If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy recipe is the perfect option. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a rich and hearty dish that is perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping. The slow cooker does all the work for you, leaving the chicken tender and packed with flavor, while the creamy gravy adds a delicious finishing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Using a slow cooker, you can prepare a meal that is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. The combination of chicken breasts, creamy soups, and a flavorful gravy makes for a dish that is satisfying and comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or days when you want a hands-off approach to dinner.

This recipe is also easily customizable. You can serve the creamy chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta for a complete meal. The leftovers are just as good, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker or crockpot. The chicken will cook slowly, absorbing all the flavors of the broth and seasonings, making it tender and juicy.

2. Make the Soup Mixture

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken gravy mix, and chicken broth. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.

3. Pour the Mixture Over the Chicken

Once your soup mixture is ready, pour it over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure that the chicken is well-coated with the mixture. The liquid will ensure the chicken stays moist as it cooks and will later transform into the creamy gravy that coats the shredded chicken.

4. Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your preferred cooking time. Cooking the chicken on low for a longer period will result in more tender, fall-apart chicken, but the high setting works well if you’re short on time.

5. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it. Shredding the chicken allows it to mix thoroughly with the creamy gravy.

6. Stir in the Sour Cream

With the chicken set aside, stir in the sour cream into the remaining gravy in the crockpot. The sour cream will add an extra layer of creaminess and richness to the gravy, making it even more indulgent.

7. Return the Chicken to the Crockpot

Once the sour cream is well-incorporated into the gravy, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the creamy gravy. Let it warm through for a few more minutes before serving.

8. Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy chicken and gravy hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. You can serve this dish over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also substitute them with chicken thighs if you prefer. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts offer a leaner option that works perfectly in this dish.

Customize the Seasonings

Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with adding other spices like paprika or thyme for a more robust flavor.

Don’t Skip the Sour Cream

The sour cream is what gives the gravy its signature creaminess, so be sure not to skip this step. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt, which provides a similar texture with a bit more tang.

Shred the Chicken with Ease

For an easier way to shred the chicken, you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Just place the cooked chicken in the mixer bowl and turn the mixer on low. In a few seconds, you’ll have perfectly shredded chicken without the hassle of using forks.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is best served over a base that will soak up the delicious gravy. Some popular options include:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy gravy pairs perfectly with buttery mashed potatoes.
• Rice: A fluffy bed of rice is another great option to absorb the savory gravy.
• Pasta: You can also serve this dish over cooked pasta for a comforting twist on classic chicken and gravy.

You can also serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to add some freshness to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, simply warm the chicken and gravy in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the gravy becomes too thick.

Freezing

This dish also freezes well. Place the cooled chicken and gravy into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutritional Information

This recipe serves about 6 people, and each serving has approximately 350 calories. While it’s a rich dish, you can lighten it up by using light sour cream or substituting the cream soups with their lower-fat versions.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking an easy, comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Best of all, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this dish perfect for busy days.