It doesn't get any better than this crock pot Chicken and Gravy... I Promise
It doesn't get any better than this crock pot Chicken and Gravy... I PROMISE! is a easy American recipe that serves 3. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 5 hrs | Total: 5 hrs 40 min
Cost: $8.59 total, $2.86 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 1.5‑2 lb total)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Dried Thyme
- ½ teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 4 tablespoons All‑Purpose Flour (divided: 2 Tbsp for roux, 2 Tbsp later if no cornstarch)
- 3 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 piece Chicken Bouillon Cube (optional, adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional, for extra thickening)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Make the seasoning blend
In a small bowl combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, seasoned salt, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT5M
Season the chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a plate, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend over all sides. Use your hands or tongs to coat the chicken thoroughly.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the roux
Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add butter and melt completely, then whisk in 2 Tbsp flour. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Build the gravy
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth, adding a little at a time to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for 3‑4 minutes until smooth. If you have cornstarch, whisk in 1 Tbsp now; otherwise add the remaining 2 Tbsp flour and the final 1 cup broth, whisking well. Simmer for another 2‑3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine chicken and gravy in slow cooker
Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Pour the hot gravy over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are fully covered. Give the pot a gentle stir to distribute the sauce.
Time: PT2M
Slow‑cook the chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Cook for 4 hours 30 minutes (or 4‑5 hours) until the chicken is fork‑tender and easily shreds.
Time: PT4H30M
Temperature: Low
Shred the chicken and finish cooking
After the initial cooking time, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded meat into the gravy, cover, and cook an additional 20 minutes on LOW to let flavors meld.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low
Season and serve
Taste the final dish and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Can be made gluten‑free by using cornstarch only, Can be made dairy‑free by using oil instead of butter
Allergens: Dairy (butter), Gluten (flour), Corn (if cornstarch is used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1 clove)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Seasoned Salt: salt + garlic powder
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Onion Powder: fresh minced onion (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Dried Thyme: herbes de Provence
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of All‑Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water + bouillon cube
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Cube: stock concentrate
- Instead of Cornstarch: extra flour
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (Crock‑Pot)
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs (optional)
- Two‑Fork Shredder (or two forks)
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Creating a smooth roux without lumps
- Ensuring the gravy reaches a thick, glossy consistency before adding to the slow cooker
- Shredding the chicken while still in the cooker to keep it moist
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra depth, sear the chicken breasts in the skillet before adding the broth, then deglaze with a splash of broth
- Use fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) instead of dried for a brighter flavor
- If you like a richer gravy, finish with a tablespoon of heavy cream just before serving
Troubleshooting
Gravy is lumpy
Whisk vigorously while adding broth; if lumps persist, strain through a fine‑mesh sieve before pouring over the chicken
Sauce is too thin
Simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in an additional teaspoon of flour or cornstarch dissolved in cold water
Chicken is dry
Do not overcook; keep the slow cooker on LOW and check tenderness at 4 hours. Adding a splash of broth at the end can re‑moisten.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe bag or container for up to 2 months
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the seasoning blend and store in a small jar for future use
- The gravy can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before adding to the slow cooker
- Cooked shredded chicken freezes well; portion and freeze for later meals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken and gravy in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken and gravy is a classic American comfort dish that traces its roots to Southern home cooking, where simple pan drippings were thickened with flour to create a rich sauce for poultry. Over time it became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and everyday meals, embodying home‑cooked warmth and nostalgia.
What regional variations of chicken and gravy exist within United States cuisine?
In the South, the gravy often includes sausage or bacon drippings and a dash of hot sauce. In the Midwest, it may be thickened with cream for a richer texture. Some New England versions add herbs like sage or thyme, while Cajun styles incorporate spices such as cayenne and paprika.
How is chicken and gravy traditionally served in Southern American cuisine?
Traditionally, the shredded chicken and gravy are ladled over fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered biscuits. It’s common to accompany the dish with collard greens or cornbread to complete the meal.
During what occasions is chicken and gravy typically prepared in American households?
Chicken and gravy is popular for family dinners, Sunday lunches, holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers, and casual potlucks because it can be made ahead and kept warm in a slow cooker for hours.
What makes this slow cooker chicken and gravy special compared to other American chicken gravy recipes?
The recipe builds a smooth, stovetop roux before transferring to the slow cooker, ensuring a velvety texture without lumps. The long, low‑heat cooking makes the chicken ultra‑tender and allows the flavors of the spice blend to fully infuse the gravy.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for American chicken and gravy and acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include chicken broth, butter, all‑purpose flour, salt, pepper, and basic herbs like thyme or parsley. Substitutes can be olive oil for butter, cornstarch or gluten‑free flour for thickening, and low‑sodium broth or bouillon cubes for flavor.
What other American side dishes pair well with this slow cooker chicken and gravy?
Serve it with buttery mashed potatoes, steamed rice, creamy polenta, or warm biscuits. A simple green vegetable like sautéed green beans or a crisp coleslaw adds contrast and balance to the meal.
What common mistakes should I avoid when making this slow cooker chicken and gravy?
Avoid over‑cooking the chicken on high heat, which can make it dry; don’t skip whisking the flour into the butter to prevent lumps; and be careful not to lift the slow‑cooker lid too often, as it adds extra cooking time.
Why does this recipe use a stovetop roux before slow‑cooking instead of thickening directly in the crock‑pot?
Creating a roux on the stovetop ensures the flour is fully cooked and eliminates raw flour taste, while also giving you control over the gravy’s thickness before it’s combined with the chicken in the slow cooker.
Can I make this slow cooker chicken and gravy ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the gravy and season the chicken a day ahead; store each separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready, combine them in the slow cooker and finish the cooking cycle as directed.
What texture and appearance should I look for to know the gravy is done?
The gravy should be glossy, coat the back of a spoon, and have a thick but pourable consistency—similar to a creamy sauce. It should not be watery nor overly stiff; if it’s too thick, thin with a splash of broth.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything focuses on easy, home‑cooked comfort food recipes, especially chicken‑centric dishes, using straightforward techniques and often featuring slow‑cooker or one‑pot methods for busy cooks.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything emphasizes minimal ingredient lists, practical kitchen hacks, and a relaxed, conversational style, whereas many other channels may focus on gourmet plating or complex techniques. The channel aims to make classic comfort meals accessible to everyday home cooks.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
