Some evenings call for a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs meal. This Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy is exactly that: simple, budget-friendly, and full of homestyle flavor. It’s delicious spooned over hot biscuits, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes, and pairs nicely with a side of mixed vegetables or a light salad.
This version focuses on clean, straightforward ingredients rather than canned soups or heavy dairy. It’s lighter while still creamy and satisfying, and it’s easy to adapt for gluten-free diets by choosing appropriate broth and sides.
Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 8 hrs Total Time: 8 hrs 5 mins
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 carton (32 oz) chicken broth
- Pepper, to taste
- Celery salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Biscuits, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and season with pepper and celery salt to taste. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or on High for about 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 30–45 minutes before serving, remove 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid and whisk in the cornstarch until fully dissolved to make a slurry. Pour the slurry back into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Allow the gravy to thicken for the remaining cooking time.
- When ready, shred the chicken with two forks or slice it, depending on your preference. Spoon the chicken and gravy over warm biscuits, rice, or mashed potatoes and serve immediately.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free chicken broth and serve over rice or another gluten-free side.
Servings: 6 Author: Amanda Carlisle
After testing different versions over the years, I returned to this simple recipe and was reminded how well it performs at the dinner table. It’s approachable for busy weeknights, and the slow cooker does most of the work. The gravy is satin-smooth without heavy creams or canned soups, making it a lighter choice that still feels indulgent.
Tips and variations:
- To boost flavor, add a diced onion or a couple of crushed garlic cloves to the slow cooker at the start. If you prefer a richer gravy, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end or a splash of milk or half-and-half just before serving.
- If you like extra herbs, add a teaspoon each of dried thyme and parsley to the broth, or finish with fresh herbs for brightness. A bay leaf added while cooking can also deepen the flavor—just remove it before shredding the chicken.
- For a creamier texture without dairy, use a little more cornstarch or substitute some of the broth with unsweetened almond milk near the end of cooking, then thicken as directed.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the gravy thickens too much when chilled, whisk in a splash of broth or water when reheating.
This recipe is ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or when you want a comforting plate without much fuss. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and easy to love.