When the craving for a hearty, home-cooked meal hits, but time is short, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe swoops in as your culinary superhero! Imagine succulent, tender chicken enveloped in a rich, savory gravy, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. It’s the kind of comforting dish that warms you from the inside out and brings everyone to the table with a smile.
This recipe is designed for ease without sacrificing flavor. Simply combine a few pantry staples, set your crockpot, and return hours later to a delicious, aromatic meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or simply when you want to enjoy a delicious dinner without standing over the stove.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Family Favorite
- Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, giving you more time for other activities.
- Amazingly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts remain incredibly juicy and shreddable.
- Rich, Velvety Gravy: The combination of ingredients creates a deeply flavorful and thick gravy that coats every bite.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to noodles or rice.
Forget complicated dinners; this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is here to simplify your life and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into how to make this incredibly easy and delicious dish!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe relies on a few simple ingredients to create maximum flavor:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 ounce) brown gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the full recipe card below.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Getting this dish into your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper. Place them evenly at the bottom of your crockpot. This simple step adds a foundational layer of flavor to your chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and chicken broth until completely smooth and well combined. This mixture will transform into your rich, flavorful gravy as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine in the Crockpot
Pour the prepared gravy mixture directly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure that the chicken is fully covered by the liquid for optimal tenderness and flavor infusion.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours, or on the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it's incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy gravy until it's well combined. Serve this delightful dish hot over your favorite sides and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Looking for another comforting chicken recipe? Try my Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Don't Peek! Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.
- Adjust Gravy Thickness: If your gravy is too thin, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high to thicken. For more tips on making perfect gravy, check out this guide on The Kitchn.
- Chicken Thighs Work Too: While chicken breasts are specified, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for an even juicier result.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is truly a meal in itself, but it shines even brighter with the right accompaniments:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic pairing! The mashed potatoes soak up all the delicious gravy.
- Fluffy White Rice: A simple and satisfying base.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: For a comforting pasta option, similar to my Easy Chicken Tetrazzini.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or asparagus add a healthy crunch.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing gravy.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and minimal effort can create an incredibly satisfying and delicious meal. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself. We hope this becomes a staple in your home, bringing warmth and flavor to your family table. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply add an extra hour to the low cooking time or 30 minutes to the high setting to ensure it cooks through completely. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165u00b0F (74u00b0C).
What are the best side dishes to serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or even a side of roasted vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
How long can I store leftovers and how should I reheat them?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the gravy has become too thick.
Can I add vegetables to this crockpot chicken recipe?
Absolutely! For added nutrients and flavor, feel free to add chopped carrots, celery, sliced mushrooms, or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking. This makes it a complete one-pot meal!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
This easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe delivers incredibly tender chicken enveloped in a rich, savory gravy, making it the perfect comforting meal for any day.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
1 packet (1 ounce) brown gravy mix
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Place them evenly at the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, and chicken broth until completely smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour the prepared gravy mixture directly over the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure that the chicken is fully covered by the liquid for optimal tenderness and flavor infusion.
Step 4: Cover your crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours, or on the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it's incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5: Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy gravy until it's well combined.
Step 6: Serve this delightful dish hot over your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker gravy, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This recipe is also excellent with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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