This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy is your answer to hectic weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender, fall-apart chicken smothered in rich gravy; all made with just three simple ingredients. This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy recipe has saved countless busy families and it's about to become your new go-to comfort meal.
What makes this 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy so special is its beautiful simplicity. This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy fits the bill perfectly whether you're a beginner or seasoned chef. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete family dinner.

The Magic Behind This Simple Recipe
This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy has become a staple in kitchens across the country for good reason. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming basic boneless skinless chicken breasts into tender, shredded perfection while creating its own luscious gravy. It's the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that proves you don't need a long ingredient list to make something truly satisfying. This dump-and-go crockpot recipe is perfect for those mornings when you know dinner time will be chaotic.
The beauty of 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy lies in how the flavors develop during the slow cooking process. As the chicken simmers away in your crock-pot, it becomes incredibly moist and absorbs all that savory goodness from the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup. Plus, this budget-friendly dinner costs just a few dollars to make, feeding your whole family without breaking the bank. It's comfort food at its finest, proving that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when given time to work their magic.
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Ingredients
Main Components
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Dry chicken gravy mix
- Cream of chicken soup
Optional Add-Ins
- Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
- Fresh minced garlic
- Black pepper
- Dried herbs (thyme or rosemary)
- Chicken broth

See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
- Lightly spray your crock-pot with non-stick cooking spray to make cleanup easier later.
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- If your chicken pieces are particularly thick (over 1 inch), consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Add Your Ingredients
- Open the can of cream of chicken soup and pour it directly over the raw chicken in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of dry chicken gravy mix evenly over the soup and chicken.
- Use a spoon to gently spread the mixture, making sure all chicken pieces get some coverage, but don't worry about mixing it perfectly; the slow cooking process will blend everything beautifully.
- Add a few cracks of black pepper on top if desired.
Step 3: Set and Forget
- Place the lid securely on your crock-pot and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- The 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Serve
- Once cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy, making sure every piece gets coated.
- Let it sit on the WARM setting for 5-10 minutes to allow the gravy to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot over your favorite side; mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles work wonderfully.
Expert Cooking Tips
Getting your 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy perfect is easy with these tips.
- Choose Similar-Sized Chicken Use medium breasts (6-8 ounces each) so they cook evenly.
- Don't Overcook Check at minimum time; cooking beyond 7 hours on LOW can dry out chicken.
- Thicken the Gravy Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir into gravy, and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes.
- Use Frozen Chicken Add frozen chicken breasts directly; just add an extra hour to cooking time.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
This incredibly versatile 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy can be customized to fit different tastes and dietary needs.
Cream of Chicken Soup Alternatives If you want to make 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy without cream of chicken soup, substitute with one can of cream of mushroom soup for an earthier flavor. Another option is to use 1 cup of chicken broth mixed with 3 tablespoons of flour as a thickener, though this changes the texture slightly.
Make It Healthier
- Use low-sodium or reduced-fat cream of chicken soup
- Choose organic or free-range chicken breasts
- Add frozen vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas during the last hour of cooking
- Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option
Protein Swaps
- Replace chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful result that's even harder to dry out
- Use turkey breast cutlets for a leaner alternative
- Try pork chops with cream of mushroom soup for a completely different take
International Twists
- Add taco seasoning instead of gravy mix, and use cream of chicken with green chiles for a Mexican-inspired version
- Stir in Italian seasoning and serve over pasta for an Italian spin
- Mix in curry powder for an easy Indian-style chicken curry
Make It Creamy Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese or ½ cup of sour cream at the end of cooking for an extra-rich, creamy gravy that coats everything beautifully.
Equipment Recommendations
Having the right tools makes preparing this 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy even simpler.
- 6-quart slow cooker; this size is perfect for 4-6 chicken breasts with enough room for the gravy to circulate. Smaller families can use a 4-quart version with fewer chicken pieces.
- Non-stick cooking spray; makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the gravy from sticking to the sides of your crock-pot.
- Two sturdy forks or meat shredding claws; essential for pulling apart the tender chicken once it's done cooking. Shredding claws are especially helpful if you make this recipe often.
- Instant-read meat thermometer; ensures your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
- Large serving spoon or ladle; for serving the gravy generously over your chosen side dish.
- Slow cooker liners (optional); these make cleanup even easier, though they're not necessary if you spray your pot well.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy stores wonderfully for meal prep.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to thin the gravy.
Freezer Instructions
Freeze this 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Strategy
Cook a double batch and portion into containers with sides for ready-to-go meals all week.
The Secret to Perfect 3-Ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
What makes good 3-ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy truly unforgettable? Two simple tricks.
First, let the shredded chicken rest in the gravy for about 10 minutes before serving. This quick pause lets the meat soak up all that savory flavor, giving you tender, juicy bites and a beautifully thickened sauce.
Second, sear the chicken for a few minutes on each side before slow cooking. That golden crust adds depth and a hint of caramelized flavor; turning your easy 3-ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy into a dish that tastes straight out of a cozy restaurant kitchen.
FAQ
How to make chicken and gravy in a slow cooker?
Place raw chicken in the crock-pot, add cream of chicken soup and gravy mix, then cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy creates its own rich gravy as it cooks.
Can I put raw chicken into a slow cooker?
Yes! It's completely safe. Starting with raw chicken is ideal for 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy because it absorbs all the flavors during cooking.
What is the secret ingredient for good gravy?
For this 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy, the magic comes from cream of chicken soup and gravy mix working together to create rich, savory flavor.
What are the easy 3 ingredient chicken breast recipes with few ingredients?
Beyond this 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy, try chicken with salsa and cream cheese, Italian dressing and Parmesan, or BBQ sauce and honey.
Bringing It All Together
This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy proves simple cooking delivers incredible results. With just chicken, cream of chicken soup, and gravy mix, you've got a complete meal that rivals restaurants. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
This 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy is perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Try our Cowboy Butter Chicken Recipe or Swiss Chicken Casserole Recipe for more easy dinner ideas. Give this 3 ingredient crockpot chicken and gravy a try tonight!
Nothing beats a warm, comforting dinner that practically makes itself! 🍗 Ashley
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this 3 Ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe:

3 Ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Equipment
- 1 6-quart slow cooker
- 1 Non-stick cooking spray
- 2 forks (for shredding)
- Measuring spoons
- 1 Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4–6 pieces Boneless skinless chicken breasts About 2 pounds total
- 1 packet Dry chicken gravy mix Use low-sodium if preferred
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup Adds richness and creamy texture
- 1 cup Chicken broth (optional) For thinner gravy
- 1 cup Frozen mixed vegetables (optional) Peas, carrots, green beans
- 1–2 cloves Fresh minced garlic (optional) For added flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper To taste
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker and add chicken.
- Pour cream of chicken soup and sprinkle gravy mix.
- Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
- Shred chicken and stir into gravy.
- Let rest 10 min before serving.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
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