There’s nothing like a warm, hearty meal, especially when it’s easy to make. If you’re looking for a simple dish that everyone will love, try chicken and gravy in your crockpot. With just a few ingredients, your slow cooker does the work. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken and rich gravy, perfect over mashed potatoes or rice.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family or making a meal for yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive in and show you how to make this simple yet satisfying meal!
Why Use a Crockpot for Chicken and Gravy?
Slow Cooker Benefits: Convenience and Time-Saving
A crockpot is a major time-saver, especially for busy people. The beauty of using one is its “set it and forget it” feature. Add your ingredients, set the timer, and walk away. There’s no need to stir, check temperatures, or hover over the stove. The crockpot does all the work while you go about your day. Plus, the long cooking time enhances the flavors without extra effort.
Tender Results: How a Slow Cooker Creates Tender Chicken and Rich, Flavorful Gravy
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker breaks it down over time, making it incredibly tender. This is especially true for chicken thighs, which hold up better than breasts during slow cooking. As the chicken cooks, it releases natural juices that mix with other ingredients to create rich, flavorful gravy. The long cooking process allows all the flavors to blend together, creating a comforting dish with succulent chicken and thick gravy.
Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
One of the best parts about this recipe is how little effort it takes. You don’t need to sear the chicken or follow complicated steps. Simply season the chicken, add the gravy ingredients, and let the crockpot handle the rest. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a dish full of flavor with almost no work on your part. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious meal with minimal time spent in the kitchen.
Ideal for Busy Families: Perfect for Meal Prepping or Busy Weeknights
For busy families, the crockpot is a lifesaver. With hectic schedules, having a meal ready and waiting when you get home is a dream. The chicken and gravy crockpot recipe is an ideal choice for meal prepping or busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to cook from scratch. Simply throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by the time you get home, dinner is ready to serve. It’s also perfect for leftovers—make a large batch that will last for a few meals or freeze some for future dinners. This one-pot meal offers convenience, nutrition, and delicious flavor, all in a very low-maintenance package.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Recipe
Chicken (Breast or Thighs)
The first step in making your chicken and gravy is selecting the right chicken. Chicken breasts are a popular choice because they cook quickly and are lean, but they can dry out if overcooked in the crockpot. On the other hand, chicken thighs (especially bone-in) are perfect for slow cooking. The extra fat content in thighs ensures they stay moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. While either cut works, bone-in thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, making them an excellent choice for this dish. You can use chicken breast or thigh cuts depending on your preference, but be mindful of the cooking time to ensure tenderness.
Gravy Ingredients
The gravy is the star of the dish, and it’s incredibly simple to make in the crockpot. The base usually consists of cream of chicken soup, which provides a rich, creamy texture, and chicken broth, which adds depth of flavor. You’ll want to use low-sodium chicken broth to have more control over the seasoning. A splash of heavy cream or milk can also be added if you prefer a creamier gravy. These basic ingredients combine over time in the slow cooker to create a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for spooning over the tender chicken and sides.
Spices and Herbs
A few key spices and herbs will elevate the flavor of your chicken and gravy. Garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme are classic choices that complement the chicken and gravy beautifully. You can also experiment with sage, paprika, and black pepper to adjust the flavor profile to your liking. These seasonings add aromatic depth and subtle warmth, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. You don’t need to overdo it—just a sprinkle of each will go a long way in making your chicken and gravy flavorful.
Optional Add-ins
While chicken and gravy on its own is a complete meal, you can make it even more hearty by adding vegetables. Carrots, potatoes, and peas are great options that you can toss into the crockpot along with the chicken. These vegetables will cook alongside the chicken and absorb the flavors of the gravy, making them more delicious. Adding them to the pot ensures that everything cooks together, and you’ll have a complete, one-pot meal without any extra side dishes. You can also experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tender Chicken and Gravy in Your Crockpot
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
The first step in this easy recipe is prepping the chicken. Start by seasoning the chicken with your desired spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you’re using chicken breasts, you can season them directly and place them in the crockpot. For chicken thighs, be sure to trim any excess fat before seasoning them. Once the chicken is properly seasoned, place it in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring that it’s evenly spread out.
Step 2: Add Gravy Ingredients
Once your chicken is in the crockpot, it’s time to add the gravy ingredients. Pour in a can of cream of chicken soup, followed by your choice of chicken broth. Stir in the herbs and spices you’ve selected, and feel free to add a bit of heavy cream for extra richness if you like. You can also add in your optional vegetables (carrots, potatoes, peas, etc.) at this stage to let them cook along with the chicken and gravy. Make sure the chicken is mostly covered with the liquid to ensure it stays moist as it cooks.
Step 3: Set the Crockpot
Now that everything is in the crockpot, it’s time to cook! Set your crockpot to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The low setting is ideal for the best results, as it allows the chicken to become extra tender and the gravy to thicken slowly. You can check the chicken’s doneness by ensuring that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you prefer, you can also use a thermometer to make sure the gravy reaches the consistency you like.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken is cooked and the gravy has thickened, it’s time to serve. Shred the chicken with two forks or leave it whole for a rustic feel. Spoon the rich, creamy gravy over the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or bread to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra touch. Enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Gravy in Your Crockpot
Avoid Overcooking: Keep the Chicken Tender
One of the key secrets to making the best chicken and gravy in your crockpot is ensuring that the chicken doesn’t overcook. While the slow cooking method is forgiving, it’s still important to avoid leaving the chicken in the crockpot for too long. Overcooked chicken can become dry, tough, and lose its tender, juicy texture. This is especially true for chicken breasts, which are leaner and more prone to drying out. To avoid this, stick to the recommended cooking time—about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for chicken breasts, and 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high for chicken thighs.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C), you know it’s perfectly cooked. The beauty of using chicken thighs in the crockpot is that they are more forgiving, thanks to their higher fat content. They remain tender and juicy even after longer cooking times. For even more tender results, you can shred the chicken after cooking, allowing it to soak in the flavorful gravy.
Customize the Gravy: Adjust the Consistency to Your Liking
The consistency of the gravy can make or break this dish, and the great thing about cooking chicken and gravy in a crockpot is that you have complete control over it. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can either reduce the amount of chicken broth used or let the gravy cook longer with the lid off to allow it to thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the gravy near the end of cooking to thicken it more quickly.
For those who enjoy a thinner gravy, simply add more broth or cream (depending on whether you want a lighter or richer consistency). Adjusting the creaminess of the gravy can also be done by adding a bit of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream. A splash of milk can also give it a smoother, lighter texture. Keep tasting as you adjust to find the perfect gravy consistency for your preferences.
Meal Prep Ideas: Prep Ahead for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
The beauty of this chicken and gravy recipe is that it’s ideal for meal prepping. Preparing the meal ahead of time can save you a lot of time during busy work weeks. You can prep all the ingredients the night before or in the morning. Season the chicken, add the gravy ingredients (cream of chicken soup, broth, and spices), and place everything in the crockpot insert. Store the insert in the fridge overnight or until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker, set it on low for 6-8 hours, and forget about it.
Another option is to double the recipe to make extra servings. Once cooked, portion out the leftover chicken and gravy into containers for future meals—perfect for lunch or dinner later in the week. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just reheat them when you’re ready for an easy, comforting meal. This makes it a great option for busy families or anyone who loves convenient, stress-free meals.
Adjust the Flavor: Customize the Seasoning to Your Taste
One of the things that make this recipe so versatile is how you can adjust the flavors to your taste. Start with the base ingredients, and then tweak the seasoning to suit your preferences. If you love garlic, add more garlic powder or fresh minced garlic. For a spicy kick, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more herbal flavor, increase the amount of rosemary, thyme, or sage. Fresh or dried herbs work well, and if you’re looking for a bold, savory flavor, adding a little bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can make the gravy even richer.
Pro Tip: Taste the gravy halfway through cooking and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You can add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice at the end for a touch of freshness.
Serving Suggestions and Variations of Chicken and Gravy Crockpot
Traditional Sides: Perfect Pairings for Chicken and Gravy
When serving your chicken and gravy, it’s important to pair it with sides that will soak up that delicious gravy. Some classic sides that go perfectly with this dish include:
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy.
- Rice: White or brown rice provides a light and fluffy base that complements the chicken and gravy beautifully.
- Bread: Whether it’s crusty rolls, sliced baguette, or buttery biscuits, bread is always a great option for dipping and sopping up the gravy.
These sides help complete the meal and turn it into a filling, comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Add Vegetables: Create a One-Pot Meal
You can turn this chicken and gravy into a complete one-pot meal by adding some vegetables to the mix. Some great options include:
- Carrots: They add natural sweetness and texture that complements the rich gravy.
- Potatoes: Add whole baby potatoes or chopped larger potatoes to the crockpot for a hearty meal.
- Peas: Sweet peas can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a burst of color and flavor.
- Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor enhances the depth of the gravy and adds a savory note.
Add these vegetables right at the start with the chicken to allow them to cook in the gravy, absorbing all the flavors while they cook.
Make It Your Own: Try Different Spices or Chicken Cuts
The great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. You can experiment with various spices or try different cuts of chicken to customize it to your tastes. If you like a more smoky flavor, add smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke. For a spicier version, throw in some jalapeños or hot sauce.
Also, feel free to experiment with different cuts of chicken. While chicken breasts and thighs are popular, you can also use drumsticks, bone-in chicken (which adds extra flavor), or chicken tenders. Each cut will give the dish a slightly different texture, but they’ll all benefit from the slow cooking process.
Leftover Ideas: Transform Leftovers into New Meals
Leftovers from this chicken and gravy dish can be repurposed into delicious new meals:
- Chicken pot pie: Use the leftover chicken and gravy as the filling for a homemade chicken pot pie.
- Sandwiches: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps with a little extra gravy as a spread.
- Chicken and gravy casserole: Mix the chicken and gravy with some pasta or rice, top with cheese, and bake for a new meal option.
These leftovers are versatile, and transforming them into a new dish is a great way to extend the life of your meal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making chicken and gravy in your crockpot is a simple, hassle-free way to create a delicious, comforting meal. The slow-cooked chicken turns out tender and juicy, and the gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread. With easy meal prep options and the ability to adjust the seasoning and consistency, you can make this dish exactly how you like it every time.
We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own—whether by adjusting the spices, using different chicken cuts, or experimenting with new sides. Don’t forget to share your own variations or ideas in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!