As the sun dipped below the horizon, the comforting aroma of dinner wafted through my kitchen—an unmistakable sign that my day was about to get a whole lot better. That’s the magic of this Easy 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy. With a tender chicken that practically shreds itself and a rich, velvety gravy, it has quickly become my secret weapon for busy weeknights. Enjoying this delightful dish is a breeze; just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’ll be rewarded with a hearty meal that’ll keep your family smiling. Not only does this recipe save you time and effort, but it’s also incredible at pleasing even the pickiest eaters. Ready to discover how easy comfort food can be? Let’s dive in!

Why is this chicken & gravy a must-try?

Ease of Preparation: With only three ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and busy home chefs who want a delicious meal without the fuss.

Flavor-Packed: The creamy gravy envelops the shredded chicken, ensuring every bite is a savory delight that feels like a warm hug.

Customizable: Feel free to pair this dish with fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative—flexibility at its finest!

Family-Friendly: Kids love it, making it the ideal dinner choice that steers clear of fast food and offers wholesome goodness at the dinner table.

Perfect for Leftovers: Whip this up in advance and store leftovers for up to three days, making meals simpler throughout the week. If you’re looking for another quick and satisfying meal, try my BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich or a refreshing BLT Chicken Salad to keep variety alive!

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Ingredients

• Here’s what you need for your flavorful Crockpot Chicken & Gravy!

For the Chicken

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of the show; tender and shreddable after cooking. You can swap this for chicken thighs if you prefer!

For the Gravy

Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup – Offers a rich and creamy base; stick to unsalted to manage your sodium intake better.
Chicken Gravy Mix – A convenience item that intensifies the gravy’s flavor; choose your favorite variety for a personal touch.

Optional Liquid

Water or Chicken Broth (½ cup) – Adds a thinner consistency to your gravy if desired; feel free to skip if you prefer a thicker sauce.

For Serving

Hot Steamed Rice – The perfect complement to soak up that luscious gravy; alternatively, use mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker, arranging them evenly at the bottom. This ensures that they cook uniformly, absorbing the delicious flavors of the gravy that will be added later.

Step 2: Mix the Gravy Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the unsalted cream of chicken soup and the chicken gravy mix until well combined. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add ½ cup of water or chicken broth to the mixture and stir until smooth. The consistency should be creamy and easily pourable, ready to envelop your chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker
Pour the rich soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure to coat each piece. Spread it evenly to ensure that every bit of chicken is covered in this luscious gravy. The combination of flavors will meld beautifully as it cooks, creating a comforting and hearty dish that’s full of flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and easily shred with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is no longer pink in the center and flakes apart effortlessly, releasing an inviting aroma.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the lid, taking care to avoid steam. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, stirring it into the gravy for distribution. The shredded chicken will absorb even more flavor from the gravy, creating a mouthwatering mixture that’s perfect for serving.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the tender shredded chicken and gravy over a bed of hot steamed rice or your choice of side. The creamy, flavorful gravy will soak into the rice, providing each bite with a delightful taste of comfort. Consider adding a side of vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts ensures tender and juicy results. Frozen chicken may require adjustments in cooking time.
No Water Needed: When using unsalted cream of chicken soup, avoid adding water; use it directly from the can for the best creamy consistency.
Mix Wisely: Stick to dry chicken gravy mix only; don’t prepare it in advance as it will lose its potency in flavor.
Shredding Technique: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks and shred directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to absorb the rich gravy.
Customize the Gravy: Feel free to switch up your chicken gravy mix depending on your taste preference to elevate this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy to new heights.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free cream of chicken soup and serve over cauliflower rice for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy are perfect for meal prep! You can season and place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a quick start to your cooking. Additionally, mix the cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This will maintain the flavors and texture of the gravy. When you’re ready to enjoy this comforting meal, simply pour the gravy mixture over the chicken and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours. The best part? This delicious dish is just as comforting when reheated, making dinner a breeze on busy nights!

What to Serve with Easy 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Add vibrant sides and delicious drinks to elevate your dinner table experience with this comforting dish.

Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: The creamy, buttery texture of mashed potatoes perfectly complements the savory gravy, creating a dream team of comfort food.
Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans with a hint of toasted almonds provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the chicken and gravy.
Roasted Asparagus: Smoky, charred asparagus adds an earthy flavor and bright color, making your plate visually stunning and nutritionally well-rounded.
Buttered Corn: Sweet, succulent corn adds a pop of sweetness that rounds out the savory elements while being a favorite for all ages.
Crispy Garlic Bread: A crunchy side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich gravy, ensuring no flavor goes uneaten.
Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing add a tangy brightness, providing a delightful contrast to the hearty chicken dish.
Apple Crisp: Finish off the meal with a warm apple crisp; the sweet, cinnamon-spiced dessert introduces a comforting warmth that will leave everyone smiling.

How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s completely cool before transferring to freezer-safe bags.

Thawing: To thaw, move the frozen Crockpot Chicken & Gravy to the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth if the gravy seems too thick, ensuring a creamy texture.

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Variations

Feel free to experiment and make this comforting dish your own—the possibilities are endless!

Dairy-Free: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream soup for a lighter touch.
Vegetable Boost: Add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables to the slow cooker for added nutrition and a pop of color. This not only enhances the meal but makes it heartier too.
Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat. It’s a simple way to add a little zing and excitement to your plate!
Herbed Flavor: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme when cooking to infuse the chicken with fragrant flavor. These herbs can elevate the dish and provide an elegant finish.
Serve on Noodles: Instead of rice, serve the chicken and gravy over egg noodles for a comforting, hearty pasta meal that feels like a warm hug.
Make it a Casserole: Combine the shredded chicken with cooked rice, top with cheese, and bake for a scrumptious casserole that brings the whole family together.
Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the cooked chicken, then serve it on toasted buns with coleslaw for easy pulled chicken sandwiches; a tasty twist that gives a whole new vibe to the meal.
Colorful Side: Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a colorful plate that not only looks fantastic but adds nutritional value too. If you want more ideas, check out my delicious Tuscan Chicken Soup for a warm, inviting side!

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show due to their tender and shreddable nature. However, you can also substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor and even more juiciness, as they hold up wonderfully in the slow cooker.

How should I store leftovers of Crockpot Chicken & Gravy?
To store leftovers, transfer the chicken and gravy to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Can I freeze this dish and how?
Of course! To freeze Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, allow it to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally for even warmth.

What if my gravy ends up too thick?
Very! If your gravy becomes too thick while reheating, just add a splash of water or a bit of chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Mix well while heating to keep it creamy and delightful.

Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
Certainly! For those with gluten sensitivities, opt for gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free chicken gravy mix. Serve over cauliflower rice for a full gluten-free experience. Always read labels to ensure there are no hidden allergens, especially for those sensitive to certain ingredients.

How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to make this dish your own! Adding frozen vegetables like peas or carrots to the slow cooker can give you a complete meal in one pot. You can also experiment with different gravy mixes for unique flavors, making every batch distinctly yours!