This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a game-changer! You throw chicken in the cooker with some seasoning and let it do its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll have tender chicken swimming in savory gravy.
Perfect for busy days, this dish is a cozy hug on a plate. I love serving it over mashed potatoes—because nothing beats the combo of creamy potatoes and rich gravy! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe because they stay moist during slow cooking. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor or even use frozen chicken if you’re in a pinch—just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is essential for the creamy gravy base. If you want a healthier version, consider using a low-fat or homemade version. You can even replace it with cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This mix adds great flavor but if you don’t have it, you can use chopped onions, shallots, or even onion powder as an alternative. Fresh onions will need to be sautéed ahead of time for better flavor.
Chicken Broth: Always choose low sodium broth to control the saltiness. You can use vegetable broth if you want a lighter flavor or have leftovers. Just keep in mind that the overall taste will vary slightly.
How Do You Make the Gravy Thick and Flavorful?
The key to a thick and rich gravy lies in using a cornstarch slurry! It’s simple and effective. Here’s how:
- After cooking the chicken, remove it to keep it warm. This will allow you to focus on thickening the gravy.
- In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with cold water. This is your slurry. Whisk it together to make sure there are no lumps.
- Stir the slurry into the gravy in your slow cooker. Mix it in well.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until you reach the desired thickness!
This technique ensures your gravy is not only thick but also packs in all the flavors from the chicken and spices. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any remaining liquid in the slow cooker!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix or onion soup mix powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, and the cooking will take between 3 to 7 hours depending on whether you choose the slow or fast cooking option. It’s perfect for setting and forgetting while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme (if you’re using it). Add the chicken broth and stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece of chicken gets coated nicely.
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Now it’s time to cover the slow cooker! You can choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s easy to shred with a fork.
5. Thicken the Gravy:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take it out of the slow cooker and set it aside, covering it to keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the liquid in the slow cooker until it’s well mixed.
6. Final Gravy Touch:
Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes to thicken the gravy to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get too thick!
7. Serve It Up:
Return the chicken to the slow cooker to coat it with the gravy or place the chicken on plates and spoon the gravy on top. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you like. This dish is fantastic when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles!
Enjoy your delicious, effortless slow cooker chicken and gravy!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be aware that cooking time will need to be increased. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours or low for 8-9 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce. Alternatively, for a lighter option, mix plain Greek yogurt with chicken broth as a substitute.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through!
What Should I Serve with Chicken and Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
