This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm and comforting dish. Juicy chicken is cooked low and slow, soaking up all the tasty gravy goodness while becoming super tender!
It’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal with minimal fuss. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer dark meat, you can use thighs instead for a richer flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and depth. If you want a lighter option, try using cream of mushroom soup or a homemade version with chicken broth, milk, and flour as a thickener.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This is great for adding flavor. If you want to skip the mix, seasoning with dried herbs like dill and parsley can work in a pinch. You can also use your favorite salad dressings for a unique twist.
Brown Gravy Mix: This mix brings a savory touch. If you have extra time, making homemade gravy from roasted chicken drippings or a simple roux will elevate the dish even more.
Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth helps control salt levels, which I recommend. Vegetable broth can work well too if you’re looking for a non-meat option.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender in a Slow Cooker?
The key to tender chicken in a slow cooker is cooking it low and slow. Begin by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the cooker; they’ll absorb all the flavors from the gravy above.
- Combine all liquids and seasonings in a bowl and mix until smooth.
- Pour over your chicken breasts without stirring initially; this allows the chicken to soak up the flavors as it cooks.
- Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is best for tenderness, but if you’re in a hurry, 3-4 hours on high can work too. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
- When finished, always shred the chicken in the gravy for maximum flavor absorption.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. You will need to cook it in the slow cooker for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on your schedule. The result will be tender chicken that’s easy to serve over rice or mashed potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out so the gravy can get to all the pieces.
2. Make the Gravy Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well until the mixture is smooth and well mixed. This will be the flavorful gravy that makes the chicken so tasty!
3. Combine Chicken and Gravy:
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover the chicken completely with the gravy so that it stays moist while it cooks.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Now, you can set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Either way, the chicken will come out tender and delicious!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Using two forks, gently shred the chicken in the gravy. This will mix the flavors together and make it even more delicious!
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your meal! Serve the chicken and gravy over warm cooked rice or fluffy mashed potatoes. If you like, you can garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a little extra flavor and color.
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dig in and enjoy your comforting slow cooker chicken and gravy! It’s a perfect dish for any occasion.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low (so about 7-8 hours) or an additional 1-2 hours on high. There’s no need to thaw them first; the slow cooker will safely cook them directly from frozen.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade cream of chicken sauce made from a roux with milk or chicken broth instead. Alternatively, consider using cream of mushroom soup, or even a dairy-free soup if you need a suitable alternative!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free cream soup, and ensure the chicken broth you use is also dairy-free. The ranch dressing mix can be replaced with a homemade ranch seasoning mix made without dairy as well!
