Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with this Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe. Combining simple pantry staples, this dish delivers tender chicken bathed in rich, creamy gravy.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Made effortlessly in your slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Serve up this comforting slow cooker chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to bring everyone to the table happy and satisfied.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe stands out for its ease and flavor. Minimal prep means you can throw all the ingredients in your crockpot and come back to a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Arrange the chicken breasts or cutlets in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker.
- Spoon the cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix across the top.
- Pour 1 cup of water or broth over the layered ingredients, being careful not to disturb the seasoning too much.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6–8 hours, or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) 30 minutes before serving to thicken the gravy.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy this comforting dish.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!The combination of ranch seasoning and cream of chicken soup creates a savory gravy that perfectly complements the juicy chicken breasts. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s budget-friendly, adaptable, and ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
Optional Enhancements
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to thicken gravy)
- Black pepper and garlic powder (to taste)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Frozen vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
For great results with slow cooker chicken and gravy, use fresh or frozen chicken breasts, the slow cooker does all the work. Cream of mushroom or celery soup substitutes perfectly for cream of chicken soup, introducing new flavors. If ranch seasoning isn’t on hand, consider chicken gravy mix, onion soup mix, or even taco seasoning for tasty variations. Use chicken broth or water to keep the recipe free of alcohol and pork. For a thicker gravy, cornstarch mixed with water is your best friend.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Lightly spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Step 2 – Assemble the Ingredients
Arrange the chicken breasts or cutlets in a single layer at the base of the slow cooker.
Step 3 – Add Soup and Seasonings
Spoon the cream of chicken soup evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix across the top.
Step 4 – Pour the Liquid
Carefully pour 1 cup of water or broth over the layered ingredients, trying not to break up the seasoning too much.
Step 5 – Cook to Perfection
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 6 – Shred the Chicken and Finish Gravy
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. If desired, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy about 30 minutes before the end of cooking to thicken.
Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy
Serve this flavorful slow cooker chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Frozen chicken breasts can be used; simply add 30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps in the gravy.
- Avoid stirring the ingredients before cooking to maintain even seasoning distribution.
- Add frozen vegetables such as peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- Leftover slow cooker chicken and gravy freezes well for up to three months.
- Cooking on low yields the most tender chicken with rich flavor development.
Looking for another effortless crockpot dinner?
Don’t miss my Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken — a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings sunshine to your dinner table. Tender chicken, fresh garlic, and lemony gravy come together in one easy slow cooker recipe!
Flavor Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Replace cream of chicken with cream of mushroom or celery soup for new taste profiles.
- Use taco seasoning or onion soup mix instead of ranch seasoning for different flavors.
- Stir in sour cream after cooking for a creamy, tangy gravy.
- Add smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
- Incorporate cooked turkey bacon bits as a pork-free flavor enhancer.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker chicken and gravy pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles or pasta
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Soft bread rolls perfect for soaking up gravy
Balance your meal with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad.
Storage and Freezing for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Keep leftovers fresh by storing in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Reheat gently in a slow cooker or microwave, adding broth if the gravy thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330 | 35g | 8g | 15g | 0-1g | 800mg |
Frequently Asked Questions about Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Can I cook this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, frozen chicken breasts can be used in this slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe. Just increase cooking time by about 30 minutes.
How do I thicken the gravy?
To thicken the gravy, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons cold water and mix into the slow cooker roughly 30 minutes before serving.
What substitutes can replace ranch seasoning?
Try onion soup mix, chicken gravy mix, or taco seasoning as flavorful alternatives to ranch seasoning.
What’s the best way to make smaller portions?
Simply halve all ingredients and adjust the slow cooking time slightly. This recipe scales easily.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker chicken and gravy?
Yes! Adding frozen vegetables like peas or carrots about an hour before the end of cooking boosts nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe brings unmatched simplicity and rich flavor to your kitchen. With affordable ingredients and hands-off cooking, it’s an ideal dish for busy families and meal preppers alike. Whether served over potatoes, rice, or noodles, the tender chicken bathed in creamy gravy makes every meal memorable.
Curious about why lean protein like chicken is a healthy choice?
Learn more about balanced protein intake on the Harvard Nutrition Source.