This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm and comforting dish! Juicy chicken slowly cooks in flavorful gravy, making it super tender and tasty.
It’s perfect for busy days! Just toss the ingredients in the cooker, let it do its magic, and enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is best for easy shredding after cooking. You can use thighs if you prefer darker meat; they’ll also stay juicy during cooking.
Onion Soup Mix: This adds a lot of flavor! If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a mix of sautéed onions, garlic powder, and a bit of bouillon powder for a similar taste.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This thickens the gravy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try low-fat cream of chicken soup or make your own with pureed cooked chicken and broth.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness. Vegetable broth can work as a substitute if you want a different base flavor.
Garlic Powder & Thyme: Both add great flavor. Fresh garlic or thyme can also be used if you have them on hand. Just remember, fresh herbs are stronger, so use more sparingly!
How Do I Make the Gravy Perfectly Thick?
Getting the gravy to the right consistency can be tricky. Here’s how to thicken it up nicely:
- After cooking the chicken, remove it from the slow cooker and keep it warm.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. This prevents lumps when added to the hot gravy.
- Stir this slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally!
- Once the gravy thickens, return the chicken to the pot.
These steps ensure a smooth, delicious gravy that coats the chicken perfectly! Enjoy with rice or mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 ounce) onion soup mix
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 10 minutes for prep, then you can let the slow cooker do its work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Let it simmer until the chicken is tender, and finish off with a few easy steps to create a rich gravy. In total, you’re looking at an easy and hands-off cooking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker. It’s as simple as that! Make sure they’re laid out flat so they all cook evenly.
2. Add Flavor:
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. This adds a lot of flavor and pairs perfectly with the creamy gravy later on.
3. Mix the Soups:
In a separate bowl, mix together the condensed cream of chicken soups, chicken broth, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Stir until everything is well blended and smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover all the chicken breasts so they soak in lots of flavor as they cook.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Now it’s time to let it cook! You can choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The key is to cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
Once your chicken is cooked, take it out and keep it warm on a plate. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. This will help your gravy thicken nicely.
7. Stir and Thicken:
Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and mix it well into the gravy. Cover it again and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to let it thicken up. Stir occasionally to avoid lumps!
8. Final Touches:
Return the cooked chicken to the slow cooker and spoon some of that lovely gravy on top. You can garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and extra flavor, if you like.
9. Serve:
It’s time to dig in! Serve your chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a meal that’s comforting and satisfying. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just adjust the cooking time to approximately 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free onion soup mix and gluten-free cream of chicken soup. You can find gluten-free versions at most grocery stores or make your own at home!
What If I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with homemade cream of chicken soup or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. Just ensure it’s a similar consistency for the best results.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warm or reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the chicken tender!
