Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy: An Easy Comfort Food Recipe
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There’s something incredibly special about a meal that evokes warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort with every bite. Our Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe does just that! This dish is a true family favorite, delivering tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy gravy that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel cozy and satisfied, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners. With minimal effort, your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful experience.
Whether you serve it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, hearty egg noodles, or steamy white rice, this slow cooker chicken and gravy promises a meal that’s both incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with classic, comforting flavors. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to an effortlessly delicious dinner that will become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Effortlessly Simple: This is truly a “dump and go” recipe. Just combine your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it do all the work. Perfect for busy schedules!
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, and ranch seasoning creates a savory, rich, and incredibly delicious gravy that coats every piece of tender chicken.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s a reason chicken and gravy is a classic. It’s hearty, satisfying, and brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot (your slow cooker!) means less time spent on dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Simple Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
This recipe thrives on classic, comforting flavors that are both easy to find and come together beautifully. I firmly believe that starting with cream of chicken soup is always a good foundation for a heartwarming, savory recipe like this!
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and shred easily. You’ll want about 1 pound, which typically amounts to 2-3 breasts depending on size. Chicken thighs can also be used for an even richer flavor and moisture, just be sure they’re boneless and skinless if you prefer easy shredding.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This canned soup is the secret to a velvety, rich base for our gravy. It adds a depth of flavor and creaminess that is hard to beat. If you don’t have cream of chicken, cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can also work as a substitution, offering a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.
- Brown Gravy Powder Mix: This is a fantastic shortcut for creating a thick, savory gravy. I often opt for a reduced-sodium Walmart brand to ensure the dish isn’t overly salty, especially since other ingredients can also contribute sodium. You can use any brand you prefer, but always check the sodium content if you’re mindful of salt intake.
- Ranch Dressing Seasoning Powder Mix: This might sound unusual, but trust me, it adds an incredible boost of savory, herbaceous flavor that elevates the gravy significantly. I always keep packets of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning on hand for this and many other recipes. It’s a fantastic secret weapon for adding an extra layer of deliciousness!
- Water: Used to thin the soup and seasoning mixes into a pourable gravy consistency. For an even richer flavor, you could substitute chicken broth or stock for the water.
How to Make the Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Preparing this incredibly satisfying meal couldn’t be simpler, making it a perfect choice for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked dinner without the fuss.
- Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by greasing your slow cooker insert with a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom and makes cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker liner for even easier cleanup – simply place it in the slow cooker before adding ingredients.
- Mix the Gravy Base: In the bottom of your prepared slow cooker, combine the canned cream of chicken soup, the brown gravy powder mix, the ranch dressing seasoning powder mix, and the water. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and there are no lumps from the dry mixes. This ensures a smooth and consistent gravy.
- Add and Coat the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker on top of the gravy mixture. Give everything a good stir, making sure that each piece of chicken is completely coated in the flavorful soup mixture. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks and stays wonderfully moist.
- Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. You can also use a hand mixer for super quick and effortless shredding. Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy gravy. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy this incredibly comforting meal!
What to Serve with Your Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
This slow cooker chicken is wonderfully juicy, tender, and incredibly comforting, making it a versatile main dish. To fully embrace the comfort food experience, there are several fantastic side dishes that pair perfectly with the rich, savory gravy.
- Mashed Potatoes: This is arguably the most classic and beloved pairing! The creamy gravy sinks into fluffy mashed potatoes, creating an unforgettable combination. My Garlic and Herb Butter Mashed Potatoes would be absolutely divine with this chicken, adding an extra layer of aromatic flavor. You can also go for simple buttered mashed potatoes or even cheesy mashed potatoes for an extra indulgence.
- Egg Noodles: If you’re not in the mood for potatoes, serving this chicken and gravy over a bed of warm, tender egg noodles is an excellent alternative. The noodles are perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious gravy, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
- Rice: Whether you prefer white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice, it makes a great base for this dish. The grains absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, offering a different texture and lighter feel than potatoes or noodles, while still providing a comforting foundation.
- Steamed Vegetables: For a burst of freshness and a touch of green, I always recommend serving this meal with some steamed vegetables on the side. Some people might find my love for peas a bit odd, but I genuinely believe they are the perfect complement to classic American comfort meals like this one. Other great options include steamed green beans, broccoli florets, or even roasted carrots and parsnips for a slightly sweeter, earthy note.
- Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Don’t forget something to sop up every last bit of that amazing gravy! Warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for this. Garlic bread would also be a fantastic addition, adding another layer of savory flavor.
Tips and Variations for Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Add Vegetables to the Slow Cooker: For an all-in-one meal, consider adding chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Add them at the beginning for tender results.
- Thicken the Gravy: If your gravy isn’t as thick as you’d like it, you can easily thicken it after cooking. Remove the shredded chicken, then create a slurry with 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water. Stir the slurry into the hot gravy in the slow cooker, switch to HIGH, and cook for another 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Make it Creamier: For an even richer, creamier gravy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a block of cream cheese (cut into cubes) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can be stirred in just before serving for a fresh, vibrant flavor boost. Dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added with the other seasonings.
- Using Frozen Chicken: While fresh chicken is recommended, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Add an extra hour or two to the cooking time on LOW, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Storage and Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy makes fantastic leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the gravy as it can thicken in the fridge.
This dish also freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try
If you love easy and flavorful chicken dishes, be sure to explore some of my other favorites:
Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbecue Chicken – A sweet and savory delight perfect for sandwiches or rice bowls.
Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Potatoes – A fun, crunchy twist on chicken, paired with flavorful potatoes.
Greek Potatoes and Chicken Thighs – Mediterranean-inspired flavors for a fresh and zesty meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 tbsp reduced-sodium brown gravy powder mix
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing seasoning powder mix
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Grease a slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the cream of chicken soup, brown gravy mix, ranch dressing mix, and water and whisk to combine until smooth. Add the chicken breasts and stir well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker with two forks (or a hand mixer for convenience) and stir it back into the creamy gravy. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Enjoy this delightful comfort food!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.