If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is your new best friend. With tender chicken slowly simmered to perfection and a rich, savory gravy that’s packed with flavor, this dish is an ideal hands-off dinner solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Prepare to impress your taste buds with a classic combination that’s as simple as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it work its magic without constant supervision.
Rich, comforting flavors: Slow-cooked chicken in creamy gravy creates a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Versatile meal option: Easily paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a complete dinner.
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike adore.
Great for meal prep: Makes plenty of leftovers that reheat beautifully for next-day meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal with layers of flavor and perfect texture. Each element plays its part in making this dish both hearty and wholesome.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for even cooking and easy shredding or slicing.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a rich base for the gravy with balanced saltiness.
Onion and garlic: These aromatic staples build depth and warmth in every bite.
Flour or cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy to silky perfection.
Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a velvety sauce texture.
Sour cream or heavy cream (optional): Adds creaminess and a slight tang to round out the gravy’s flavor.
Dried herbs like thyme or parsley: Bring an earthy freshness that complements the chicken beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and balancing the flavors.

Variations for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

One of the best parts about this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is how easily it can be customized to fit dietary needs or simply to mix up the flavors. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Using turkey: Substitute chicken with turkey breasts for a festive twist.
Gluten-free gravy: Swap flour for cornstarch or arrowroot to keep the dish gluten-free without losing that creamy consistency.
Adding vegetables: Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or celery for added texture and nutrition.
Dairy-free option: Replace butter with olive oil and use coconut milk instead of cream for those avoiding dairy.
Spice it up: Add smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to introduce a subtle smoky heat.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Chop your onion and mince the garlic to release those rich flavors during cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Place the chicken, onion, garlic, and chicken broth in the crockpot. Add butter on top, which will melt and enrich the gravy as everything cooks slowly together.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the crockpot. If desired, add sour cream or heavy cream now, and stir gently to combine and thicken the gravy until creamy and luscious.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the chicken to shred or slice it, then return it to the crockpot and mix well so every bite is soaked in that flavorful gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: It adds a richer taste but requires slightly longer cooking time.
Don’t skip the sauté on aromatics: Quickly cooking onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot can boost the overall flavor.
Keep the lid closed: Resist peeking while cooking to maintain temperature and ensure tenderness.
Thicken gradually: Slowly add your slurry and stir regularly to avoid lumps in the gravy.
Adjust salt last: Broth can be salty, so season to taste after the gravy thickens for perfect balance.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or thyme brightens the dish with a pop of color and a fresh herbal aroma, turning each plate into something special. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper also adds a lovely finish.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the gravy, buttery egg noodles for a classic combo, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra cozy twist, serve the chicken and gravy over warm biscuits or stuffed inside a flaky puff pastry for a comforting pot pie effect that’s sure to impress guests or family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can last up to 3-4 days while maintaining its flavor and texture.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Divide into meal-sized portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the gravy becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving unless in short bursts to ensure even reheating without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot, but it will increase the cooking time and it’s best to ensure the meat reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Crockpot Chicken and Gravy stores well and reheats evenly, making it a great choice for preparing meals ahead of time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, by substituting butter with oil and using coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative instead of sour cream or heavy cream, you can make a delicious dairy-free version.

How thick should the gravy be?

The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. Adjust the amount of thickening agent to achieve your preferred consistency.

What is the best cut of chicken to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are great for tenderness and flavor, but breasts also work well if you prefer leaner meat.

Final Thoughts

With its unbeatable ease and deeply satisfying taste, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves home-cooked comfort food without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding family, prepping ahead, or just craving something cozy, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try it, there’s no looking back!

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (use cornstarch or arrowroot instead of flour)

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and cozy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe featuring tender, slow-simmered chicken in a rich, savory, and creamy gravy. This effortless dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or bread for a satisfying, family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Aromatics

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 medium onion, chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Fats

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream (optional)

Thickening Agents

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
2–3 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

Seasonings and Herbs

1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Season the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to prepare for cooking.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth into the crockpot. Add butter on top to melt slowly and enrich the gravy.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a smooth slurry. Stir the slurry into the crockpot. If using, add sour cream or heavy cream now, stirring gently to combine and achieve a creamy, luscious gravy.
Finish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred or slice it. Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir well to coat with the gravy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken for a richer flavor, but increase cooking time accordingly.
Sauté onions and garlic briefly before adding to the crockpot to enhance flavor.
Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain temperature and ensure tenderness.
Add the thickening slurry gradually and stir often to avoid lumps in the gravy.
Adjust salt at the end, as chicken broth can vary in saltiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Crockpot chicken, chicken and gravy, slow cooker chicken, comforting meal, easy dinner, family recipe, creamy gravy, slow cooked chicken