Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a classic comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, savory gravy—perfectly paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits. The crockpot does all the work, making it an ideal set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days. The chicken turns out juicy, and the gravy is flavorful, thick, and so comforting!
Here’s how to make it:
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix (or 1 tablespoon homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 packet of onion soup mix (or 1 tablespoon of onion powder)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts or chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. You don’t need to sear the chicken beforehand; it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper.
2. Add the Seasonings:
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and onion soup mix over the chicken. These mixes bring so much flavor to the dish, so don’t skip them!
3. Add the Gravy Ingredients:
- Pour the can of cream of chicken soup over the chicken, spreading it evenly. This forms the base of the gravy.
- Add chicken broth (or water) and stir to combine everything.
- If you want an extra rich gravy, add 1 tablespoon of butter on top of the chicken and soup mixture.
4. Cook:
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- After the cooking time is up, the chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shred with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. The chicken should fall apart easily, and the gravy will thicken up slightly.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy, making sure everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. It’s also great with a side of steamed veggies or a green salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple & Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, onion soup mix, and cream of chicken soup makes for a rich, savory gravy that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
- Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken low and slow in the crockpot results in chicken that is juicy, tender, and easy to shred.
- Convenience: It’s a perfect busy-day meal—set it and forget it!
Tips & Variations:
- Creamy Gravy: For an even creamier gravy, you can add a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese toward the end of cooking.
- Add Veggies: If you want to add some veggies, you can toss in some carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms at the beginning, right along with the chicken. They will cook with the chicken and absorb all the savory flavors.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the gravy for a little heat.
- For Extra Flavor: Try adding garlic powder, paprika, or thyme to the seasoning mix to elevate the flavor even more.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: This is the classic side for chicken and gravy, and it soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Rice: Perfect for soaking up the creamy gravy.
- Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are perfect for sopping up the gravy.
- Steamed Veggies: Green beans, peas, or broccoli make a great side to balance the richness of the dish.
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a no-fuss, comforting dish that will become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy days, and with its rich, creamy gravy, it’s sure to please everyone at the table! Enjoy!