If you’re craving comfort food that’s effortless to prepare but endlessly satisfying, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a creamy, savory dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, flavorful bites swimming in rich gravy, all made in one slow cooker. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends, this recipe fills your kitchen with welcoming aromas and your table with warmth and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward ingredients is all it takes to create this heartwarming meal. Each component brings its own charm—whether it’s the creamy richness, the tangy ranch flavor, or the hearty chicken flavor—making this dish balanced and delightful.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein that becomes irresistibly tender after slow cooking.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds luscious creaminess and depth to the gravy.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix: Infuses a tangy, herby punch that elevates every bite.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the mixture moist and enhances the savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This creates a solid base and allows the chicken to cook evenly as it soaks in all those amazing flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Saucy Goodness
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth until smooth. This blend is what makes the gravy uniquely creamy and flavorful, turning everyday chicken into something truly special.
Step 3: Combine and Season
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are nicely coated. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper over the top, adjusting to your taste to ensure every bite has the perfect seasoning.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking melts the chicken into tenderness and lets the flavors mingle beautifully, resulting in a luscious gravy.
Step 5: Shred and Stir
Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks right in the crockpot. Stir it around in the gravy to combine all that saucy goodness with the tender pieces, making every forkful a delight.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite comfort food base for a soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the rich gravy. You can also add a dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed white rice, which soak up all the luscious gravy. For a lighter contrast, roasted veggies or a crisp green salad add texture and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken and gravy over buttery biscuits or inside warm dinner rolls for a comforting sandwich. Another idea is to turn it into a pot pie filling or layer it in a casserole for family-style gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delicious meal, store leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making lunches or dinners easy and tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the gravy has thickened too much to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid any food safety risks. If using frozen, cook on low and add extra time to be sure the chicken is fully cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
The cream of chicken soup and ranch mix typically contain dairy. However, you can find dairy-free or vegan alternatives for these ingredients and still create a delicious version of this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding carrots, peas, or mushrooms in the last couple of hours of cooking can boost the flavor and nutrition. Just make sure not to add watery vegetables too early, so your gravy stays rich and thick.
What can I substitute for ranch dressing mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can make a simple mix from dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. This lets you customize the flavor to your liking.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Yes, you can double or even triple this recipe for more servings. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe has quickly become my go-to when I want a fuss-free, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the slow cooker’s magic means you can come home to a dish full of flavor and comfort every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite too!
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 Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting and effortless meal perfect for busy days. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy blend of cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth create a flavorful gravy that’s delicious over rice or mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and cook time dependent on your schedule, this dish is ideal for hands-off cooking and hearty family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 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 Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, arranging them evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Add Sauce to Crockpot: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the mixture according to your taste preferences.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy gravy.
- Serve: Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over hot rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to dietary needs.
- You can add vegetables such as peas or carrots in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
