This hearty Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy combines tender shredded chicken with rich, velvety gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience. After 30 years of making this recipe, it remains my go-to dinner solution – perfect for busy weeknights when you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that practically makes itself. The chicken turns out incredibly moist and fork-tender, while the gravy develops deep, savory flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy

Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity – just add ingredients and walk away
Creates the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken you’ll ever taste
Rich, creamy gravy that coats every bite perfectly
Uses simple pantry staples you likely have on hand
Versatile serving options – amazing over rice, potatoes, or even waffles!
Makes plenty of leftovers that taste even better the next day
Budget-friendly family meal that feeds a crowd
No fancy techniques or complicated steps required

The magic happens when the chicken slowly simmers in that heavenly mixture of gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings. The sour cream added at the end transforms the sauce into something truly special – silky smooth with just the right amount of tang. Trust me, once you try this version, it’ll become your new favorite way to prepare chicken in the slow cooker!

Ingredients Overview

Let me walk you through each ingredient that makes this comforting crock pot chicken and gravy so special!

Chicken Breasts – The star of our dish! I prefer using boneless, skinless breasts because they stay tender and shred beautifully after slow cooking. Dark meat lovers can swap in thighs – they’ll add even more richness, just like in my classic chicken piccata.
Chicken Gravy Mix – This powerhouse ingredient builds our flavor base. Look for low-sodium versions if you’re watching salt intake. The mix contains cornstarch which helps thicken our gravy naturally during cooking.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Creates that luxurious, velvety texture we’re after. It’s packed with concentrated chicken flavor and helps thicken the sauce. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own from scratch!
Sour Cream – My secret weapon for the creamiest gravy! It adds tanginess and helps cut through the richness. Greek yogurt makes a great substitute if you’re looking to lighten things up.
Seasonings – The holy trinity of garlic powder, salt, and pepper creates our flavor foundation. Think of them as supporting actors that enhance the chicken without stealing the show.

Success Tips & Tricks

After years of making this recipe, just like my 4-ingredient potato soup, I’ve learned some game-changing tips:

Season with Care – Remember, both the gravy mix and soup contain salt. Start light with seasoning – you can always add more at the end.
Low and Slow – While you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, cooking on low for 6-8 hours yields the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
Sour Cream Success – Wait until the end to stir in your sour cream. This prevents any curdling and keeps the gravy silky smooth.
Perfect Thickness – If your gravy ends up too thin, whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this cozy crock pot chicken and gravy – it’s one of those recipes that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing all day long!

Prep the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder and black pepper. Go light on the salt since the gravy ingredients pack plenty of salty goodness.
Make the Gravy Base: In your crock pot, whisk together gravy packets, cream of chicken soup, and water until mostly smooth. This creates that wonderful base that’ll transform into the creamiest gravy you can imagine!
Layer and Cook: Nestle those seasoned chicken breasts right into the gravy mixture, making sure they’re nicely coated. Cover and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. The low and slow method makes the chicken incredibly tender!
Final Touches: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to break it into chunks. Stir in the sour cream until everything is well combined and creamy.

Baker’s Tip: The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally and shreds easily with a fork.

Recipe Variations & Uses

This versatile dish is perfect for creating different meals throughout the week! Just like my favorite marry me pasta recipe, it’s wonderfully adaptable.

Serving Suggestions:

Spoon over mashed potatoes for pure comfort food
Serve with buttery egg noodles
Pair with fluffy rice (my personal favorite!)
Try it over waffles for a fun twist on chicken and waffles

Creative Add-ins:

Sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch
Crispy bacon bits
Frozen peas and carrots (add during the last hour)
If you love pasta dishes like skinny girl pasta, try serving this over your favorite pasta!

For a family-friendly twist, try using this chicken in my Ritz cracker chicken casserole – it adds amazing flavor!

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze portions for up to 3 months
When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to maintain creaminess

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store the crock pot insert in the fridge. Just pop it in the slow cooker base in the morning. The flavors actually get even better overnight!

What if my gravy is too thick or thin?

To thin out thick gravy, slowly stir in warm chicken broth. For thin gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it in while the mixture is still hot.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay super tender. Just like in my favorite chicken noodle soup, dark meat adds wonderful richness.

Why isn’t my chicken shredding easily?

If your chicken isn’t shredding easily, it likely needs more time. The beauty of slow cooking is that it’s pretty forgiving – just give it another 30-60 minutes and check again.

Final Thoughts

You know those recipes that just make you feel like a kitchen superhero? This is definitely one of them! The way the chicken gets so tender it practically falls apart, and that gravy – oh my goodness, that gravy! It’s pure comfort in a bowl. Every time I make this, my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma, and my family comes running to see what’s for dinner.

Whether you’re serving this over mashed potatoes, rice, or getting creative with waffles (still can’t get over how genius that is!), I just know you’re going to love it as much as we do. And if you end up making this recipe, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking, friends! 💕

Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy