Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the kind of no-fail comfort food that makes dinner effortless yet satisfying. This slow-cooked dish features tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. With just a handful of pantry staples, this dump-and-go recipe delivers slow-cooked comfort with minimal prep. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or craving warm, filling food on a cold day, this recipe is a dependable and delicious choice. Its rich Southern-style flavor and fork-tender texture make it a weeknight favorite you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (0.87 oz) packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker in an even layer.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Do not stir.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily.
Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Stir well to combine the meat with the gravy.
Step 6: If using, add cream cheese at this point and stir gently. Let it melt into the sauce during the final 30 minutes of cooking for added creaminess.
Step 7: Once fully heated and incorporated, give everything a final stir. Serve hot over your favorite starch or side.
Variation
- Creamy Herb Twist: Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary with the gravy mix for an herbaceous touch.
- Vegetable Add-In: Stir in cooked peas or steamed green beans before serving to make it a full meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mushroom Gravy Option: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for an earthy flavor.
- Southern Style: Serve it over open-faced biscuits or with cornbread for a more traditional Southern presentation.
Cooking Note
Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts for a juicier, richer flavor. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to retain heat and ensure tender meat. If the gravy is too thin after shredding the chicken, you can uncover the lid and cook on HIGH for an additional 15–20 minutes to reduce and thicken the mixture naturally. The optional cream cheese helps mellow the saltiness and adds a velvety finish, but it’s not required.
Serving Suggestions
- Spoon it generously over buttery mashed potatoes
- Serve it atop fluffy white or brown rice
- Pair with wide egg noodles for a homestyle pasta meal
- Pile onto toasted sandwich rolls or open-faced biscuits for a comforting sandwich
- Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or Southern-style green beans for a complete plate
Tips
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to avoid over-salting since the gravy and ranch packets already contain seasoning.
- Leftovers thicken beautifully and are ideal for sandwiches or wraps the next day.
- You can prep this recipe the night before, just store everything (except cream cheese) in the slow cooker insert in the fridge and start it in the morning.
- For added flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker (optional).
- If doubling the recipe, increase cook time by 30–45 minutes on LOW.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (on LOW)
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 385 per serving
Protein: 36g
Sodium: 1020mg
(Values are approximate and may vary depending on brands used.)
FAQs
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
- Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use frozen chicken?
- For food safety, it’s recommended to thaw chicken fully before placing it in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy. It can also be microwaved in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?
- Yes, you can omit the ranch or substitute with ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, dried dill, and parsley.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Not by default, since many gravy mixes and soups contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soup and gravy packets.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, perfect over potatoes, rice, or biscuits. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe delivers cozy, slow-cooked satisfaction the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weekday, hosting guests, or batch-prepping for the week ahead, this dish delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a permanent part of your cold-weather dinner rotation.