Chicken And Gravy Crockpot Recipes

So, You Want Dinner But Also, Like, a Nap? Welcome Aboard!

So you’re craving something tasty, comforting, and utterly delicious but also kinda… lazy? Don’t even try to deny it, we’ve all been there. And by “been there,” I mean “live there, rent-free, with a permanent snack stash.” Good news, my friend! I’ve got the perfect solution that lets you feel like a domestic goddess/god without actually, you know, doing much. Say hello to your new best friend: Chicken and Gravy in the Crockpot!

Why This Recipe is Awesome (Seriously, It Is)

Let’s be real, life is busy. Or maybe you’re just really good at Netflix binging (no judgment here!). This recipe is basically a magic trick. You throw a few things into a pot, walk away for a few hours, and BAM! Dinner is ready. It’s so utterly simple, it’s practically **idiot-proof**. And trust me, if I, a person who once nearly set off a fire alarm making toast, can nail this, you absolutely can too.

Think about it: tender, fall-apart chicken swimming in a rich, savory gravy, just begging to be spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, or even just eaten with a spoon straight from the pot (don’t act like you haven’t considered it). Plus, your house will smell like a dream, which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to convince anyone you’re a culinary wizard. **Minimal effort, maximum deliciousness.** That’s the motto here, folks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, gather ’round, buttercups. Here’s what you’ll need to turn a few humble items into a slow-cooker masterpiece. No obscure, “where do I even find that?” ingredients, I promise.

• Chicken (about 2-3 lbs): Thighs or breasts work best. Boneless, skinless is easiest. If you’re feeling fancy, bone-in can add flavor but takes a smidge longer.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The OG shortcut. Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it in a crockpot.
• Chicken Broth (1 cup): To thin things out and add more chicken-y goodness.
• Dry Gravy Mix (1 packet, 0.87 oz or similar): Any kind will do – brown gravy, chicken gravy, whatever floats your gravy boat.
• Onion Powder (1 tsp): Because everything is better with a whisper of onion.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Onion’s best friend. They’re inseparable.
• Black Pepper (1/2 tsp): Or to taste. Don’t be shy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Again, to taste. Your call!
• Optional: Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water): If you like your gravy extra thicc.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is where the magic happens, but don’t worry, it’s more “presto-chango” and less “alchemist’s lab.”

1. Chicken Prep: First things first, grab your chicken. If you’re using breasts, you might want to cut them into larger chunks (2-3 pieces each) so they don’t dry out. Thighs are usually good as is. Place them lovingly at the bottom of your trusty crockpot.

2. Sauce it Up: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dry gravy mix, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good swirl until it’s all smooth and homogenous. You want that creamy, savory base ready to go.

3. Pour and Conquer: Pour that glorious gravy mixture over your chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged and coated. We want every piece to get that flavor bath!

4. Set it and Forget it (Almost): Pop the lid on your crockpot. Set it to **LOW for 6-8 hours** or **HIGH for 3-4 hours**. Seriously, that’s it for a while. Go live your life! Watch a movie, read a book, contemplate the mysteries of the universe. Just don’t peek too much.

5. Shred and Thicken (Optional but Recommended): Once the cooking time is up, your chicken should be super tender and easy to shred. Use two forks right in the crockpot to shred the chicken. If you want your gravy thicker (and trust me, you probably do), stir in your cornstarch slurry. Cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s perfectly rich and luscious.

6. Serve and Devour: Ladle that heavenly chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even some crusty bread. Prepare for extreme comfort food bliss. You did it! You glorious, lazy chef, you!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is practically foolproof, there are a few rookie errors that can happen. Let’s make sure you don’t fall victim to them!

• Too Much Peeking: Oh, the temptation! Every time you lift that lid, you lose precious heat and extend the cooking time. **Resist the urge!** Let your crockpot do its thing in peace.
• Forgetting to Turn it On: Happens more often than you’d think. Double-check that switch, unless you’re aiming for a cold, raw chicken surprise. (Spoiler: you’re not.)
• Overcrowding the Pot: While it’s tempting to cram in extra chicken for leftovers, don’t overfill your crockpot. It needs room to breathe and cook evenly.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Bland chicken is a sad chicken. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings, especially before thickening the gravy. A little extra salt or pepper can go a long way.
• Using Boneless, Skinless Breasts on HIGH for Too Long: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. If using them, stick closer to the shorter cook times on HIGH, or ideally, use LOW. Thighs are much more forgiving!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or just realized you’re missing an ingredient? No stress, we can totally improvise! This recipe is pretty chill like that.

• Chicken Cuts: Not feeling breasts or thighs? A whole chicken cut into pieces can work, just make sure to remove the skin for less grease. For real next-level comfort, try bone-in, skin-on thighs, but maybe give them a quick sear first for extra flavor (if you’re feeling ambitious).
• Cream of Soup Swap: No cream of chicken? Cream of mushroom or cream of celery can work wonders too! Each will give it a slightly different flavor profile, but still delicious.
• Homemade Gravy: If you’re a purist (or just ran out of packets), you can absolutely make your own gravy! A simple roux (butter + flour) mixed with chicken broth and seasonings will do the trick. It takes a little more effort upfront, but **the flavor payoff is real.**
• Add Veggies: Want to make it a one-pot meal? Toss in some chopped carrots, potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks), or celery right at the beginning. They’ll cook down beautifully in the gravy.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprig of fresh thyme can elevate this dish even further. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Can I use frozen chicken? Technically, yes, but **it’s generally not recommended** for food safety and best results. Thawing first ensures even cooking and better texture. Plus, it won’t water down your gravy.
• My gravy isn’t thick enough! What do I do? Ah, a classic! That’s what the cornstarch slurry is for, my friend. Whisk it in at the end and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes. If you’re out of cornstarch, a little flour mixed with water can work too, but cornstarch tends to give a smoother finish.
• Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it? Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It’ll last about 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. Perfect for those “I literally cannot cook tonight” nights.
• What should I serve this with? Mashed potatoes are the obvious, glorious answer. But it’s also amazing over rice, egg noodles, polenta, or even just some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious gravy. A side salad wouldn’t hurt, for balance, you know?
• Do I really need to shred the chicken? You don’t HAVE to, especially if you used breasts cut into chunks. But shredding allows the chicken to really soak up all that gravy goodness and makes for a more spoonable, comforting texture. Trust me on this one.
• Is it okay if the gravy looks a bit separated/oily on top? Sometimes, especially with fattier chicken, a little fat might separate to the top. This is totally normal! Give it a good stir, and once you thicken it with the cornstarch slurry, it usually emulsifies beautifully.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, folks! Your new go-to, practically hands-free, utterly delicious chicken and gravy crockpot recipe. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, even on the most chaotic of days. So go ahead, toss it all in, press that button, and prepare to bask in the glory of a homemade meal with minimal actual “homemaking” involved. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!