The Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food recipe, offering a simple, hands-off way to create incredibly tender chicken bathed in a rich, savory gravy, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. This dish is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but craving something deeply satisfying.
Key Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Using a mix of both can add extra depth of flavor and texture.
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix: This is the secret to instant savory flavor and a fantastic base for the gravy.
- 1 packet (0.87 ounce) dry brown gravy mix: For a foolproof, rich, and flavorful gravy.
- 1.5 cups water: To rehydrate the soup and gravy mixes and create the sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil: To sauté the chicken for better browning and flavor.
- Optional seasonings: Salt and black pepper to taste, a pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
- For Serving (e.g., mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles):
How to Make the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
This Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly easy to make, promising a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The magic lies in letting your slow cooker do all the work, transforming simple ingredients into tender chicken and a velvety gravy. Preparation time is a breeze, typically around 10-15 minutes, with cooking time being the main event.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole or cut them in half to ensure they cook evenly. If using thighs, trim any excess fat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, and optionally, a pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a more visually appealing dish, though it can be skipped if you’re in a major rush.
- Combine Gravy Mixes and Water: In your slow cooker insert, whisk together the dry onion soup mix and the dry brown gravy mix. Gradually whisk in the 1.5 cups of water until well combined and no dry clumps remain. This mixture will form the base of your savory gravy.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the liquid mixture in the slow cooker. Whisk vigorously until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This is crucial for achieving a thick, luscious gravy.
- Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the browned (or unbrowned) chicken pieces into the slow cooker, nestling them into the liquid mixture. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken should easily shred or pull apart with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return Chicken to Gravy: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it into the gravy to coat the pieces evenly.
- Thicken Gravy (if needed): If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mash some of the shredded chicken directly into the sauce or make a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crockpot and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until thickened.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over your favorite side dishes like fluffy mashed potatoes, white rice, or tender egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
You’ll adore this Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy because it delivers pure, unadulterated comfort food with an incredibly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth, all enveloped in a deeply flavorful, velvety gravy. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly meal, far more economical than grabbing takeout, and the built-in seasonings from the soup and gravy mixes create a complex flavor profile with minimal effort, rivaling even the most elaborate homemade versions without the fuss.
Imagine coming home to the aroma of this deliciousness, ready to be served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes – pure bliss! Whether you’re a seasoned cook looking for a shortcut or a beginner seeking a foolproof recipe, this dish is your go-to for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t wait; gather your ingredients and experience the magic of this simple yet spectacular crockpot creation tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken and gravy in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. Frozen portions can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish until hot. If the gravy seems too thick upon reheating, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
The Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a testament to how simple ingredients and a slow cooker can create an incredibly comforting and delicious meal. We wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try for a truly satisfying and easy dinner solution.
Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If you’re using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole or cut them in half to ensure they cook evenly. If using thighs, trim any excess fat. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper, and optionally, a pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme.1.5-2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, Salt (optional), Black pepper to taste (optional), Garlic powder (optional), Dried thyme (optional)
- Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until lightly browned. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a more visually appealing dish, though it can be skipped if you’re in a major rush.1 tablespoon Butter or oil, 1.5-2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- In your slow cooker insert, whisk together the dry onion soup mix and the dry brown gravy mix. Gradually whisk in the 1.5 cups of water until well combined and no dry clumps remain. This mixture will form the base of your savory gravy.1 packet Dry onion soup mix, 1 packet Dry brown gravy mix, 1.5 cups Water
- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the liquid mixture in the slow cooker. Whisk vigorously until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This is crucial for achieving a thick, luscious gravy.1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- Place the browned (or unbrowned) chicken pieces into the slow cooker, nestling them into the liquid mixture. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged.1.5-2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken pieces. The chicken should easily shred or pull apart with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.1.5-2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir it into the gravy to coat the pieces evenly.1.5-2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mash some of the shredded chicken directly into the sauce or make a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the crockpot and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until thickened.
- Ladle the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over your favorite side dishes like fluffy mashed potatoes, white rice, or tender egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.Mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles (for serving)