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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 packet onion soup mix - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) In this dish, chicken breasts are the star. They stay juicy and tender in the crockpot. The chicken broth adds depth and flavor, while the cream of mushroom soup thickens the gravy. The onion soup mix boosts the taste, making everything more savory. Garlic powder and onion powder add extra flavor without overpowering the dish. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Olive oil helps brown the chicken and adds a nice touch. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley makes the meal pop with color and freshness. - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 cup chopped carrots - 1 cup diced potatoes - 1 teaspoon thyme - 1 teaspoon rosemary For even more flavor, you can add sliced mushrooms. They give a nice earthy taste. Carrots and potatoes add sweetness and heartiness. Thyme and rosemary bring out herbal notes, creating layers of flavor. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. - Cooked rice - Creamy mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Buttered corn This chicken and gravy dish pairs well with cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Both soak up the gravy nicely. You can also serve it with steamed green beans or buttered corn for a colorful plate. These sides balance the richness of the chicken, making a well-rounded meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to coat both sides well. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they turn a nice golden brown. This step adds great flavor, though it’s not a must. In your crockpot, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix. Ensure the mixture blends well and is smooth. This mix will become the base of your savory gravy. Next, carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the gravy mixture. Make sure each piece is coated. Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and fully cooked during this time. When the cooking time is done, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir it into the gravy to combine everything well. Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. Spoon the chicken and gravy over cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color. To get tender chicken, use a slow cooker. Cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours works best. This lets the chicken soak in all the flavors. Searing the chicken first adds depth but is not a must. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This boosts flavor and helps keep moisture. When done, shred the chicken in the gravy. This makes it more tender and juicy. Want to mix things up? You can add your favorite spices. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. A dash of hot sauce gives it a kick. You can also swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different flavor. If you like it creamy, stir in some sour cream right before serving. Always taste your dish before serving to ensure it’s just right. You can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. The slow cooker will thaw and cook the chicken safely. Fresh chicken cooks faster and tastes great too. Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked, no matter which you use. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe temperature of 165°F. This helps keep your meal safe and delicious. Pro Tips Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and gives it a beautiful golden color. Substituting Soups: Feel free to substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce for a different flavor profile. Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy 30 minutes before serving. Flavor Boosting: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. {{image_4}} You can swap cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup. This change adds a new taste. You can also use homemade sauce for a fresher flavor. If you want a lighter dish, try a mix of sour cream and chicken broth. This keeps it creamy but cuts some calories. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Carrots, peas, and green beans work well. You can add them in the last hour of cooking. This way, they stay bright and slightly crisp. For a heartier meal, add diced potatoes at the start. They soak up the gravy and add a lovely texture. Herbs make a big difference in flavor. Try adding thyme or rosemary for depth. A pinch of paprika can add warmth without heat. If you like a bit of zest, lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Adjust the herbs to fit your taste and keep it fun! After you enjoy your meal, let the chicken cool down. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Heat it in 30-second intervals until warm. If you prefer the stovetop, add a bit of broth to a skillet. Heat over low until warm. Stir often to keep it juicy. For longer storage, freeze your chicken and gravy. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned earlier. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. The cooking time may change. Bone-in chicken tends to take longer to cook. If using bone-in, check the chicken at 6 hours on low. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you don't have one, the chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork. If it is still firm, cook it longer. You can use vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth. For more flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of bouillon. If you're in a pinch, water works fine but may lack depth. Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance. You can sear the chicken and make the gravy the day before. Store them in the fridge, then combine them in the crockpot the next day. This saves time and adds flavor. This dish is not gluten-free as it uses onion soup mix, which often contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free onion soup mix. Check labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This blog shared how to make a tasty chicken and gravy dish. We covered the ingredients needed and some options to boost flavor. You learned about cooking steps and tips to ensure tender chicken. I showed you variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, making this meal can be easy and fun. Enjoy your cooking journey with this dish!

Slow-Cooked Comfort: Chicken & Gravy

A comforting dish of tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich gravy, perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • for serving cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season each chicken breast generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.
  • In the bowl of your slow cooker, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
  • Carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the gravy mixture in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce.
  • Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the chicken into the gravy for a well-combined, thick consistency.
  • Before serving, taste the chicken and gravy mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Spoon the savory chicken and gravy over a generous portion of cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top to add a bright pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Optional to sear the chicken for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, gravy, slow-cooked