty, flavourful meal without the fuss. That’s precisely the magic of Crockpot Chicken & Gravy. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something truly extraordinary with a little time and the right appliance. If you’re looking to banish those weeknight dinner dilemmas and welcome effortless, delicious meals into your home, you’ve come to the right place.

Why you’ll love this dish

If your evenings often feel like a race against the clock, this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder, allowing you to walk away and return to a perfectly cooked, tender chicken swimming in rich, savory gravy. This isn’t just about convenience, though; the long, slow cooking process infuses the chicken with an incredible depth of flavor that quick methods simply can’t achieve. It’s incredibly budget-friendly, making the most of staple ingredients, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for picky eaters and hungry families alike. Plus, with our 7 genius hacks, you’ll unlock even more delicious potential, making every spoonful a delight.

> “I thought Crockpot Chicken & Gravy was just a basic meal, but these hacks truly elevated it! My family devoured it, and I loved how little effort it took. It’s now a regular in our dinner rotation!” – A recent recipe tester.

How this recipe comes together

Making Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is surprisingly straightforward, especially when you leverage the power of your slow cooker. The general flow involves a bit of initial prep, mostly gathering your ingredients and giving the chicken a quick sear if you’re feeling fancy (though it’s not strictly necessary!). Then, everything goes into the crockpot to meld and tenderize over several hours. Once cooked, a quick whisk of a slurry transforms the cooking liquid into a glorious, thick gravy, ready to coat every piece of succulent chicken. It’s a process that rewards patience with incredible flavour and minimal active cooking time, making it ideal for busy days when you want a homemade meal without being tied to the stove.

What you’ll need

To whip up this comforting Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, gather these items:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or another can of cream of chicken for extra richness)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions to follow

Let’s get this deliciousness cooking!

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. If desired, you can quickly sear the chicken in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side to add extra flavor and color before adding to the crockpot. This step is optional but recommended for a deeper taste.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken over the top.
3. Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, dried thyme, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
6. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth slurry forms. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker, stirring constantly until the gravy begins to thicken. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on High, or until the desired gravy consistency is reached.
7. Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using, and serve hot.

What to serve it with

This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of comforting sides. My personal favorite is creamy mashed potatoes – they’re the perfect vehicle for soaking up all that incredible gravy. Steamed white rice or wild rice also works wonderfully, offering a simpler base. For a bit of freshness and texture contrast, consider serving it alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple side salad. You could even go for egg noodles, which become delightfully coated in the rich sauce. Don’t forget some crusty bread or warm biscuits to sop up every last drop!

Keeping leftovers fresh

One of the great things about Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is that it often tastes even better the next day! To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature (no longer than 2 hours). Transfer the chicken and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the gravy has become too thick. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through, stirring occasionally.

This dish also freezes well. Portion cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Ensure everything is piping hot (165°F/74°C) before serving.

Helpful cooking tips

• Sear for Flavor: While not strictly mandatory, taking 5 minutes to sear the chicken thighs or breasts on the stovetop before slow cooking adds an incredible layer of caramelized flavor that elevates the final dish.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure your crockpot isn’t too full. If you’re doubling the recipe, consider using a larger crockpot or splitting it into two.
• Use Chicken Thighs: While breasts work, chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and tender during the long cooking process, and they generally have more flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the gravy at the end and adjust seasonings. Sometimes a little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash of garlic powder can make all the difference.
• Cornstarch Slurry Secret: When adding the cornstarch slurry, make sure the liquid in the crockpot is hot and stir it in slowly and continuously to prevent lumps. If it needs to be thicker, you can whisk in a little more slurry.
• Frozen Veggies Shortcut: For an even quicker prep, toss in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving brightens up the dish and adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Recipe variations

• Mushroom Lover’s Dream: Amp up the mushroom flavor by adding 8 oz of sliced fresh mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the onions. You can even use all cream of mushroom soup for an even deeper earthy taste.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce added to the gravy mixture at the beginning will give it a subtle warmth.
• Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs! Rosemary or sage can add a lovely, aromatic twist. Try adding a sprig or two to the slow cooker during cooking and remove before shredding.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese into the gravy during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer, cheesier experience.
• Veggie Boost: Want more veggies? Add diced carrots, celery, or even cubed potatoes to the crockpot at the beginning for a more complete, one-pot meal.
• Dijon Tang: A tablespoon of Dijon mustard whisked into the soup mixture can add a wonderful tang and depth to the gravy.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream of mushroom or chicken soup substitutes and unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat) instead of broth for creaminess. Ensure your chicken broth is also dairy-free.

FAQ

How long does Crockpot Chicken & Gravy generally take to cook?

This recipe allows for flexibility! You can cook it on Low for 6-8 hours, which is perfect for days when you’re out of the house, or on High for 3-4 hours if you need it ready a bit sooner. Always ensure the chicken is fall-apart tender.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs directly in the crockpot. However, it will increase the cooking time by approximately 1-2 hours on either setting. For best results and food safety, it’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the slow cooker from staying in the “danger zone” temperature for too long.

My gravy isn’t thickening. What should I do?

If your gravy isn’t thickening after adding the cornstarch slurry and cooking for 15-20 minutes, you can create a second small slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch and an equal amount of cold water. Slowly whisk it into the hot gravy, stirring constantly, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Make sure your crockpot is on a high setting during this process.

Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken & Herb Gravy

This ultimate slow cooker recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken bathed in a rich, herby gravy, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Paper towels
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Forks

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cream of chicken soup (10.75-ounce) can
• 1 to 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon fresh or dried mixed herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, sage)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Pat the chicken dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder on both sides.
• Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
• In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and mixed herbs until smooth.
• Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
• Remove the cooked chicken, shred it with two forks or dice it, and then return it to the slow cooker with the gravy.
• To thicken the gravy, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry; stir this into the gravy and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
• Ladle the chicken and gravy over your preferred sides and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste along the way. For an extra rich gravy, consider adding a splash of white wine with the broth.