Imagine tender, juicy chicken, falling apart at the touch of a fork, smothered in a rich, savory gravy that warms you from the inside out. This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy recipe delivers that ultimate comfort food experience with minimal effort. Get ready for a dinner the whole family will rave about, and you’ll be surprised how simple it is to make!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy
Okay, friend, let’s be real – life gets hectic. Between work, kids, errands, and everything else, sometimes just getting dinner on the table feels like a Herculean task. That’s where this Crockpot Chicken And Gravy recipe comes to the rescue. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights and those cozy fall family recipes dinner nights when you just want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Even the pickiest eaters will gobble this up, and you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunch the next day (if it lasts that long!).
The Secret to Perfect Crockpot Chicken And Gravy: Tips & Tricks
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “Crockpot chicken can be dry!” And you’re not wrong. But fear not! I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to guarantee juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. First, don’t overcook it. Chicken breasts are lean, so they can dry out easily if left in the slow cooker for too long. I recommend cooking on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Second, the addition of cream of chicken soup and chicken broth creates a moist environment that helps keep the chicken tender. Finally, don’t skip the gravy! It’s the perfect finishing touch and adds tons of flavor and moisture. Thinking about other slow cooker meals? You should try my Salisbury Steak recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is so easy, you’ll be amazed. These Crockpot Recipes Chicken And Gravy are some of the most straight forward you’ll ever cook.
Get Started
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
Add Flavor
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the onion soup mix.
- Sprinkle with black pepper.
Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Make the Gravy
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your slurry!
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot with the remaining liquid.
- Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened, stirring occasionally.
Combine and Serve
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the gravy.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.
Serving Suggestions: Sides That Shine
This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. My personal favorite is creamy mashed potatoes – the gravy just soaks right in and it’s pure comfort food heaven. But you can also serve it over rice, egg noodles, or even biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal. For veggies, consider steamed broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad. These Fall Family Recipes Dinner are so easy to customize!
Variations: Put Your Own Spin On It
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Want to add more flavor? Try adding a clove of minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot. For a creamier gravy, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end. You can also add veggies like sliced mushrooms, chopped onions, or diced carrots to the crockpot along with the chicken. Looking for another comfort food classic? You should definitely check out my Chicken And Dumplings recipe!
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions
Even with the simplest recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common problems you might encounter and how to fix them. Chicken is dry: Make sure you’re not overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – it should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is already cooked and the gravy isn’t thick enough, remove the chicken and shred it, then continue cooking the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. Gravy is too thin: Add more cornstarch slurry, a little at a time, until the gravy thickens. Gravy is too thick: Add a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Gravy is lumpy: Whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot. If lumps still form, try straining the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve.
Can I use Frozen Chicken?
Using frozen chicken in your slow cooker comes with some safety considerations. It’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent bacterial growth. However, if you’re in a pinch, you *can* cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by at least 50% and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe. Always use a meat thermometer to check. But, I strongly recommend thawing first for better results!
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage – just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little chicken broth if needed to thin out the gravy. You can even use leftover chicken and gravy to create a Chicken Pot Pie Soup, or a Chicken Chowder!
Other Great Crockpot Chicken Recipes
If you love the ease and convenience of crockpot cooking, you’re in luck! There are tons of other delicious chicken recipes you can make in your slow cooker. For a sweet and tangy option, try my Bbq Chicken recipe. Or, if you’re in the mood for something creamy and decadent, you absolutely have to try my Marry Me Chicken. These are all perfect for busy weeknights and are sure to be a hit with the whole family. These Chicken And Gravy Recipes Crockpot are so simple, and the others are just as easy!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! An easy, delicious, and comforting Crockpot Chicken And Gravy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as my family does. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on things. Happy cooking, my friend!
How long should I cook the chicken in the crockpot?
You can cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
It’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent bacterial growth. If you use frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by at least 50% and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I do if my gravy is too thin?
Add more cornstarch slurry, a little at a time, until the gravy thickens.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Two forks
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the onion soup mix.
- Sprinkle with black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your slurry!
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot with the remaining liquid.
- Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the gravy.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.