Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 4 hours. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to the best, creamiest gravy. Jump to the recipe or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Honey BBQ Chicken and Rice and Creamy Crack Chicken Pasta.
Why This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Hands-off cooking for busy days
- Rich, creamy gravy that's better than takeout
- Tender chicken that falls off the bone
- Easy cleanup with just one pot
What You'll Need for Easy 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 or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet gravy mix
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Crusty bread, for serving
📝 Ingredient Notes
- chicken: You can also use bone-in chicken pieces. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Slow Cooker — Hands-off cooking for busy days → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Easy gravy blending right in the slow cooker → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: Place chicken in slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Step 2: Pour chicken broth over chicken.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from slow cooker. Stir in gravy mix and milk. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Step 5: Return chicken to slow cooker. Cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve with fresh parsley and crusty bread.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
- : For even more flavor, brown the chicken in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Common mistake and fix: If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it into the gravy. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- : For a thicker gravy, use less milk or cook it on high for the last 15 minutes with the lid off.
- : To make this recipe ahead, combine all ingredients except milk and gravy mix. Cook as directed. Before serving, stir in milk and gravy mix, then cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Storing & Reheating Easy 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 for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Freezing Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Freeze cooked chicken and gravy 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 (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For an even creamier gravy, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken broth with beef broth for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and seasonings up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your chicken is not tender, it may not have cooked long enough. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 packet gravy mix
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Place chicken in slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Step 2: Pour chicken broth over chicken.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from slow cooker. Stir in gravy mix and milk. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Step 5: Return chicken to slow cooker. Cook for an additional 15 minutes. Serve with fresh parsley and crusty bread.
Notes
- Chef tip: For an even creamier gravy, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Best substitution: Substitute chicken broth with beef broth for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the chicken and seasonings up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
- Troubleshooting: If your chicken is not tender, it may not have cooked long enough. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and seasonings up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.
If your gravy is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it into the gravy. Cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Increase cooking time by 50% and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a creamier gravy, use less milk or cook it on high for the last 15 minutes with the lid off.
Yes, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy 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!
