On the second day of our summer family trip to the lakehouse, we were all dragging from a morning of paddleboarding, sunburns, and a toddler meltdown or two. My cousin, who had just driven in from two towns over, suggested I try her no-fuss Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe. She promised it was rich, satisfying, and—most importantly—hands-off. I was skeptical at first. How could something this easy be that good?
But by evening, the smell of simmering gravy and slow-cooked chicken filled every corner of that little house. It made everyone drift back into the kitchen early, hovering like hungry ghosts. When I finally served it over buttery mashed potatoes, silence fell. Not because the conversation had died, but because everyone was too busy eating. It was creamy, savory, and soul-warming—like being wrapped in a soft blanket after a day in the sun.
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy has been my go-to for busy days, lazy weekends, and yes, any summer gathering where I need a little peace and a lot of comfort.
Short Description
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is an ultra-comforting, hands-off meal made with juicy chicken breasts, savory gravy, and a creamy, herbed broth. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a perfect family dinner.
Key Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix (approx. 1 ounce each)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Tools Needed
- 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Two forks (for shredding)
- Ladle or serving spoon
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix packets, cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and lump-free. This creates a rich, creamy gravy base.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure all the pieces are completely covered. This will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with flavor.
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook:
– On LOW for 6–8 hours
– Or on HIGH for 4 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fork-tender and shreds easily.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir it well so the meat soaks up all that savory gravy.
Step 5: Serve
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– No babysitting required—set it and forget it
– Creamy, savory gravy that’s packed with flavor
– Versatile: serve over your favorite starch
– Great for meal prep and leftovers
– Family-friendly and kid-approved
– Uses pantry staples and minimal ingredients
– Comforting without being overly heavy
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Using too much salt: The gravy mix and soup already have sodium. Always use low-sodium broth and taste before adding extra salt.
Solution: Wait until the end to season with salt and pepper.
2. Overcooking the chicken: Even in a crockpot, chicken can dry out if cooked too long.
Solution: Stick to the suggested time, and check for doneness at the lower range.
3. Lumpy gravy mixture: Not whisking the gravy ingredients properly can lead to lumps.
Solution: SWhisk thoroughly until smooth before adding to the crockpot.
4. Watery texture: Some crockpots retain more moisture, leading to thin gravy.
Solution: If it’s too thin at the end, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
5. Skipping the garnish: It seems minor, but parsley adds a freshness that balances the rich flavors.
Solution: Don’t skip it if you have it on hand!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles
Pair with steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad
Add crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up extra gravy
Family-style serving works best—let guests ladle their own portions from the crockpot
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
– For freezing, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
Reheating:
– Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally
– Or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating
– Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy thickens too much during storage
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but you must thaw them completely before using to ensure safe, even cooking in the crockpot.
2. Can I substitute turkey or pork?
Absolutely. Turkey breast or pork loin works well—just keep the total weight around 1.5 pounds and follow the same instructions.
3. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
You can try using a dairy-free cream of chicken substitute and checking the gravy mix ingredients for dairy, though the result may be less creamy.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough. Cook time may need a slight increase.
5. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too runny?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the crockpot, and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes.
Tips & Tricks
– Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness
– Mix in frozen peas or steamed broccoli before serving for a complete meal
– Make mashed potatoes in advance and reheat for an easy weeknight dinner
– For extra depth of flavor, stir in ½ teaspoon of poultry seasoning
– If using rotisserie chicken, reduce cook time and just heat until warmed through
Recipe Variations
1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken & Gravy
Swap 1 can of cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms in Step 1
Serve over wild rice for earthy flavor
2. Herbed Garlic Chicken & Gravy
Add 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon dried rosemary to the gravy mix
Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley at the end for a bright finish
3. Spicy Southern Chicken & Gravy
Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon hot sauce to the gravy
Serve over jalapeño cheddar mashed potatoes or spiced rice
4. Low-Carb Chicken & Gravy Bowl
Use xanthan gum or arrowroot powder to thicken instead of cornstarch
Serve over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is more than just a meal; it’s a calm moment waiting for you at the end of a busy day. I’ve made it during family vacations, on snowy nights, and during chaotic work weeks—and every time, it delivers the same creamy, savory joy.
It’s one of those recipes that gently reminds you: simple is often best. When you need warmth, ease, and satisfaction in a bowl, this one won’t let you down. And let’s be honest—those slow cooker days are secretly the best kind of cooking.

Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix (approx. 1 ounce each)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix packets, cream of chicken soup, low-sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure all the pieces are completely covered.
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook:
-
On LOW for 6–8 hours
-
Or on HIGH for 4 hours
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir it well so the meat soaks up all that savory gravy.
Step 5: Serve
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.