Lazy Day Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy, a Comforting Dish

Oh, the slow cooker. Isn’t it just the *best*? Seriously, on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things, it’s a lifesaver. And let me tell you, this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy? It’s a total game-changer. I mean, who doesn’t love tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy? And the fact that you can just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing? Genius!

I remember one Tuesday, I was racing around trying to get the kids to soccer practice, answer work emails, and figure out dinner. Total chaos. But then I remembered I’d thrown this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy together that morning. Walking in the door to that amazing smell was pure heaven. It was like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again. And, you know, I’ve been making this recipe for years – tweaking it here and there – and it’s always a hit. Even my picky eaters gobble it up!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Okay, so why *will* you love this recipe? Let me break it down for ya:

Effortless Weeknight Dinner

Seriously, it doesn’t get easier than this. Dump, set, and forget! You can literally walk away and let the slow cooker do all the work. Come home to a ready-made dinner? Yes, please!

Tender and Flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

The chicken is fall-apart tender, and the gravy? Oh, the gravy! It’s rich, savory, and coats every bite with deliciousness. My favorite part is how the flavors meld together during the slow cooking process. Mmm!

Minimal Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

No need to hunt down obscure ingredients. You probably have most of these in your pantry already! A few simple staples, and you’re good to go. Less grocery shopping, more time relaxing. Win-win!

Customizable to Your Taste

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes! Love garlic? Throw in an extra clove or two. This recipe is super flexible, so you can make it your own!

Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff to make this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy sing. Just a few basics, and you’re golden. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken

Gotta have the star of the show! I usually go for 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 2 lbs total. They cook up so nice and tender in the slow cooker. But you can use thighs too, if that’s what you prefer!

Seasoning

This is where the magic happens! You’ll need 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika. Don’t be shy! These spices really bring out the flavor of the chicken.

Liquid Base

For the gravy, grab 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (trust me, the low-sodium helps you control the saltiness) and 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup. It makes the gravy super creamy and delicious!

Thickening Agent

To get that perfect gravy consistency, you’ll need 1 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp of water. This little slurry is what thickens everything up at the end. Don’t skip it!

Optional Flavor Enhancers

These are totally optional, but I highly recommend them! A tbsp of olive oil (if you’re searing the chicken), 1/4 tsp of dried thyme, and some fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. They add that extra touch of yum!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy is so simple, you’ll be amazed! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

Prepare the Chicken

First things first, let’s season that chicken! Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure you get both sides! This is where all the flavor starts, so don’t skimp.

Sear the Chicken

This step is totally optional, but I *highly* recommend it. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Then, sear the chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side, until it’s nice and golden brown. It adds so much flavor! Plus, it looks pretty. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through – just a quick sear.

Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now, place the chicken in your slow cooker. If you seared it, nestle it in there all nice and cozy. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and thyme (if you’re using it). Pour this mixture right over the chicken. Make sure everything is nicely coated!

Cook the Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Alright, now for the easy part! Put the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. I usually go for low because it makes the chicken extra tender. But if you’re in a hurry, high works just fine! Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t dry out.

Thicken the Gravy

About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, it’s time to thicken that gravy! In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water until it forms a smooth slurry. Then, stir it right into the slow cooker. Give it a good mix, and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes. You’ll see the gravy start to thicken up beautifully!

Shred and Serve Your Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Once the chicken is cooked through and the gravy is nice and thick, it’s time to shred and serve! You can either shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks (that’s what I usually do), or you can take it out and shred it on a cutting board. Your choice! Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy Every Time

Want to make sure your Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy is absolutely perfect? Of course, you do! Here are a few of my top tips and tricks:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Nobody likes dry chicken! Keep an eye on it, especially if you’re cooking on high. If you have a meat thermometer, even better! You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Adjust Seasoning to Your Liking

Taste, taste, taste! Seriously, after it’s been cooking for a while, give that gravy a little taste test. Does it need more salt? Pepper? Garlic? Don’t be afraid to add a little extra to make it just right. It’s *your* dinner, after all!

Searing Adds Flavor

Okay, I know I said searing is optional, but honestly, it really does add a ton of flavor. It’s that whole Maillard reaction thing – it just makes everything taste richer and more delicious. So, if you have the time, don’t skip it!

Use Low-Sodium Broth

This is a big one! Cream of chicken soup can be pretty salty, so using low-sodium broth helps you control the overall saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt later, but you can’t take it away! Plus, it’s just healthier, y’know?

Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy Variations

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy – awesome! But what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! This recipe is super versatile, so you can totally customize it to your liking. Here are a few of my favorite variations:

Add Vegetables

Want to make it a complete meal in one pot? Toss in some chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes! They’ll cook right along with the chicken and soak up all that delicious gravy flavor. Just add them at the beginning of the cooking time. Easy peasy!

Use Different Herbs

Tired of thyme? No worries! Try using different herbs for a whole new flavor profile. Rosemary, sage, or oregano would all be delicious. Just a pinch or two is all you need! My favorite is rosemary – it adds such a cozy, comforting vibe.

Spicy Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Feeling a little fiery? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slow cooker! It’ll give your Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy a nice little kick. Start with just a small pinch, and then add more to taste. Careful, it’s easy to overdo it!

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Alright, you’ve got this amazing Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy… now what do you serve it with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my go-to serving suggestions:

Over Mashed Potatoes

Oh man, this is a classic for a reason! Creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes are the *perfect* base for soaking up all that delicious gravy. Plus, it’s just pure comfort food. Yum!

With Rice or Noodles

Rice or noodles are another great option for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful gravy. I especially love it with egg noodles – they’re so soft and yummy! Plus, it’s a super easy side dish to whip up.

Alongside Green Beans or Salad

Need a little something green on your plate? Some steamed green beans or a simple salad are a great way to balance out the richness of the Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy. Plus, it makes you feel a little bit healthier, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Got questions about this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy? I bet you do! Slow cooking can seem mysterious, but it’s really not. Here are some of the most common questions I get, and my super-helpful answers!

Can I use frozen chicken?

Okay, so technically, the USDA says you shouldn’t cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker because it might not reach a safe temperature quickly enough. *But*, if you’re in a pinch, you *can*. Just make sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid and cook it for an extra hour or two, checking with a meat thermometer to be absolutely sure it hits 165°F. Safety first, friends!

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often get even better overnight. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can either microwave it (easy peasy!) or warm it up in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth if it seems too thick. This is a great meal prep option!

Can I use a different type of soup?

Sure thing! While cream of chicken soup is classic, you can totally experiment. Cream of mushroom soup works great for a richer, earthier flavor. Or, for a lighter option, try cream of celery soup. Just be aware that different soups will affect the overall taste and thickness of the gravy, so you might need to adjust the seasonings accordingly. Have fun playing around with it!

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Just a heads-up: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use. So, consider this a general estimate, not a precise calculation! Okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy!

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy. Seriously, it’s a total winner! Once you make it, come back and let me know what you think! Rate the recipe, leave a comment – I wanna hear all about your slow cooker adventures!

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