This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm, comforting dish that cooks itself! Just toss chicken in the slow cooker with some tasty gravy, and let it do the work for you.
Perfect for busy days, this dish pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes. I love coming home to a delicious smell and a ready-made dinner. Simple and cozy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with in this recipe. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even substitute with tender turkey cutlets.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you want a lighter option, you can use cream of mushroom or even a homemade white sauce. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or a plant-based soup.
Chicken Broth: You can use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier choice. Homemade broth or vegetable broth works great too if you want a different flavor or to make it vegetarian.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This is packed with flavor! If you prefer to avoid packaged mixes, use dried onion flakes mixed with a bit of salt and pepper, or sauté fresh onions in the slow cooker before adding the other ingredients.
How Do I Get the Gravy to Thicken Just Right?
Thickening the gravy is a key step in this recipe, and it can be tricky! Here’s how to do it easily:
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. It should be smooth with no lumps.
- Add the slurry to the slow cooker and stir well to combine it with the gravy.
- Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes. This allows the gravy to thicken properly.
- If the gravy is still too thin, you can add a bit more cornstarch in water, but remember to give it time to cook and thicken!
This process ensures your gravy has the perfect consistency to pour over your chicken and sides!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, you can let the slow cooker work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are laid out in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is nice and smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Next, pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure that all the chicken is well coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Set to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken should turn tender and be fully cooked!
5. Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. This will help to thicken the gravy.
6. Add the Slurry:
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Replace the lid and let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken up nicely.
7. Serve It Up:
Once the gravy is thickened, serve the chicken on a plate and spoon the delicious gravy over the top. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley as a garnish.
Enjoy this simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken and gravy with some mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours. Also, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer a healthier option or cannot find cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with a homemade white sauce or creamy mushroom soup. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or a cashew cream can also work well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
Can I Add Vegetables to this Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a complete meal. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed; heartier vegetables may require a bit more cooking time.
