Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy

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There’s something about a plate of creamy mashed potatoes topped with tender shredded chicken and rich, savory gravy that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy is one of those recipes that brings cozy comfort to the table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy Sundays, it requires just a few pantry staples and a few minutes of prep before your slow cooker does the rest.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity—juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked until fall-apart tender and then smothered in a velvety gravy that soaks into mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles. It’s a kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing recipe that makes dinner feel like a comforting reward after a long day.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe because they cook evenly and shred easily after a few hours in the slow cooker. If you prefer dark meat or a richer flavor, boneless thighs can be used as well. Whichever you choose, make sure the chicken is fresh or fully thawed before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

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Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy

Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish, these cook down to juicy, pull-apart perfection.

Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess and helps create that irresistible gravy.

Chicken Gravy Mix Packets – These give the dish that classic, savory depth with no guesswork.

Water or Chicken Broth – Liquid to thin the mixture just enough for slow cooking and flavor infusion.

Garlic Powder & Black Pepper – Simple seasoning that brings out the best in the chicken.

Mashed Potatoes (for serving) – The ultimate base for soaking up every drop of gravy goodness.

Fresh Chives or Parsley – Optional garnish for a pop of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker. You can lightly season with salt if desired, but keep in mind the gravy mix and soup already contain salt.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix packets, water (or broth), garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Pour and Cook

Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded meat into the gravy so it gets coated and soaks up all that savory flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the chicken and gravy generously over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a finishing touch.

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How to Serve and Store This Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy

This shredded chicken and gravy is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The classic pairing is with buttery mashed potatoes, but it also shines over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or even on top of toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich. Add a side of green beans, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.

Leftovers? Even better. Store any remaining chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portioned containers for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If your gravy ends up a little thinner than you’d like, simply mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s safer and more effective to thaw the chicken first for even cooking and better texture. Using frozen chicken may increase cook time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate it, and just pop it in to cook the next day.

What if I don’t have gravy mix packets?

You can substitute with a homemade gravy base made from butter, flour, and chicken broth, but the packets offer a quicker and more consistent flavor.

Is it gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gravy mix. Many brands now offer great options.

What can I serve this with besides mashed potatoes?

Rice, egg noodles, cauliflower mash, or even stuffing all work beautifully with the chicken and gravy.

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Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love the cozy, hearty feel of this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy, you might also enjoy these satisfying dinner favorites from the blog:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
• One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Each of these recipes delivers on that same creamy, rich comfort that turns dinner into a moment of calm in your day.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it again when the comfort food craving hits.

And if you give this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken and Gravy a try, leave a comment to let me know how it went! Did you pair it with noodles or potatoes? Did you add your own twist?

I love hearing how you bring these dishes to life in your kitchen. For more cozy and easy recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest at Life with Nina.

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