Name: Easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: PT-481205H22M50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; garlic powder, salt, black pepper (to taste); 2 packets chicken gravy mix; 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup; 2 cups water; ½ cup sour cream; sliced green onions (for topping)

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This simple yet delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe requires just four basic ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare and an instant hit with the family. In merely five minutes, you can have everything set in the slow cooker, ready to transform into a succulent chicken meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?

Choosing to make slow cooker chicken and gravy is a decision that marries convenience with the rich, comforting flavors of home cooking. Here are several compelling reasons why this dish stands out:

Ease of Preparation: The slow cooker offers a “set it and forget it” approach, ideal for busy individuals or anyone looking to simplify mealtime. With minimal prep work required, this recipe allows you to assemble the ingredients quickly and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Deeply Enhanced Flavors: Slow cooking allows for the flavors of the chicken, gravy, herbs, and spices to meld together over several hours. This process not only tenderizes the chicken but also intensifies the gravy’s taste, creating a rich and satisfying depth of flavor that can’t be rushed.
Nutritional Value: Cooking chicken slowly at a low temperature helps retain its nutritional qualities, including essential proteins and vitamins. Additionally, making gravy in the same pot captures the chicken’s natural juices, enhancing both the nutritional content and taste.
Versatility: This dish can easily be adapted to fit dietary preferences or to use what you have on hand. Whether you’re incorporating different herbs, using a lighter gravy base, or adjusting the recipe to be gluten-free, there’s room to customize while still ensuring a delicious outcome.
Comfort Food Appeal: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, savory dish like chicken and gravy. It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need a bit of culinary comfort.
Cost-Effective: Utilizing a slow cooker for this recipe can also be economical, allowing for cheaper cuts of chicken to be used without sacrificing tenderness or flavor. The slow cooking process breaks down the fibers in less expensive cuts, making them deliciously tender.
Convenience for Busy Schedules: Preparing a meal in a slow cooker means coming home to a ready-to-eat dinner. It’s an ideal solution for those with busy schedules, ensuring a home-cooked meal without the need to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day.

In essence, slow cooker chicken and gravy is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking — a method that brings out the best in ingredients, offering ease, flavor, and the joy of a meal shared with loved ones.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When preparing slow cooker chicken and gravy, selecting the right components is key to achieving a dish that’s both flavorful and aligned with your dietary preferences. Here’s a guide to choosing your ingredients:

Selecting Chicken

Type of Chicken: Opt for cuts that suit your taste and budget. Dark meat (like thighs and drumsticks) tends to be juicier and more flavorful, ideal for slow cooking. White meat (such as breast pieces), while leaner, can also be used successfully, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.
Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken pieces often yield more flavor and tenderness, as the bones contribute depth to the dish during the slow cooking process. Boneless cuts are more convenient for serving and eating but might require careful monitoring to prevent overcooking.
Skin-on vs. Skinless: Skin-on pieces can enhance the richness of the dish but may also add additional fat. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken to reduce the overall fat content without compromising too much on flavor.

Gravy Essentials

Thickeners: Flour or cornstarch are traditional choices for thickening gravy. For a gluten-free alternative, arrowroot powder or tapioca flour can be used effectively.
Liquids: The base of your gravy can range from chicken broth for a classic flavor, vegetable broth for a lighter touch, or even milk or cream for a richer texture. Low-sodium broths are a great option for controlling the dish’s salt content.
Seasoning: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add depth, while garlic and onion powder can enhance the overall flavor profile. Salt and pepper should be adjusted to taste, keeping in mind the sodium content of your broth if you’re using any.

Healthy Alternatives

Lean Cuts: Opting for leaner cuts of chicken, such as breast pieces, can reduce the dish’s overall fat content while still providing a satisfying meal.
Low-Fat Broth: Using low-fat or fat-free broths as the base for your gravy helps keep the calorie count down without sacrificing flavor.
Whole Grain Thickeners: For those looking to add more fiber to their diet, whole grain flours like whole wheat flour can be used as a thickener for the gravy.
Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporating vegetables such as carrots, celery, and mushrooms not only boosts the nutritional value of the dish but also adds layers of flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Creating a delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy dish involves a series of straightforward steps that lead to a savory and satisfying meal. Here’s how to bring it all together, from gathering your ingredients to enjoying the final product.

Gathering Ingredients

Begin by ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this dish, you’ll typically need:

Chicken pieces (choose based on preference and dietary needs)
Broth (chicken or vegetable for the gravy base)
Flour or a thickening agent (for the gravy)
Herbs and spices (such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Vegetables or additional seasonings based on your preference

Preparing the Chicken

Clean and Trim: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat if desired.
Season: Lightly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you’re using. This will help to flavor the meat itself as well as the gravy.

Mixing the Gravy

Create a Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix your thickening agent (flour, cornstarch, or a gluten-free alternative) with a bit of broth to create a smooth slurry. This step prevents lumps in your gravy.
Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, whisk together the remaining broth, your slurry, and additional seasonings. Ensure a smooth and consistent mixture for the gravy base.

Cooking Time

Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re submerged in the gravy mixture.
Set and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Cooking times may vary based on the slow cooker model and the type of chicken used; generally, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the chicken to become tender and fully cooked through.

Final Touches

Check the Consistency: Once the cooking time is complete, check the gravy’s consistency. If it’s too thin, you can create additional slurry and stir it in, then cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Serve: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and plate them. Spoon the gravy over the chicken and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

By following these steps, you’ll create a comforting and flavorful slow cooker chicken and gravy dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe

Author: Eliza Nooman
Prep Time: 10 Mins
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6HRS10min
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a beloved family dish, featuring chicken, gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings. It’s wonderfully creamy and full of flavor!

Ingredients

Scale

- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- garlic powder, salt, black pepper (to taste)
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup sour cream
- sliced green onions (for topping)

Instructions

Season both sides of 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, black pepper.
In your slow cooker, whisk together 2 packets chicken gravy mix, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup and 2 cups water until smooth.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts. Be sure to get them covered in gravy.
Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
Once cooked, break chicken up into chunks using a fork.
Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes and top with sliced green onions(optional)

Notes

The chicken gravy and cream of chicken soup already have salt in them so don’t go overboard on seasoning with salt (about a teaspoon should work).
Sour cream adds a great creaminess to this so I definitely recommend adding it in! Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream.
Serve over rice, mashed potatoes or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 Serving
Calories: 331kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 1203mg
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 26g

Keywords: healthy chicken and gravy, ww chicken with gravy

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. If you must use frozen chicken directly, extend the cooking time by an hour or so, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed rice, quinoa, or a medley of steamed vegetables like carrots and green beans. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower also works well.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based sour cream. There are many suitable substitutes that can make this dish dairy-free without compromising the taste.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
If your gravy is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by making a slurry with cornstarch or flour and water. Mix this in and let it cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
This dish freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.

Conclusion

The Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a testament to the joys of simple, comforting home cooking. It combines ease of preparation with the rich, satisfying flavors of creamy gravy and tender chicken, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Its versatility allows for adaptations to dietary needs and preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this beloved dish. With the ability to pair with various sides, store and reheat well, and even freeze for future meals, it’s no wonder this recipe holds a special place in many family kitchens. Try it out and see why it’s a favorite for both its delicious taste and convenient cooking method.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?

Choosing to make slow cooker chicken and gravy is a decision that marries convenience with the rich, comforting flavors of home cooking. Here are several compelling reasons why this dish stands out:

Ease of Preparation: The slow cooker offers a “set it and forget it” approach, ideal for busy individuals or anyone looking to simplify mealtime. With minimal prep work required, this recipe allows you to assemble the ingredients quickly and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

Deeply Enhanced Flavors: Slow cooking allows for the flavors of the chicken, gravy, herbs, and spices to meld together over several hours. This process not only tenderizes the chicken but also intensifies the gravy’s taste, creating a rich and satisfying depth of flavor that can’t be rushed.

Nutritional Value: Cooking chicken slowly at a low temperature helps retain its nutritional qualities, including essential proteins and vitamins. Additionally, making gravy in the same pot captures the chicken’s natural juices, enhancing both the nutritional content and taste.

Versatility: This dish can easily be adapted to fit dietary preferences or to use what you have on hand. Whether you’re incorporating different herbs, using a lighter gravy base, or adjusting the recipe to be gluten-free, there’s room to customize while still ensuring a delicious outcome.

Comfort Food Appeal: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, savory dish like chicken and gravy. It’s a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or whenever you need a bit of culinary comfort.

Cost-Effective: Utilizing a slow cooker for this recipe can also be economical, allowing for cheaper cuts of chicken to be used without sacrificing tenderness or flavor. The slow cooking process breaks down the fibers in less expensive cuts, making them deliciously tender.

Convenience for Busy Schedules: Preparing a meal in a slow cooker means coming home to a ready-to-eat dinner. It’s an ideal solution for those with busy schedules, ensuring a home-cooked meal without the need to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day.

In essence, slow cooker chicken and gravy is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking — a method that brings out the best in ingredients, offering ease, flavor, and the joy of a meal shared with loved ones.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When preparing slow cooker chicken and gravy, selecting the right components is key to achieving a dish that’s both flavorful and aligned with your dietary preferences. Here’s a guide to choosing your ingredients:

Selecting Chicken

Type of Chicken: Opt for cuts that suit your taste and budget. Dark meat (like thighs and drumsticks) tends to be juicier and more flavorful, ideal for slow cooking. White meat (such as breast pieces), while leaner, can also be used successfully, especially if you’re watching your fat intake.

Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken pieces often yield more flavor and tenderness, as the bones contribute depth to the dish during the slow cooking process. Boneless cuts are more convenient for serving and eating but might require careful monitoring to prevent overcooking.

Skin-on vs. Skinless: Skin-on pieces can enhance the richness of the dish but may also add additional fat. If you prefer a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken to reduce the overall fat content without compromising too much on flavor.

Gravy Essentials

Thickeners: Flour or cornstarch are traditional choices for thickening gravy. For a gluten-free alternative, arrowroot powder or tapioca flour can be used effectively.

Liquids: The base of your gravy can range from chicken broth for a classic flavor, vegetable broth for a lighter touch, or even milk or cream for a richer texture. Low-sodium broths are a great option for controlling the dish’s salt content.

Seasoning: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add depth, while garlic and onion powder can enhance the overall flavor profile. Salt and pepper should be adjusted to taste, keeping in mind the sodium content of your broth if you’re using any.

Healthy Alternatives

Lean Cuts: Opting for leaner cuts of chicken, such as breast pieces, can reduce the dish’s overall fat content while still providing a satisfying meal.

Low-Fat Broth: Using low-fat or fat-free broths as the base for your gravy helps keep the calorie count down without sacrificing flavor.

Whole Grain Thickeners: For those looking to add more fiber to their diet, whole grain flours like whole wheat flour can be used as a thickener for the gravy.

Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporating vegetables such as carrots, celery, and mushrooms not only boosts the nutritional value of the dish but also adds layers of flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step: Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Creating a delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy dish involves a series of straightforward steps that lead to a savory and satisfying meal. Here’s how to bring it all together, from gathering your ingredients to enjoying the final product.

Gathering Ingredients

Begin by ensuring you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For this dish, you’ll typically need:

Chicken pieces (choose based on preference and dietary needs)

Broth (chicken or vegetable for the gravy base)

Flour or a thickening agent (for the gravy)

Herbs and spices (such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Vegetables or additional seasonings based on your preference

Preparing the Chicken

Clean and Trim: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat if desired.

Season: Lightly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you’re using. This will help to flavor the meat itself as well as the gravy.

Mixing the Gravy

Create a Slurry: In a separate bowl, mix your thickening agent (flour, cornstarch, or a gluten-free alternative) with a bit of broth to create a smooth slurry. This step prevents lumps in your gravy.

Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, whisk together the remaining broth, your slurry, and additional seasonings. Ensure a smooth and consistent mixture for the gravy base.

Cooking Time

Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the slow cooker, ensuring they’re submerged in the gravy mixture.

Set and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. Cooking times may vary based on the slow cooker model and the type of chicken used; generally, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the chicken to become tender and fully cooked through.

Final Touches

Check the Consistency: Once the cooking time is complete, check the gravy’s consistency. If it’s too thin, you can create additional slurry and stir it in, then cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes until thickened.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serve: Carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker and plate them. Spoon the gravy over the chicken and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

By following these steps, you’ll create a comforting and flavorful slow cooker chicken and gravy dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. If you must use frozen chicken directly, extend the cooking time by an hour or so, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy? This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed rice, quinoa, or a medley of steamed vegetables like carrots and green beans. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower also works well.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Absolutely. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative and use a plant-based sour cream. There are many suitable substitutes that can make this dish dairy-free without compromising the taste.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin? If your gravy is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by making a slurry with cornstarch or flour and water. Mix this in and let it cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I store and reheat leftovers? Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing? This dish freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.