Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Ingredients

• The Chicken:
  • 2 to 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a mix of both)
• The Gravy Base:
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup (or 1 can cream of chicken and 1 can cream of mushroom)
  • 1 packet low-sodium chicken gravy mix (or 1 packet onion soup mix for extra depth)
  • 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, sliced into pats (for that rich, decadent diner flavor)
• The Aromatics & Seasoning:
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and black pepper to taste (skip extra salt until the end, as canned soup and gravy packets contain sodium).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Layer the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place your chicken pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the diced onions and minced garlic right over and around the chicken.

2. Mix the Rich Gravy Sauce

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper until completely smooth.
2. Pour this rich mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is completely submerged or coated.
3. Lay the pats of butter right across the top of the liquid.

3. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours (or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours), until the chicken is completely tender and easily shreds apart with a fork.

4. Shred and Thicken

1. Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker right into the rich gravy, or remove the chicken to a cutting board, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir everything together so the shredded meat drinks up all that gravy.
2. Pro-Step: If you prefer an even thicker, glossy gravy consistency, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the slow cooker, and let it bubble on HIGH for 10–15 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper if needed.

Pro-Tips for Serving

• The Ultimate Pairing: Serve this chicken and gravy scooped generously over a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or warm buttermilk biscuits.
• Vegetable Addition: If you want to sneak in some greens, stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the last 20 minutes of cooking.