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chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes on a white plate on a cutting board with a plaid napkin

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Tender shredded chicken is cooked in a rich, creamy homemade gravy using simple pantry ingredients. This easy slow cooker dinner is made without canned soup or seasoning packets and is perfect served over mashed potatoes.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:5 hours 25 minutes
Total Time:5 hours 35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: slow cooker chicken dinner, slow cooker meal
Servings: 6 Servings

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk

Instructions

  1. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the chicken on top.
  2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the seasoned broth mixture over the chicken. Place the butter on top.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and shred it using two forks.
  6. Whisk together the corn starch and cold water until completely smooth. Stir the slurry into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker.
  7. Cover and cook on high for 10–15 minutes, or until the gravy begins to thicken.
  8. Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir until coated in the gravy.
  9. Cook for another 5–10 minutes, until everything is warmed through. Taste and add additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs will create richer, especially tender results, while chicken breasts are a leaner option.
  • Add the cream or milk near the end of cooking to keep the gravy smooth.
  • If the gravy is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk.
  • If the gravy is too thin, combine 1 additional tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir it into the gravy and cook on high until thickened.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.