If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically cooks itself, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slowly simmered in a rich, creamy gravy with just the right blend of savory flavors, all coming together with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction. This dish is not only incredibly easy but also packed with cozy goodness that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe delivers on flavor and comfort in the most effortless way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create this dreamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. Each component plays an important role in building layers of flavor and creating that perfect, velvety texture you’ll love.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays tender and juicy when slow-cooked.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and a comforting thickness to the gravy.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix: Infuses the dish with a burst of savory herbs and tangy notes.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Combines all the flavors while keeping the gravy perfectly saucy.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing those beautiful boneless, skinless chicken breasts right in the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures they’ll slowly cook in all the delicious sauce and stay super tender after hours of simmering.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. This trio creates an irresistible creamy base that will become your savory, luscious gravy.
Step 3: Pour and Season
Pour your smooth sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts nestled in the crockpot. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper across the top to bring out all the flavors even more.
Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook the dish on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking lets the chicken absorb all those savory flavors and become tender enough to shred with ease.
Step 5: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken throughout the creamy gravy so every bite is perfectly coated and flavorful.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme brightens this dish with color and a hint of freshness. For an extra touch, a dash of cracked black pepper on top adds an appealing contrast that makes the gravy look even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or steaming white rice. The creamy gravy soaks into these sides beautifully, making every bite rich and satisfying. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also pair wonderfully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, use the shredded chicken and gravy as a topping for biscuits or a baked potato. You can even spoon it over buttered egg noodles to create a comforting casserole-style dish. The versatility of this recipe means you can adapt it to whatever you have on hand or what your family loves the most.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want a quick comfort meal, just thaw and reheat without losing any of the creamy flavor or tender texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the gravy back up for that fresh-from-the-crockpot creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they’re fully tender.
Is ranch dressing mix necessary?
While it’s key to that tasty, herb-packed flavor, you can substitute it with your own mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley if you don’t have ranch on hand.
Can I double this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works well if you need to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure your crockpot is big enough to accommodate the extra volume.
What can I serve this with for a low-carb option?
Try serving the shredded chicken and gravy over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli to keep it low-carb without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Check that your cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing mix are gluten-free, or use homemade versions to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines ease, flavor, and that wholesome, cozy feeling, you’ve got to try this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s a timeless comfort food winner that’s both simple enough for busy weekdays and special enough for relaxed weekends. Once you make it, it’ll probably become one of your go-to recipes for feeding family and friends with love and minimal effort.
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is incredibly simple to make and perfect for a hearty meal. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a flavorful mixture of cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth, resulting in a creamy, savory gravy that pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes. Ideal for busy days, this recipe offers a delicious homemade taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Gravy Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot evenly.
- Make the gravy mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. Stir well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add the gravy to the chicken: Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken and gravy to your taste preference.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir it well with the gravy to combine thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the shredded chicken and creamy gravy hot over cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Cooking time can vary based on your crockpot model, so check chicken tenderness before serving.
- For a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving can enhance the flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth and soup options to control salt content.
