Some days just call for warm, cozy comfort food that practically cooks itself — and this Crockpot Chicken & Gravyrecipe is exactly that. It’s rich, flavorful, and effortlessly tender, with juicy chicken pieces swimming in a homemade gravy that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours.
This dish has become one of my all-time favorites to make when I know I’ve got a busy day ahead but still want a hearty, satisfying dinner waiting for me. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, and the result is chicken so tender it falls apart, wrapped in a creamy, savory gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles.
Let me show you how I make this simple yet deeply comforting meal that brings everyone to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Rich and homemade gravy that’s full of flavor and silky smooth
- Set it and forget it — the slow cooker makes this meal stress-free
- Perfectly tender chicken every time
- Versatile — serve it over potatoes, rice, or pasta
- Great for meal prep or leftovers that taste even better the next day
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or a mix)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Gravy:
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (divided)
- 1½ tsp chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
1. Season the Chicken
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces and rub them with garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a lightly greased crockpot (I use a 6-quart size for this recipe).
2. Prepare the Gravy
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to get rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of chicken broth until smooth and slightly thickened.
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth until fully dissolved. Add this mixture to the saucepan along with chicken bouillon powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, paprika, oregano, and thyme. Simmer gently until the gravy thickens and becomes glossy.
3. Combine Chicken and Gravy
Carefully pour the prepared gravy over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure every piece is well-coated.
4. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
5. Shred and Finish
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred using two forks, if you prefer a shredded texture. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and let it cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to soak up all the flavor.
6. Serve
Ladle the tender chicken and savory gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or steamed rice. Serve alongside your favorite veggie — green beans or roasted carrots are my top picks — and garnish with fresh parsley for that final touch of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness and rich flavor.
- Add mushrooms or sautéed onions to the gravy for extra depth.
- Taste the gravy before adding to the crockpot and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days — the flavors only get better!
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months for an easy reheat-and-eat dinner.
What to Serve with Chicken & Gravy
- Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Buttery dinner rolls for soaking up that rich gravy
- Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: I recommend using thawed chicken for the best texture and even cooking.
Q: Can I use a store-bought gravy mix?
A: You can, but making the gravy from scratch is worth it! The flavors are so much richer and more customizable.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can substitute dairy-free butter and make sure your chicken broth is dairy-free, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Q: How can I make the gravy thicker?
A: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water to the crockpot and stir well during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Comfort in Every Bite
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is one of those soul-warming meals that I always come back to. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavor — perfect for chilly evenings, Sunday dinners, or those days when you need a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug.
If you make it, I’d love to know how it turned out! Share your favorite way to serve it, and enjoy every savory, comforting bite.
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy: Comfort Food at Its Best
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet of gravy mix
- 1 cup of water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and gravy mix over the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth and water into the slow cooker.
- Add butter on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the gravy before serving.
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