Hearty Slow-Cooked Chicken and Gravy Recipe

This Hearty Slow-Cooked Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. With tender, slow-cooked chicken smothered in a creamy, savory gravy, this meal pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe that delivers delicious results every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep – Let the slow cooker do all the work
• Tender, juicy chicken that falls apart effortlessly
• Rich, homemade-style gravy with deep, comforting flavors
• Perfect for meal prep – stores and reheats beautifully
• Versatile serving options – enjoy with mashed potatoes, rice, or over biscuits

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Butter
• Flour (for thickening)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and chopped onions. Pour over the chicken.
3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
4. Thicken the gravy: Melt butter in a small pan and whisk in flour to create a roux. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker, along with heavy cream (if using), and let it cook for another 15 minutes.
5. Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken, mixing it into the thickened gravy.
6. Serve hot: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (or 3 hours 10 minutes on high)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Mushroom Gravy: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for added depth.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream soup and coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free: Thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or peas for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but remove the bones before serving. Cooking time may increase slightly.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Yes! Simmer in a covered Dutch oven on low heat for about 1.5-2 hours until the chicken is tender.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low.

How do I make this without cream of chicken soup?

Use a homemade mix of butter, flour, chicken broth, and heavy cream.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Turkey works well as a substitute in this recipe.

What should I serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits pair perfectly with the rich gravy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.

How do I make it thicker?

Use more flour in the roux or mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, mild flavors make it a hit with kids.

Can I add cheese?

Yes! Stir in shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy gravy.

Conclusion

This Hearty Slow-Cooked Chicken and Gravy recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food. The combination of tender chicken and rich, savory gravy makes it an easy go-to meal for busy days. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, and enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Try it today!

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