This recipe provides a simple and convenient method for making tender and flavorful Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This dish is a classic comfort food, featuring juicy, slow-cooked chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. The beauty of using a crockpot (slow cooker) is that it allows for minimal hands-on cooking while resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful chicken that practically falls apart. The gravy is typically made using the chicken broth created during the slow cooking process, thickened with a simple mixture of cornstarch (or flour) and water (a slurry) or sometimes with cream cheese added towards the end for extra richness and creaminess. Basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder are often used to enhance the flavor of both the chicken and the gravy. Some variations may include onions, herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), or cream of mushroom soup for added depth and flavor. The chicken breasts are simply placed in the crockpot, seasoned, and cooked on either a low or high setting until they are cooked through and easily shreddable. Once the chicken is cooked, it is often shredded directly in the crockpot. The thickening agent is then added to the accumulated cooking liquid to create a luscious gravy that coats the tender chicken. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, biscuits, or even toast. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum comfort and flavor. The image shows a close-up of shredded chicken pieces coated in a thick, creamy, light brown gravy in a white bowl. The chicken appears very tender and moist, and the gravy is smooth with flecks of black pepper visible.
The texture of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is characterized by incredibly tender and easily shreddable chicken pieces coated in a smooth, rich, and creamy gravy.
The flavor profile is savory and comforting, with the mild taste of chicken enhanced by seasonings like salt and pepper, and the rich, often slightly salty and creamy flavor of the gravy.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is an easy and flavorful dish where chicken breasts are slow-cooked until tender and then coated in a rich, creamy gravy made from the cooking liquids.
The preparation involves placing seasoned chicken breasts in a crockpot, cooking them until tender, shredding the chicken, and then thickening the cooking liquid to create a gravy.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup cold water (if using cornstarch or flour)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (optional, for extra creamy gravy)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- ½ onion, sliced (optional, for added flavor)
Equipment:
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork for shredding chicken
- Small bowl (for cornstarch/flour slurry)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If using, add the sliced onion and dried thyme or rosemary on top of or around the chicken.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Make the Gravy (Slurry Method):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch (or all-purpose flour) and cold water until smooth. This mixture is called a slurry.
- Turn the crockpot to the high setting. Pour the slurry into the hot liquid in the crockpot and stir well to combine.
- Cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Make the Gravy (Cream Cheese Method – Optional):
- If using cream cheese for a richer gravy, after shredding the chicken in the crockpot, turn the heat to low.
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the hot liquid in the crockpot and stir until it is completely melted and the gravy is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. You may need to mash some of the cream cheese against the side of the crockpot to help it melt.
- Combine Chicken and Gravy: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the gravy until it is well coated.
- Serve: Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, biscuits, or toast. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For a different flavor and thicker gravy, you can substitute the chicken broth with one can (10.75 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup. You may not need to add a slurry if using cream of mushroom soup.
- Onion and Garlic: Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot for a richer flavor base.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or bay leaves for varied flavor profiles. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Vegetables: You can add vegetables like sliced carrots or celery to the crockpot along with the chicken for a more complete meal.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your preference. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder or paprika.
- Low Sodium: Using low sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better.
- Thickening: If your gravy is not thick enough after adding the slurry, you can mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the crockpot, stirring well and cooking for a few more minutes.
- Shredding: Shredding the chicken is easiest when it’s still warm. Be careful while handling hot chicken.
Enjoy this comforting and easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy! It’s a perfect meal for busy days.