Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy
There are few dishes as universally comforting and soul-warming as Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy. This recipe delivers everything home cooks crave: tender, fall-apart chicken, a rich and savory gravy, and a preparation method that is as effortless as it is rewarding. Perfect for busy families, cozy Sunday dinners, or meal prep days, this dish transforms humble pantry staples into a meal that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.
What makes this recipe truly irresistible is the way the slow cooker gently infuses flavor into every bite. As the chicken cooks low and slow, it absorbs the creamy, seasoned gravy, resulting in a dish that is comforting, hearty, and deeply satisfying. Whether served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients & Their Purpose
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2 cups Water
Acts as the base liquid, helping dissolve the gravy mix evenly while keeping the chicken moist during the long cooking process. -
2 packets Chicken Gravy Mix
Provides the backbone of flavor—savory, seasoned, and perfectly thickened without extra effort. -
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
Adds luxurious creaminess, depth, and a comforting richness that elevates the gravy to restaurant-quality. -
6 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Lean, protein-rich, and ideal for slow cooking. They become incredibly tender and shred beautifully. -
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Enhances and balances all the flavors without overpowering the dish. -
1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
Adds warm, aromatic depth and a subtle savory punch. -
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Delivers mellow sweetness and rounds out the gravy’s flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Gravy Base
In your slow cooker, add the water, chicken gravy packets, and cream of chicken soup. Whisk or stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures an even, lump-free gravy. -
Add the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts directly into the gravy mixture. Gently press them down so they are mostly submerged for even cooking. -
Season Generously
Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lightly stir to distribute the seasoning without breaking the chicken. -
Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or MEDIUM for 4 hours. For the most tender, flavorful result, the full 8-hour low setting is strongly recommended. -
Final Touch
Once cooked, gently shred the chicken with two forks or leave whole for serving. Stir to coat the chicken fully in the rich gravy.
Why This Recipe Is So Loved
This Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy recipe is beloved because it checks every box: minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients, and consistently delicious results. It’s a dump-and-go slow cooker meal that tastes like pure comfort. Home cooks love how versatile it is, while families appreciate its mild, universally appealing flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Choose Low and Slow: Cooking on LOW allows the chicken fibers to relax gradually, resulting in maximum tenderness.
- Avoid Over-Stirring: Stir only at the beginning and end to keep the chicken intact.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Hearty vegetables like carrots or potatoes can go in at the start. Quick-cooking vegetables such as peas or spinach should be added during the final hour.
- Thicker Gravy Option: If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the lid during the final 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish over fluffy long-grain rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or tender egg noodles. Pair it with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp side salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully and are perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prep bowls.
Final Thoughts
This Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or expensive ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Simple, comforting, and irresistibly delicious, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again—and one that truly deserves a place at the top of your dinner rotation.
