There’s something magical about the aroma of chicken braising gently in a slow cooker, its warm fragrance wrapping around you like a comfy blanket. Life can get busy, but this recipe promises to ease some of that chaos by delivering dinner with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Let’s dive into your new favorite meal: Creamy Garlic & Herb Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ to 2 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2–3 minutes on each side, just until lightly golden. This step adds a depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it.
Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary on top. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove about ¼ cup of the braising liquid near the end of the cooking time, whisk in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then stir it back into the slow cooker. Let it cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on high to thicken.
Serve the chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles, spooning the rich gravy on top. Sprinkle a bit of fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and aroma.
This recipe is perfect when you crave a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The gravy is luscious, the chicken is juicy, and the flavors of garlic and herbs make for a truly homey dish. It’s a great go-to for weeknight dinners, meal preps, or whenever you want a hearty feast without the hassle. Adjust the herbs if you like (swap rosemary for sage or add a pinch of chili flakes for extra warmth), and choose a lower-sodium broth or soup if you’re watching salt intake. However you customize it, this slow cooker chicken and gravy dish will bring a little more organization to your busy day—without sacrificing flavor.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
