01 -
Alright, first things first! Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with cooking spray, just to be safe. Then, take your chicken breasts (or thighs, if you went with those juicy beauties!) and place them right in the bottom. I usually just nestle them in there, no need for fancy arranging. This is where the magic starts to happen, setting the stage for tender, flavorful Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy later on. Don't worry if they overlap a bit; they'll shrink down as they cook.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together that can of cream of chicken soup, the chicken broth, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until it's mostly smooth. I always make sure there are no big lumps of soup left, because who wants a lumpy gravy? Pour this glorious mixture right over the chicken in the crockpot. This is the part where you can almost smell the comfort already, even before it starts cooking. I've definitely splashed a bit on the counter during this step; it's just part of the process, right?
03 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Now, you've got options: cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours. I usually go for low if I'm leaving it all day, but high works if you're in a bit of a rush. The key here is not to lift the lid too much! I know it's tempting, but every time you peek, you let out precious heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the process! This is where the Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy really develops its deep flavors.
04 -
Once the cooking time is up, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Grab two forks and shred that chicken! It should be super easy to pull apart. I sometimes get a little messy here, but it's worth it for those perfectly shredded pieces. While you're doing this, the savory aroma of the Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy will be filling your kitchen—that's how you know you're on the right track!
05 -
Now for the gravy! In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk until you have a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the liquid remaining in the crockpot. Stir it all together really well. This is where the gravy magic happens! Put the lid back on and let it cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your liking. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully. I once forgot this step and ended up with chicken soup, so don't be me!
06 -
Once your gravy is thick and luscious, stir the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Give it a good mix to ensure every piece of chicken is coated in that amazing, creamy gravy. Taste it and adjust any seasonings if you feel it needs a little more pepper or a tiny pinch of salt. The Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is now ready to be served! It should look incredibly inviting, smell absolutely divine, and taste like pure comfort. Get ready for some serious happy sighs at the dinner table!