Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a simple, comforting meal that comes together effortlessly. Tender chicken breasts slowly cook in the crockpot, soaking up all those rich, flavorful gravy juices. The gravy itself is creamy and thick, making every bite feel like a warm hug on a plate.
I love how hands-off this recipe is—I just toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, I have a delicious, hearty dish ready to go. It’s perfect for busy days when I want something satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen. Plus, the gravy turns out so smooth, it’s hard to believe it’s that easy to make!
My favorite way to serve this chicken and gravy is over mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, warm and happy. Whenever I make this, it reminds me of cozy family dinners, especially during chilly evenings when comfort food is just what we need.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect here for quick cooking and tenderness. You can swap for thighs if you want juicier meat—they’ll take about the same time in the crockpot.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creamy richness and saves time. If you prefer homemade, mix heavy cream and chicken broth with a little flour or cornstarch as a thickener.
Onion Soup Mix: This brings great flavor and seasoning without extra work. If unavailable, try a mix of onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs like parsley and thyme for a quick substitute.
Thyme: Dried thyme works well here, but fresh thyme gives a brighter, fresher taste. I prefer fresh when I have it on hand.
Cornstarch Slurry: This is used to thicken the gravy at the end. You can substitute with all-purpose flour mixed with water if cornstarch isn’t available.
How Do I Get Thick, Creamy Gravy in the Crockpot?
Getting the gravy just right is key to this dish. Because crockpot cooking often leaves the sauce thin, thickening it at the end really helps.
- Make a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Remove cooked chicken, then stir in the slurry into the slow cooker liquids.
- Turn the crockpot to high and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This activates the thickener and reduces excess liquid.
- Once thickened, return the chicken to coat it in the creamy gravy before serving.
This step transforms the broth into a rich, luscious sauce that’s perfect over potatoes or noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – It’s the star of the recipe, letting you cook the chicken low and slow without any fuss.
- Skillet – Useful if you want to brown the chicken first for extra flavor and color.
- Mixing bowl – To easily whisk together the soup and broth before adding to the crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements of broth, seasoning, and thickener.
- Whisk – Helps mix the soup and broth smoothly so your gravy will be lump-free.
- Small bowl – Perfect for making the cornstarch slurry used to thicken the gravy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat that stays tender during slow cooking.
- Add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions to the crockpot for extra depth and a rich, earthy flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a mild smoky or spicy kick.
- Mix in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for browning)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 10 minutes to prep, including optional browning of the chicken. Then, you’ll let it cook in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Don’t forget to spend another 20-30 minutes thickening the gravy toward the end, so plan for around 7 hours total if cooking on low.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Chicken (Optional):
Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Brown the chicken on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. This adds extra flavor and helps seal in juices, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
2. Preparing the Gravy Base:
In your crockpot, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and onion soup mix until smooth and combined. This will be your flavorful gravy base.
3. Slow Cooking the Chicken:
Place the browned chicken breasts into the crockpot. Pour some gravy over the top to cover them. Cover with the lid 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.
4. Thickening the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and set them aside. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot gravy. Cover and cook on high, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens—this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Finishing and Serving:
Return the chicken breasts to the thickened gravy to coat them well. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy gravy. For a comforting meal, try it over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like for a lovely touch.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing.
Is Browning the Chicken Necessary?
Not necessary, but browning adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get delicious results.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish in the crockpot and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the gravy thickens too much.
