Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Craving tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, creamy gravy? My Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the perfect solution. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to making it better than takeout every time. The golden, tender chicken and creamy gravy will make your family beg for seconds. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips, including how to prevent dry chicken. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Honey Mustard BLT Chicken Sliders and Mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Tender, flavorful chicken that's better than takeout
- Creamy, homemade gravy that's to die for
- Easy, hands-off cooking in the slow cooker
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping
What You'll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 packet dry chicken gravy mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Crusty bread, for serving
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Milk: You can use any kind of milk, including dairy-free alternatives.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Slow Cooker — Cooks chicken to tender perfection while you're away → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Makes smooth, lump-free gravy in seconds → See on Amazon
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, dry onion soup mix, and dry chicken gravy mix.
- Step 3: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and garlic powder.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return chicken to slow cooker.
- Step 6: Use an immersion blender to blend the gravy until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7: Serve chicken and gravy over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Cook's Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: The #1 reason this recipe fails is using too much liquid. This can make the chicken soggy and the gravy watery. To prevent this, make sure to use the exact amount of liquid called for in the recipe. If you're using a larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
- Pro tip: For extra flavor, brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Pro tip: To make this recipe ahead, prepare the chicken and gravy mixture in the slow cooker, but don't turn it on. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, turn on the slow cooker and cook as directed.
- Pro tip: For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir into the gravy and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Storing & Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead. See pro tips for details.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy mixture.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the dry onion soup mix and dry chicken gravy mix with 1 tablespoon of onion powder and 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder.
- Make-ahead: See pro tips for details on making this recipe ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your chicken is still tough, it may not have cooked long enough. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Want to level up this recipe?
Meat Thermometer — Ensures chicken is cooked to a safe temperature every time → Check price on Amazon
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 packet dry chicken gravy mix
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, dry onion soup mix, and dry chicken gravy mix.
- Step 3: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, paprika (if using), and garlic powder.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return chicken to slow cooker.
- Step 6: Use an immersion blender to blend the gravy until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 7: Serve chicken and gravy over rice or noodles, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chef tip: For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the gravy mixture.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the dry onion soup mix and dry chicken gravy mix with 1 tablespoon of onion powder and 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder.
- Make-ahead: See pro tips for details on making this recipe ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If your chicken is still tough, it may not have cooked long enough. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead. See pro tips for details.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead. See the pro tips section for details.
The #1 reason this recipe fails is using too much liquid. This can make the chicken soggy and the gravy watery. To prevent this, make sure to use the exact amount of liquid called for in the recipe. If you're using a larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
Yes, you can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. See the storage section for details.
Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural release.
This recipe is delicious served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
