Today, we're delving into a classic comfort dish perfect for those bustling weekdays or cozy weekends: Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy. This dish embodies the essence of home-cooked warmth and convenience. Historically, gravies have been a staple in American cuisine, reflecting our diverse regional flavors from creamy white gravies in the South to rich savory gravies in the Midwest. Why make this? Because it's the perfect blend of minimal effort and maximum flavor—ideal for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy pairs beautifully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, which will soak up the delicious gravy, or a creamy polenta for a slightly different texture. Steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli, add a nice crunch and a healthy balance. For a more filling option, serve it with a side of buttered egg noodles or a fresh garden salad to lighten up the hearty main dish.
Slow Cooker Chicken and GravyServings: 4-6 servings
Ingredients4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of chicken broth
1 packet of dry onion soup mix
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of water
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
DirectionsPlace the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Around 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this to the slow cooker and stir well to combine. This will help thicken the gravy.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the gravy has thickened.
Serve the chicken and gravy hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Variations & TipsFor a richer gravy, substitute half a cup of the chicken broth with heavy cream. Add some sliced mushrooms or diced carrots in the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer, use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful meat. For an herbaceous twist, include a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary in the gravy mixture.
