This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is super easy and perfect for busy days. Just toss some chicken in a slow cooker with tasty gravy ingredients, and let it cook low and slow!
Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the chicken turns out tender and juicy. I love serving it over mashed potatoes—it’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and great for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a bit more flavor. Keep the skin on for extra moisture, if you wish!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This soup mixes well to create a rich sauce. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using a low-fat version or homemade cream of chicken soup using milk and flour.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish from being too salty. If you’re monitoring sodium, you can use vegetable broth or homemade broth as a substitute.
Onion Soup Mix: This is a fantastic way to add flavor without extra effort. If you don’t have it, you can mix dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt for a substitute.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a lovely aroma. If fresh isn’t available, dried thyme will work; just use about a third of the amount since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Make the Gravy Thicker?
If you like a thicker gravy, the cornstarch slurry is your best friend! Here’s how to do it:
- Combine the cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Add this mixture to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve.
- Stir it in gently, cover, and let the gravy thickens up while your chicken finishes cooking.
This simple step really elevates the dish, giving it a richer texture that pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6 to 7 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). Perfect for a busy day when you want a comforting meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re laid out flat so they cook evenly.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir well until everything is combined into a smooth mixture.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker:
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is well coated with that yummy sauce.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can easily shred it with a fork when it’s finished!
5. (Optional) Thicken the Gravy:
If you’d like a thicker gravy, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until smooth to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir this slurry into the slow cooker and cover again. This will help thicken the gravy nicely.
6. Shred and Serve:
Once cooked, you can either shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks or leave the breasts whole. Stir everything to combine the chicken with the gravy.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your delicious chicken and gravy warm, over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. Feel free to garnish with some extra fresh thyme if you like. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure to increase the cooking time. If cooking on low, allow it to cook for 8 to 9 hours, and for high, try about 5 to 6 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked (165°F) before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade mixture of 1 cup sour cream mixed with 1 cup chicken broth. This will still provide that creamy texture and flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat on the stove or in a microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes, you can definitely add vegetables! Carrots, potatoes, or green beans work well. Just place them in the slow cooker with the chicken and other ingredients at the beginning. They will add flavor and make it a complete meal!
