Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Savory Gravy Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simple, hearty meals that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

These tender slow cooker chicken breasts with gravy will become your new go-to comfort food.

Juicy chicken simmers gently in a rich, velvety sauce that transforms an ordinary protein into something spectacular.

Every bite promises melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep, savory flavors that warm you from the inside out.

The magic happens effortlessly with minimal prep and maximum deliciousness.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking make this recipe a winner for busy home cooks seeking a stress-free meal.

Serve this crowd-pleasing dish and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts With Gravy: Comfort Meal

  • Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the appliance do the hard work while you enjoy your day.
  • The combination of gravy packets, condensed soup, and sour cream delivers a rich, velvety sauce that hugs the tender chicken perfectly.
  • Shred the chicken for sandwiches, slice for main courses, or serve over rice and mashed potatoes, making it a flexible meal for any preference.
  • Using pantry staples and just a few seasonings, this recipe transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort.

The Ingredients For Tender, Saucy Chicken

Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein source for this comforting slow cooker dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt, Paprika: A harmonious mix of spices that enhances the chicken's flavor and adds depth to the overall dish.
Gravy and Sauce Components:
  • Water, Gravy Packets, Condensed Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: These ingredients create a rich, creamy gravy that provides moisture and additional flavor to the chicken.

Tools For Effortless Slow Cooker Dinners

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for preparing the entire recipe with minimal effort.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending gravy ingredients smoothly and eliminating lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for seasoning and potentially cutting or shredding chicken.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for slicing or shredding cooked chicken after slow cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Serving Spoon: Helps transfer chicken and pour gravy onto plates.

How To Cook Chicken Breasts In Gravy

Step 1: Blend Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle chicken breasts with zesty garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Massage the seasonings gently into the meat to ensure every bite is packed with delicious flavor.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce Base

Grab your slow cooker and whisk together:
  • Water
  • Gravy packets
  • Condensed chicken soup
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Pepper

Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 3: Nestle Chicken in Sauce

Carefully place chicken breasts into the slow cooker, flipping them around to ensure they’re completely coated in the savory sauce.

Make sure each piece gets a nice, even bath in the gravy.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low heat for 4-5 hours.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 5: Transform Chicken

Gently remove the chicken from the slow cooker.

Using two forks, shred the meat or slice it into beautiful, juicy pieces depending on your preference.

Step 6: Elevate the Gravy

Whisk sour cream into the cooking liquid, stirring until the gravy becomes creamy and luxurious.

The sauce will transform into a rich, velvety complement to the chicken.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Drizzle the creamy gravy over the chicken, creating a comforting and irresistible meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Gravy Tips For Extra Flavor

  • Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the chicken's flavor profile and add depth to the gravy.
  • Keep chicken breasts moist by avoiding overcooking and ensuring they're fully submerged in the gravy mixture during slow cooking.
  • If the gravy seems thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce to achieve a richer consistency.
  • Use low-sodium gravy packets and soup to control salt intake without compromising taste.
  • Store leftover chicken and gravy in airtight containers for up to 4 days, making quick weeknight meals a breeze.

Slow Cooker Chicken Swaps & Variations

  • Herb-Infused Chicken: Replace garlic powder with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fresh, aromatic flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gravy packets and cream of chicken soup to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt to create a lactose-free version of the dish.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder to the gravy mixture for a zesty, southwestern-inspired chicken recipe.

Plating Chicken With Gravy Like A Pro

  • Comforting Family Dinner: Pair the tender chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic, heartwarming meal that everyone will love.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Slice the chicken and store in individual containers with gravy for quick, delicious lunch options throughout the week.
  • Veggie Companion Platter: Roast carrots, green beans, or broccoli as a nutritious side that complements the rich, creamy gravy perfectly.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into sandwiches, wraps, or salad toppings for a versatile next-day meal solution.

Keeping Chicken & Gravy Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the temperature stays below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

FAQs

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They absorb the gravy flavors perfectly and become tender during slow cooking.

  • Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

Yes, you can substitute 2-3 minced fresh garlic cloves for garlic powder. Fresh garlic will provide a more intense flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Gravy packets and condensed soup typically contain gluten. Look for gluten-free versions of these ingredients if you need a gluten-free meal.

  • How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Using a slow cooker helps keep chicken moist. Don’t overcook, and ensure you’re cooking on low heat. The gravy mixture also helps maintain the chicken’s moisture and tenderness.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering slow cooker chicken breasts with gravy combine tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce for a comforting meal. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless skinless (about 1 pound)
  • 1 1/4 cups condensed chicken soup
  • 2 packets chicken gravy mix

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, ensuring even coverage.
  2. In the slow cooker, create a smooth gravy base by thoroughly whisking water, gravy packets, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper until fully incorporated.
  3. Gently place chicken breasts into the prepared gravy mixture, carefully turning to ensure complete coating on all sides.
  4. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, monitoring until meat becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
  5. Once cooking is complete, delicately extract chicken from the liquid and transform into preferred texture by shredding or slicing.
  6. Incorporate sour cream into the existing gravy, stirring meticulously to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
  7. Transfer chicken to serving plate and lavishly drench with the freshly prepared creamy gravy.

Notes

  • Customize Seasoning Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the chicken’s flavor profile.
  • Reduce Sodium Use low-sodium gravy packets and soup if watching salt intake or on a heart-healthy diet.
  • Meal Prep Magic Shredded chicken works perfectly in sandwiches, salads, or as a protein topping for quick weeknight meals.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative Swap sour cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt for lactose-intolerant individuals or those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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