If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself, then this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy make every bite a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding your family or having friends over, this dish delivers on flavor and ease, turning simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity with this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of silky gravy and tender chicken, while keeping the prep fuss-free and straightforward.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: These form the tender base of the dish and soak up all the delicious flavors from the gravy.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and body, making the gravy luscious and comforting.
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix: Provides that classic, savory gravy taste that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth: Chicken broth elevates flavor depth, while water keeps it simple and works perfectly too.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a subtle, savory warmth that wakes up the taste buds.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Mashed potatoes (for serving): The ultimate comfort food companion that soaks up the gravy and completes the meal.
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish): Fresh herbs bring a pop of color and a bit of brightness to each serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Start with the chicken
Begin by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker’s base. This sets the stage for all those wonderful flavors to mingle and penetrate the meat as it cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Whisk together the gravy mixture
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix packets, water or chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk it thoroughly until the mixture is silky smooth—this blend is the magic that turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering gravy.
Step 3: Pour over the chicken
Gently pour that creamy mixture right over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it’s evenly covered. This allows the chicken to stay juicy as it cooks and soak up all the rich, savory flavors.
Step 4: Slow cook to perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow heat breaks down the chicken fibers making it unbelievably tender and easy to shred.
Step 5: Shred and stir
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken right into the gravy, ensuring every bite is coated in that creamy sauce. This step is where your dish truly comes together.
Step 6: Ready to serve
Your Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe is now ready to enjoy. Serve it hot over fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles for a feast that’s as satisfying as it is easy.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley not only introduces a lovely pop of green but also a fresh, slightly herbaceous note that lifts the richness of the gravy wonderfully. It’s an easy way to brighten the whole dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This chicken and gravy combo pairs best with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, which act like a soft cushion for soaking up all that delicious gravy. You could also serve it over buttery egg noodles or fluffy white rice to keep things comforting and familiar.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try spooning the shredded chicken and gravy over toasted biscuits for a southern-inspired twist, or use it as a hearty filling for a warm chicken pot pie. Wrapping it in fresh tortillas with a bit of cheese makes for an irresistible chicken gravy wrap too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem. Transfer any remaining Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next day’s dinner just as tasty if not better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker itself.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the gravy stays creamy. You can also microwave it in a covered dish—just add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay moist and flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time if needed to make sure they are fully tender.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with homemade cream of chicken soup or use a combination of cream, chicken broth, and a thickener like flour or cornstarch. It will still produce a rich and creamy gravy, though the convenience of canned soup is unbeatable.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard chicken gravy mix often contains gluten, so look for gluten-free gravy mixes if you need to avoid gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is tender, then shred and continue cooking until the gravy thickens. Just watch it carefully to prevent burning and add liquid as necessary.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If your gravy is thinner than you’d like after cooking, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water and cook on high for a few minutes until it thickens up beautifully. This allows you to control the consistency easily.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table with minimal effort. It’s a dish that feels like home in every bite, perfect for busy days or those cozy nights when you want a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen rotation, delivering happiness one scoop at a time. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love!
Print
Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, flavorful gravy made with cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days, served best over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles with optional fresh herbs for garnish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Gravy Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Mashed potatoes (for serving)
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring they are spread out evenly to cook thoroughly.
- Mix the Gravy: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix packets, water or chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: 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 very tender and easy to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the gravy so all the flavors combine.
- Serve: Serve the hot shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired, for a fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute water with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free chicken gravy mix.
- Shredded chicken is versatile and can be used in sandwiches or wraps.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce.
