Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Simple Slow Cooker Dinner (Print Version)

Simple Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for tender, shreddable chicken in a rich, savory sauce. My easy recipe makes weeknights delicious with minimal fuss.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Gluten-Free adaptable, Dairy-Free adaptable

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
02 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

04 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - ½ tsp dried thyme
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
09 - Salt to taste

→ For Thickening

10 - ¼ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
11 - ¼ cup cold water

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your chicken ready. I usually just pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel; it helps the seasonings stick, you know? Sprinkle them generously with a little salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Don't be shy! Then, carefully nestle those seasoned beauties right into the bottom of your slow cooker. I always make sure they're in a single layer if I can, it just helps them cook more evenly, I think.
02 - Now for the magic sauce! Grab a medium bowl and pour in your chicken broth and that can of cream of chicken soup. Give it a good whisk until it's all smooth and homogenous. This is where I always make sure there are no lumpy bits from the soup, because nobody wants lumpy gravy later, right? Stir in the dried thyme and a good pinch of black pepper. I sometimes add a little extra butter right into this mixture too, just for richness, honestly.
03 - Carefully pour that creamy broth mixture all over the chicken in your slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged, that’s key for keeping it super moist and flavorful. Pop the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it do its thing for 4-6 hours. Or, if you're in a bit of a rush, high for 2-3 hours. I love how my kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine after just an hour or two – pure comfort!
04 - Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Seriously, it should practically shred itself! Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board or in a shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like mine fairly chunky, but you can go as fine as you like. Set that shredded chicken aside for a moment.
05 - Now for the gravy transformation! In a small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch (or flour) with a few tablespoons of cold water until it forms a smooth slurry – no lumps! This is a critical step, don't skip it like I almost did once. Pour this slurry into the hot liquid remaining in the slow cooker, whisking constantly. I keep whisking for a minute or two until the gravy starts to visibly thicken and looks glossy. It’s so satisfying to watch!
06 - Once your gravy is perfectly thick and luscious, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to coat all that tender chicken in the rich, savory gravy. Let it warm through for another 5-10 minutes on the 'warm' setting, just to make sure everything is heated evenly and the flavors have a chance to meld. I usually taste it here and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot!

# Notes:

01 - Always make a cornstarch slurry with cold water *before* adding it to hot liquid to avoid lumps.
02 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
03 - Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a richer, more succulent chicken.
04 - Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker (Crock-Pot)
02 - whisk
03 - measuring cups and spoons
04 - cutting board
05 - two forks

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Protein: 30g

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