This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a cozy dish that makes dinner a breeze! Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with gravy mix, and let it cook until tender and juicy.
I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! Plus, it gives me more time to binge-watch my favorite shows while dinner cooks. 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook up tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture. Frozen chicken works too—just adjust the cooking time slightly longer.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds a ton of flavor easily. If you don’t have it, you can use a blend of chopped onions, onion powder, and a bit of salt; it gives a similar taste. Or, try a homemade version by combining dried onion, garlic powder, and seasoning.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is a creamy base for the gravy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream of chicken soup or even substitute with a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different twist.
Chicken Broth: For more flavor, use homemade broth or swap it with vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind, it will change the overall taste slightly.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Chicken?
Getting perfectly tender chicken in a slow cooker is all about the cooking time. The key is to cook it low and slow. Here’s how to do it:
- Place chicken breasts in a single layer, as overlapping can lead to uneven cooking.
- Cover the slow cooker to trap moisture and flavor. Don’t peek too often!
- Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked.
- If it feels a bit dry after cooking, don’t worry — the gravy will bring it back to life!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe requires about 10 minutes of prep time, then you’ll let your slow cooker do its magic for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a hands-off dinner after a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Add the Onion Soup Mix:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken. This will add a ton of flavor, so spread it evenly over all the chicken pieces!
3. Make the Gravy Mixture:
In a separate bowl, grab a whisk and combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure to cover the chicken pieces well. This is where all the deliciousness comes from!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook: low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and cooked through. You can check if it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
6. Thickening the Gravy (Optional):
If you like a thicker gravy, remove the chicken once it’s cooked and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the gravy left in the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
7. Final Touch:
Return the cooked chicken to the slow cooker to coat it in the delicious gravy. It’s ready for serving!
8. Garnish and Serve:
If you want to, sprinkle some fresh parsley or thyme on top for a nice color and flavor boost. This dish pairs perfectly over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a comforting meal your family will love!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook on low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
How Can I Thicken the Gravy Without Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour instead. Mix about 2 tablespoons of flour with an equal amount of water to create a slurry, then stir it into the gravy. Allow it to simmer on high for about 15-20 minutes until thickened.
What Should I Serve with Chicken and Gravy?
This dish is incredibly versatile! It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even a side of steamed vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or a fresh salad.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
