This cozy, comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or slow weekends. Tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy is piled high over buttery mashed potatoes for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Let your crockpot do the work while you dream about that first delicious bite. Bonus: it’s even better with a warm roll on the side.

Ingredients:

2 packs chicken breast
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans water (use one of the cream of chicken cans to measure)
2 packets chicken gravy mix
Mashed potatoes (store-bought mix or homemade)
Butter (for the mashed potatoes)
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper (to season chicken)

Instructions:

In a crockpot, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, water, and gravy mix packets until smooth.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then place them into the crockpot mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine everything into a rich, savory gravy.
Prepare mashed potatoes following package instructions or your favorite homemade method. Stir in butter to taste.
Serve a generous scoop of shredded chicken gravy over a mound of mashed potatoes.
Optional but highly recommended: serve with warm dinner rolls for the full comfort food experience.

Variation

Swap the Cream of Chicken Soup: You can substitute one or both cans of cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a slightly different flavor profile. Cream of mushroom gives an earthier, richer taste, while cream of celery adds a lighter, more herbaceous note.
Add Veggies for a One-Pot Meal: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables, peas, or corn during the last hour of cooking for a full meal in one pot. They’ll warm through and add color, texture, and nutrition without complicating the recipe.
Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of buffalo sauce into the gravy mixture. The kick pairs surprisingly well with the creamy base and buttery potatoes.

Cooking Notes

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Even in a slow cooker, chicken breasts can dry out if left too long. Aim for 7–8 hours on low, but if your slow cooker runs hot or you’re home, check closer to 6–7 hours. The chicken should shred easily with a fork when done.
Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: The gravy packets and canned soup can be high in sodium, so if you’re watching salt intake, use low-sodium or reduced-salt versions where possible. You can always adjust seasoning at the end if needed.
Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken while it’s still hot or warm makes the job much easier. Cold chicken can be tougher and more time-consuming to break apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Over Mashed Potatoes (Classic): A generous scoop of buttery mashed potatoes is the ultimate base for this creamy chicken and gravy. Use homemade mashed potatoes for maximum comfort or opt for a store-bought mix for a quick fix.
Try It Over Rice or Biscuits: This dish is also fantastic over fluffy white rice or split buttermilk biscuits. The gravy soaks in perfectly, and each version offers a slightly different comfort food experience.
Pair with a Simple Green Side: A side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp garden salad adds freshness and balances out the rich, hearty main dish.

Tips

Expand on each tip, adding a bit more detail or explanation to make each one more comprehensive.

Prep the Night Before: If mornings are hectic, prep everything the night before—season the chicken, mix the gravy base, and store them in the crockpot insert (covered in the fridge). In the morning, just pop it in the cooker and set it on low.
Double the Recipe for Freezing: This meal freezes beautifully. Make a double batch, cool the extra completely, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for a future meal.
Use an Immersion Blender for Extra Smooth Gravy: If you like a super smooth gravy before adding the shredded chicken back in, use an immersion blender to quickly blend the sauce. It’ll remove any lumps and give it a silky finish.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (on low)
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated based on 6 servings; may vary depending on brand and preparation methods.

Calories: 420
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 980mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure your slow cooker heats evenly and safely. Some experts recommend thawing chicken before cooking in a slow cooker to avoid extended time in the “danger zone” temperature range. If using frozen, allow a slightly longer cook time.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
You can cook it on high for about 3.5 to 4 hours if you’re short on time, but the chicken may not be as tender. Low and slow gives the best shredded texture.
Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Look for dairy-free and gluten-free versions of cream of chicken soup and gravy mix (many brands offer these now). Use mashed potatoes made with plant-based butter or olive oil.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the gravy. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through heating for even warmth.

Conclusion

This Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes recipe is everything comfort food should be: warm, rich, hearty, and incredibly easy. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy with little fuss, this dish checks all the boxes. Make it your own with fun variations, pair it with a simple side, and enjoy the kind of dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Shredded Chicken Gravy on Mashed Potatoes

Author: Avery
Total Time: About 8 hours
Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 packs chicken breast
2 cans cream of chicken soup
2 cans water (use one of the cream of chicken cans to measure)
2 packets chicken gravy mix
Mashed potatoes (store-bought mix or homemade)
Butter (for the mashed potatoes)
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper (to season chicken)

Instructions

In a crockpot, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, water, and gravy mix packets until smooth.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then place them into the crockpot mixture.
Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Once done, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine everything into a rich, savory gravy.
Prepare mashed potatoes following package instructions or your favorite homemade method. Stir in butter to taste.
Serve a generous scoop of shredded chicken gravy over a mound of mashed potatoes.
Optional but highly recommended: serve with warm dinner rolls for the full comfort food experience.

Notes

This dish reheats beautifully — perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
You can use rotisserie chicken to speed things up. Just reduce the cook time since it’s already cooked.
Feel free to add a pinch of poultry seasoning or onion powder to deepen the flavor.
For a little extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
Calories: 420
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: shredded chicken, crockpot chicken, chicken and gravy, mashed potatoes, slow cooker, comfort food, weeknight dinner