This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm and hearty dish that cooks while you go about your day. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, all wrapped in rich gravy!
I love how easy this meal is—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic. Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes, and you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you’re looking for a substitute, thighs work well, too. They have more flavor and stay juicy, making the dish even tastier.
Onion Soup Mix: A packet is convenient, but you can make your own mix by combining onion powder, dehydrated onion, and some spices. It’s a great option if you want more control over the flavors.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess to the gravy. If you need a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream soup. You can also make a thick white sauce as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth is a smart choice if you’re watching your salt intake. You can swap it out for vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker can be super easy, but you want to make sure it’s juicy. Here are some tips:
- Season the chicken well before cooking. This enhances the flavor from the start.
- Searing is optional, but it really boosts the taste. If you choose to sear, don’t skip this step; just ensure not to overcook it!
- Cook on low for the best texture. High heat works but can make the chicken tough if cooked too long.
- Shred the chicken in the gravy after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of onion soup mix (or 1 cup of homemade onion soup)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can set your slow cooker. You’ll need to cook it for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want dinner ready when you get home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, black pepper, and a little salt (if you like) all over them. Make sure they are well coated with the seasonings for great flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is optional but totally worth it!
3. Assemble in Slow Cooker:
Now it’s time to put everything together in the slow cooker. In the pot, combine the onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix it well so that all the ingredients are nicely combined.
4. Add Chicken:
Next, place your seasoned (and possibly seared) chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Ensure that they are covered with the gravy mixture you just made.
5. Cook:
Now cover the slow cooker and let it do its thing! You can cook it on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and very tender.
6. Serve:
When it’s done cooking, carefully shred the chicken in the gravy using two forks and stir everything together. Serve your delicious chicken and gravy over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. If you want, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top for a lovely finishing touch! Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook it from frozen; just increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours.
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 a homemade version using 1 cup of heavy cream mixed with 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon or use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You can add a little chicken broth if it looks too thick after refrigeration.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can toss in some vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes to the slow cooker at the start for a complete meal. Just make sure to cut them into small pieces to ensure they cook through by the time the chicken is done.
