Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

• Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter or oil. This isn’t strictly necessary, especially with the gravy, but it can help prevent any potential sticking, particularly around the edges, making cleanup slightly easier.
• Ensure your slow cooker is placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from the edge of the counter.

Step 2: Place the Chicken

• Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere better and can contribute to a slightly better texture, although it’s less critical in a slow cooker recipe than when searing.
• Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker insert. Try not to overlap them too much, as this ensures even cooking. If you have a smaller slow cooker and need to stack slightly, that’s okay, but a single layer is ideal.

Step 3: Whisk the Gravy Mixture

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup (undiluted), the dry chicken gravy mix packet, the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional dried thyme or poultry seasoning.
• Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no large lumps from the condensed soup or the dry gravy mix. Breaking up the condensed soup with the whisk before adding other ingredients can help.

Step 4: Pour Gravy Over Chicken

• Pour the whisked gravy mixture evenly over the chicken pieces in the slow cooker. Use a spatula to scrape the bowl clean, getting every last bit of the flavorful mixture.
• Gently nudge the chicken pieces if necessary to ensure they are mostly submerged or at least well-coated in the gravy mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Secure the lid onto the slow cooker. Make sure it fits snugly to trap heat and moisture.
• Set the slow cooker to the LOW heat setting. Cook for 4 to 6 hours.
• Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, you can set the slow cooker to the HIGH heat setting. Cook for 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
• Important Note: Cooking time can vary depending on the specific model and size of your slow cooker, as well as the thickness of your chicken breasts. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, even in gravy, so start checking for doneness on the earlier side of the recommended time range, especially if cooking on HIGH. Chicken thighs are more forgiving. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable or sliced when done.

Step 6: Shred or Slice the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

• Once the cooking time is complete and the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a clean cutting board or in a shallow dish.
• Leave the gravy remaining in the slow cooker insert.
• Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, if you prefer chunks or slices, you can slice or dice the chicken.
• Return the shredded or sliced chicken back into the gravy in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated in the luscious gravy.

Step 7: Thicken Gravy (If Necessary)

• Check the consistency of the gravy. Slow cookers trap moisture, so sometimes the gravy might be thinner than desired. If you prefer a thicker gravy:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water or chicken broth until completely smooth (no lumps). This is your slurry.
  • Pour the slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Turn the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if it wasn’t already). Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your liking. The heat activates the cornstarch. If it’s still not thick enough, you can repeat the process with another small slurry (e.g., 1/2 tbsp cornstarch to 1 tbsp cold water).

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serving

• Taste the gravy carefully. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper sparingly until it reaches your desired flavor profile. Remember that the soup and gravy mix already contribute significant salt.
• Once the seasoning is perfect and the gravy is at your preferred consistency, turn the slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting if you’re not serving immediately, or turn it off.
• Serve the delicious Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy hot over your chosen accompaniments.