As the aroma of savory chicken wafts through the kitchen, a sense of comfort and nostalgia washes over me—reminding me of family dinners where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the gravy. This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy has become a beloved staple in my home, a warm embrace on hectic weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the ultimate go-to dish for busy cooks who crave that comforting American cuisine without the fuss. Plus, it’s not just hearty and satisfying; it’s incredibly versatile, with seasonal variations that can keep your meals exciting throughout the year. Curious about how to create this delightful family meal that practically cooks itself? Let’s dive in! Why Choose Crockpot Chicken and Gravy? Easy Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks. Comforting Flavor: The rich, savory gravy envelops tender chicken, making it a satisfying dish that warms your soul. Versatile Variations: Swap in seasonal produce or adjust the spice level to keep things fresh; it’s perfect for every season! Family Favorite: This dish brings everyone to the table, creating memories with each comforting bite. For more timeless recipes, try our delicious Cheesy Chicken Spinach or Broccoli Chicken Penne for an equally satisfying meal. Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is a breeze, leaving you more time to unwind after dinner. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Ingredients For the Chicken • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – This is your main protein source, perfect for achieving tenderness. Thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness. For the Gravy • Ranch Dressing Mix – Adds a savory depth of flavor; feel free to omit it for a lighter dish. • Brown Gravy Mix – Thickens and flavors the gravy beautifully; consider using homemade brown gravy as an alternative. • Chicken Broth – Enhances the flavor of the dish; swap in vegetable broth for a lighter taste. • Cream of Chicken Soup – Provides a rich creaminess; you can replace it with a homemade white sauce if preferred. For the Finish • Sour Cream – Adds a velvety tang; plain yogurt can serve as a lighter substitute. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust these to your taste preference. • Chopped Parsley – Perfect for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crockpot. Make sure to arrange them evenly at the bottom, ensuring they lie flat. This helps them cook uniformly. No need to season yet; the flavors will develop as they simmer in the gravy mixture. Step 2: Mix the Sauce In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well-blended, creating a rich sauce. The textures should be even, without lumps, ready to enhance the succulent chicken in your crockpot. Step 3: Combine Carefully pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Use a spatula to spread it gently, ensuring each piece is well-coated. As the sauce seeps into the chicken, it will begin to break down the meat’s fibers, making it tender and flavorful during the cooking process. Step 4: Cook Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat, allowing the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to cook for about 6 hours. Make sure the lid fits snugly to retain moisture. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred with two forks, showcasing its juiciness. Step 5: Finish the Gravy Once the cooking time is up, uncover the pot and stir in the sour cream until it’s well incorporated into the gravy. This adds a velvety texture and tangy flavor to the sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting until it feels just right. Step 6: Serve Ladle the tender Crockpot Chicken and Gravy generously over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for soaking up the luxurious gravy, creating a homey, satisfying meal. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and a lovely pop of color. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Variations Feel free to make this cozy dish your own and elevate the flavors to suit your family’s taste buds! Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk in place of sour cream for a creamy texture without dairy. The subtle coconut flavor will enhance the dish beautifully. Vegetable Boost: Adding in chopped carrots, celery, and peas not only enhances nutrition but also adds lovely color and flavors to the gravy. Spicy Twist: For those who like a kick, toss in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to bring a delightful heat that warms the soul. Homemade Gravy: Swap out the brown gravy mix for your homemade version, allowing for a personalized flavor profile that feels extra special. Seasonal Add-Ins: Embrace the seasons! Try adding pumpkin puree in fall or diced tomatoes and fresh basil in the summer for a refreshing change. Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer more flavorful meat, substitute chicken breasts with thighs. The extra fat ensures maximum juiciness and tender texture. Herb Infusion: Spice up the gravy with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, added during cooking for an elevated flavor that brings culinary sophistication. Quicker Cooking: In a pinch for time? Opt for the pressure cooker setting to whip up a flavorful version of this dish in under an hour while still enjoying comfort food bliss! These variations are not just about enhancing the dish; they bring new life to an old favorite, ensuring that family dinners remain exciting. And for more delicious comfort meals, don’t miss our easy recipes like Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Fiery Chicken Ramen. Enjoy crafting your perfect crockpot creation! What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy As you savor the delightful aroma of slow-cooked chicken, let’s explore some perfect pairings that will elevate your meal! Fluffy Biscuits: These warm, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy, creating a comforting bite in every mouthful. They add a delightful texture that perfectly balances the dish. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Luxurious and velvety, mashed potatoes are a classic companion that provide a smooth canvas for the savory gravy to embrace. Each spoonful transports you back to family dinners filled with love. Steamed Green Beans: Bright and tender, green beans bring a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken and gravy. Their vibrant color adds a lovely visual touch to your dinner plate. Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread offers a crunchy texture and garlicky goodness that complements the savory notes of the chicken and gravy. It invites everyone to savor each comforting bite as they soak up the flavors. Cornbread: Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread adds a delightful flavor contrast to the salty richness of the dish. It also adds warmth and nostalgia to your dining experience. Crisp Garden Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the gravy, offering a bright contrast. Every bite adds a refreshing twist to this cozy meal. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc enhances the savory notes of the dish, making each bite even more delightful. The light acidity elevates the overall dining experience. Chocolate Cake: End your comforting meal on a sweet note with a slice of rich chocolate cake. It rounds off the flavors beautifully, leaving everyone with a smile on their face, reminiscing about the good times around the table. Make Ahead Options These Crockpot Chicken and Gravy are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken and sauce combination up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. When you’re ready to cook, simply place the chicken breasts in the crockpot, pour the sauce over them, and cover. Cook on low for about 6 hours, then stir in sour cream before serving. This way, you’ll enjoy a heartwarming meal that’s just as delicious and ready with minimal effort! Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy • Searing the Chicken: For enhanced flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot to create a lovely golden crust. • Check Thawing: Ensure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking; this promotes even cooking and prevents rubbery texture. • Adjust Gravy Thickness: If you find the gravy too thin, create a slurry with equal parts flour and cold water, then stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. • Seasonal Additions: Experiment with seasonal vegetables like carrots in winter or fresh peas in spring to elevate your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy while keeping things exciting. • Cook Time Caution: Be mindful of your cooking time; avoid opening the lid frequently, as each peek releases steam, affecting cooking efficiency. Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup. Freezer: If you want to save portions for later, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy from separating. Adding a splash of broth can help restore creaminess. Serving Again: When you’re ready to enjoy your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, make sure it’s heated to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? For optimal tenderness, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re seeking extra juiciness, substituting in chicken thighs can elevate the dish beautifully! How do I store leftovers of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup, ensuring the gravy maintains its delicious consistency. Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken and Gravy? Absolutely! You can freeze portions in a suitable container for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply move it to the fridge overnight. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth and creamy. What should I do if my gravy turns out too thin? If your gravy is thinner than desired, don’t worry! You can create a slurry by mixing equal parts of flour and cold water and whisking it until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken nicely as it finishes. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? For those with allergies, it’s best to check the specific mixes and ingredients you use, particularly the ranch dressing and cream of chicken soup, as they may contain common allergens. If you have pets, please avoid giving them any leftovers with seasoning or gravy, as some ingredients can be harmful to animals. What are some variations I can try with this recipe? Get creative! For fall flavors, consider adding pumpkin puree and warming spices. In the winter, diced carrots and celery can incorporate some seasonal veggies. Spring is great for fresh peas, and for summer, you might toss in some diced tomatoes or fresh basil for a delightful twist! Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Comfort Food Made Easy Enjoy this comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for a delicious family meal that's easy to prepare. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.For the Gravy1 packet Ranch Dressing Mix Adds a savory depth of flavor.1 packet Brown Gravy Mix Thickens and flavors the gravy beautifully.1 cup Chicken Broth Enhances the flavor of the dish.1 can Cream of Chicken Soup Provides a rich creaminess.For the Finish1 cup Sour Cream Adds a velvety tang.to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.2 tbsp Chopped Parsley For garnish. Equipment Crockpot Method Step-By-Step InstructionsPlace the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crockpot, ensuring they lie flat.In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Whisk until smooth.Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat, allowing to cook for about 6 hours.Once cooked, stir in the sour cream until well incorporated into the gravy.Ladle the Chicken and Gravy over rice or mashed potatoes and garnish with chopped parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesFor enhanced flavor, sear the chicken before adding to the crockpot. Ensure chicken is fully thawed for even cooking. Adjust gravy thickness if needed with a slurry of flour and water. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
