This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a comforting, hearty meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour Over Chicken
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy. Continue cooking on low for another 30 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the gravy has thickened, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and serve with the gravy poured over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or over biscuits for a comforting meal.
Cooking Notes:
- Chicken Options: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Gravy Consistency: If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can skip the cornstarch slurry. For a thicker gravy, let it cook a little longer after adding the cornstarch.
- Extra Seasoning: Feel free to add additional seasonings like thyme, paprika, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Variations:
1. Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Gravy
Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a rich, savory mushroom gravy.
2. Herb Chicken and Gravy
Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy mixture for an added layer of flavor.
3. Cheesy Chicken and Gravy
Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking for a cheesy twist on this classic recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 30-45 minutes.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and gravy mixture in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. The next day, simply turn on the slow cooker and start cooking.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a delicious, comforting meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful chicken and a rich gravy perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for a satisfying meal to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of chicken and gravy made easy in the slow cooker
