Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy gravy. This easy, hands-off recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to come home to a warm, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a comforting and satisfying dinner. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 packets (0.87 oz each) chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Gravy Mixture
- Mix Gravy Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Layer Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
Step 2: Assemble and Cook
- Add Gravy Mixture: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken breasts are fully coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken (Optional)
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is done, you can shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks, or leave the chicken breasts whole if preferred.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a more tender result.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding salt and black pepper as needed. The ranch seasoning and gravy mix already provide a lot of flavor, so taste before adding extra salt.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Add sliced carrots, diced potatoes, or green beans to the slow cooker for a complete one-pot meal.
- Spicy Twist: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture for a little heat.
- Creamy Ranch Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Buttered Egg Noodles: Pair with buttered egg noodles to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- Rice: Spoon the chicken and gravy over steamed rice for a simple and hearty meal.
- Biscuits: Serve with warm biscuits on the side to complete the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW to ensure they cook through fully.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough. Make sure the chicken is in a single layer for even cooking, or adjust cooking time if needed.
Can I Make This Dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this dish in an Instant Pot. Use the “Sauté” function to combine the ingredients, then cook on “Manual” high pressure for 12 minutes, followed by a natural release.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can enjoy tender chicken smothered in rich, creamy gravy. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, and it pairs well with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and come home to a delicious meal that will warm your heart and soul.
Happy Cooking!
