Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy: A Comforting and Easy Dinner
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, slow-cooked chicken with a rich and flavorful gravy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners because it requires minimal prep and yields tender, juicy chicken every time. The slow cooker does all the hard work while you go about your day, letting the flavors meld together into a delicious and hearty dish.
One of the reasons this dish is so beloved is its versatility. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta, the creamy, seasoned gravy coats everything beautifully, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. Using simple pantry ingredients like chicken broth, butter, and seasonings, this slow cooker chicken dish offers a homemade taste that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A savory and creamy combination with hints of garlic, onion, and herbs.
- Texture: The chicken is soft and shreddable, while the gravy is thick and velvety.
- Aroma: A mouthwatering blend of roasted chicken, fragrant herbs, and buttery richness.
- Visual Appeal: Golden brown chicken with a glossy, rich gravy that enhances its presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly; simply place ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Special Equipment: A slow cooker is the key tool, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy recipe is a lifesaver for home cooks looking for a hassle-free yet delicious meal. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken stays juicy and absorbs all the flavorful seasonings, making every bite truly delightful. The homemade gravy thickens perfectly, offering a smooth, savory addition to complement the chicken.
Apart from its extraordinary taste, this dish is also incredibly convenient. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a fully cooked dinner, ready to be served. No constant monitoring, no complicated steps—just a straightforward and reliable recipe.
Nutritionally, this meal is packed with protein from the chicken while allowing for adjustments to suit different dietary needs. Whether you’re watching your carb intake or looking for a high-protein option, this slow cooker chicken is a fantastic choice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking beyond the recommended time can dry out the meat.
- Skipping the Seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial to achieving a well-balanced flavor.
- Not Thickening the Gravy: Without thickening, the gravy may turn out too watery.
- Using Chicken with Skin-On: Skin can become rubbery in a slow cooker; boneless, skinless breasts work best.
- Not Allowing the Chicken to Rest: Letting it sit before serving enhances moisture and tenderness.
- Adding Too Much Liquid: Excess liquid dilutes the flavors; use the suggested broth amount.
- Opening the Lid Frequently: This releases steam and slows down the cooking process.
- Using Frozen Chicken Without Adjusting Time: If using frozen chicken, increase cooking time accordingly.
The Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt over the chicken.
- Add the butter on top of the chicken breasts.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry.
- Whisk the slurry into the broth in the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the gravy.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Recipe Notes
- For a deeper flavor, sear the chicken in a pan before placing it in the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.