If comfort food had a superstar, it would surely be this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe. Imagine tender chicken soaking in a luscious, velvety gravy infused with classic herbs and spices, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish wraps you in warmth and flavor, perfect for those days when you want home-cooked goodness without standing over the stove. Every bite promises a creamy, savory hug that’s simple to prepare yet unbelievably satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create deep flavors and irresistible texture. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy chicken to the rich cream of chicken soup and the aromatic blend of spices that elevate the gravy.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option—both get wonderfully tender.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: This forms the savory base of the gravy, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: The secret to great creaminess, it thickens and enriches the sauce effortlessly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and umami boost that balances the gravy.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smoky note and a lovely hint of color to the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to awaken the flavors without overpowering the creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients, making every bite sing.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a gentle herbal freshness amidst the rich gravy.
- ½ cup sour cream (optional): Stirred in at the end for an extra touch of tangy creaminess, but totally optional depending on your preference.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking—this simple step makes clean-up a breeze and ensures the gravy stays silky smooth without clinging to the sides.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs directly at the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates the perfect foundation where the meat slowly absorbs all those wonderful flavors cooked around it.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley until smooth. This mixture is the heart of your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe, creating that irresistibly rich and fragrant gravy.
Step 4: Combine and Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover with the slow cooker lid, then cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and ready to shred.
Step 5: Shred and Finish
Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy gravy. For an extra velvety touch, stir in sour cream if you like, which makes every bite even richer and creamier.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top brightens the dish with herby notes and a burst of color. You can also add a dash of paprika for a subtle visual pop that complements the gravy’s warmth.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery egg noodles—each soaking up the luscious sauce in different but equally delicious ways. For a lighter option, steamed green veggies add a fresh crunch that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the shredded creamy chicken over cauliflower rice or inside warm biscuits for a fun twist. You can even use it as a hearty filling for savory crepes or pot pies, turning leftovers into entirely new treats that keep everyone excited.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to keep textures intact.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, transfer the cooled chicken and gravy into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy that homemade comfort anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can add a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to bring back its creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too, just cover and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option for this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe because they tend to stay extra juicy and tender during the slow cooking process.
Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?
Sour cream is optional. It adds an extra layer of creaminess and slight tang that enhances the gravy, but the dish is delicious without it if you prefer or need to skip dairy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just verify that your cream of chicken soup and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free, as some brands add gluten-containing thickeners. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be creamy and thick enough to coat the chicken well but still pourable. If it’s too thick after cooking, simply stir in a bit of chicken broth to loosen it up to your liking.
Can I double this recipe?
You can double the ingredients, but make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the bigger batch. Cooking times may be slightly longer so keep an eye on the chicken’s tenderness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to a warm, comforting meal that practically makes itself. This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe is one of those treasure dishes that combines simplicity with rich, satisfying flavor. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to for cozy dinners with family and friends.
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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken cooked low and slow in a rich, savory gravy made with cream of chicken soup, spices, and a touch of sour cream. Perfectly easy to prepare, this comforting dish is ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Gravy Sauce
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
- Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley until well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared mixture over the chicken pieces to fully coat them.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken and Finish: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the gravy. Stir in the sour cream if using, to add extra creaminess.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Using thighs instead of breasts will result in a moister, more flavorful dish.
- For a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- Sour cream is optional but adds a nice richness to the gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
