Nothing says comfort food quite like Classic Chicken and Gravy. Tender chicken slowly cooked until juicy and flavorful, then covered in a rich, savory homemade gravy—it’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone rush to the table.
This slow cooker chicken recipe is especially convenient on busy days because most of the work happens in the crockpot. Simply season the chicken, add a few pantry-friendly ingredients, and let the slow cooker do its job. By dinnertime, you’ll have tender chicken and plenty of delicious gravy ready to spoon over mashed potatoes.
Serve it with fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker preparation
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Rich homemade gravy
- Simple ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Great comfort food for the whole family
- Excellent for meal prep
- Delicious served over mashed potatoes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Gravy
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter
How to Make Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika.
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
For an extra layer of flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional, but it gives the chicken a richer flavor.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2 1/2–3 1/2 hours.
The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken pieces.
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to cut easily with a fork.
Avoid cooking boneless chicken breasts much longer than necessary because they can become dry.
4. Thicken the Gravy
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth.
Stir the slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
For an even richer finish, stir in a tablespoon of butter.
5. Serve
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon plenty of gravy over the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serve immediately over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.
What to Serve With Chicken and Gravy
This classic chicken dinner pairs especially well with comforting sides.
Try serving it with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- White or brown rice
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Corn
- Dinner rolls
- Roasted potatoes
Mashed potatoes are my favorite choice because they soak up the savory gravy beautifully.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Gravy
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness. Boneless chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts and are particularly forgiving in a slow cooker.
Don’t skip the seasoning. Chicken broth and cream soup provide the gravy base, but the herbs and spices give the dish its homemade flavor.
Sear the chicken when possible. Browning isn’t essential, but it adds a deeper savory flavor.
Make a smooth cornstarch slurry. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid to prevent lumps.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Check the internal temperature toward the end of the recommended cooking time.
Recipe Variations
For mushroom chicken and gravy, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker before cooking.
For a more herb-forward flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary along with the thyme.
You can also add sliced onions for an easy chicken and onion gravy variation.
If you prefer a lighter gravy, replace half of the cream of chicken soup with additional chicken broth and thicken the sauce with a little extra cornstarch.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the gravy has become too thick.
Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring the gravy between intervals.
The chicken and gravy can also be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice and tend to remain especially juicy during slow cooking.
Can I make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?
Yes. You can make a homemade gravy base using chicken broth, butter, flour, and milk or cream, although the condensed soup makes this version especially quick and convenient.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken and gravy, refrigerate them, and gently reheat when you’re ready to serve.
How do I make the gravy thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry made with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 3 tablespoons cold water. Stir it into the hot gravy and cook until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken and Gravy (Slow Cooked) is the definition of easy comfort food. Tender chicken, creamy savory gravy, and simple pantry ingredients come together in a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.
Serve it over mashed potatoes with green beans or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a hearty homemade meal that feels like it took hours of effort—even though your slow cooker did most of the work.
