If you’re craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe. It’s a true go-to for busy days when you want something hearty and delicious without the fuss. Picture tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a luscious, flavorful gravy that’s both creamy and perfectly seasoned. This dish is not only incredibly satisfying but also a crowd-pleaser that makes dinner feel extra special every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component brings something unique — from the richness of the cream of chicken soup to the subtle warmth of paprika and the aromatic touch of dried parsley, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the chicken moist throughout slow cooking.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Gives the gravy its signature creamy texture and comforting flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a subtle, savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a gentle sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of color and mild smoky warmth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Balances the richness with a little bit of heat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brightens the dish with a touch of herbal freshness.
- ½ cup sour cream (optional): Stirring this in at the end enhances the creaminess and adds a subtle tang.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Start by lightly greasing your slow cooker. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze. It’s always worth taking a moment to do this so your creamy chicken and gravy slip right out when dinner is ready.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place all your chicken breasts or thighs evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. This creates a solid base for your sauce to work its magic, enveloping the chicken in flavor as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Mix the Flavorful Broth
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley. This mixture is where the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe really begins to shine, blending creaminess with aromatic spices.
Step 4: Pour and Coat
Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated with the savory sauce. This is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and thick, luscious gravy that makes this dish so unforgettable.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process is where the chicken becomes tender and practically falls apart, soaking up every bit of that creamy, savory goodness.
Step 6: Shred and Enrich
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the optional sour cream at this stage for extra creamy richness and a slight tang that perfectly complements the velvety gravy.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe is now ready to serve. Ladle this comforting dish over fluffy mashed potatoes, warm rice, or buttered egg noodles for a dinner that feels both indulgent and homey.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes add a lovely pop of color and flavor to your dish. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves on top to bring a bright, herbal note that cuts through the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken and gravy pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice because they soak up all those rich juices. Steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad add refreshing textures and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish inside puff pastry shells or over a bed of buttery polenta. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it on top of toasted garlic bread for a delightful, handheld comfort meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more tantalizing.
Freezing
Freeze portions of the creamy chicken and gravy in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal any time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often to ensure the creamy gravy doesn’t separate. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs actually work beautifully in this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe, giving you richer flavor and even more tender results.
Do I need to add sour cream? Can I skip it?
Sour cream is optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of creaminess and slight tang. If you prefer, you can skip it or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to feed a bigger crowd, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra volume without overcrowding.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, omit the sour cream or substitute with a coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream alternative. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
What are the best sides to serve with this dish?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles soak up the gravy wonderfully. Adding roasted or steamed vegetables will complete the meal with color and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe is truly a keeper — it’s easy, comforting, and full of flavors that feel homemade and heartwarming. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that invites everyone to linger at the table a little longer. Give it a try soon, and you’ll see why it becomes one of your favorite slow cooker meals.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (average between low and high settings)
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting slow cooker recipe for creamy chicken in a flavorful gravy, perfect for an easy family dinner. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are cooked low and slow with a seasoned chicken broth and cream of chicken soup base, then finished with optional sour cream for extra richness. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Gravy Mixture
- 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
Optional
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease your slow cooker to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Mix Gravy Ingredients: In a bowl, thoroughly whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley until well combined.
- Combine: Pour this gravy mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, making sure all the chicken is covered with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its 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 enough to shred easily.
- Shred Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it well with the cooking liquid to absorb the flavors.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Stir in the optional sour cream for added creaminess and richness, then mix thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy shredded chicken hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- For a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.
- The sour cream is optional but adds a nice tangy creaminess to the dish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
