There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty meal that requires little effort yet yields big flavor. That’s where Crockpot Chicken and Gravy shines. This slow-cooked dish features tender chicken simmered in a savory, rich gravy that is perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how well the slow cooker transforms basic ingredients into a deliciously comforting meal.
Why Choose Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
The appeal of a slow-cooked meal is hard to ignore. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing the Crockpot to do all the work. As the chicken cooks low and slow, it becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors of the gravy, which is made from a perfect blend of chicken broth, seasonings, and a bit of creaminess. The result is a mouthwatering, melt-in-your-mouth dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Here’s a simple list of ingredients that you’ll need to make this comforting meal:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and tender, while chicken breasts are leaner but still delicious when cooked slowly.
- Gravy Mix: A packet of dry ranch seasoning, onion soup mix, or brown gravy mix adds great flavor to the gravy. Alternatively, you can use homemade seasoning blends.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the gravy. It ensures the chicken stays moist and helps form the rich sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess to the gravy, making it smooth and velvety.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any additional herbs like thyme or rosemary, can elevate the flavor.
Ingredients:
Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Gravy Mix: 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning, onion soup mix, or brown gravy mix (or homemade seasoning blend)
Chicken Broth: 2 cups chicken broth
Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
Optional additions:
Carrots, potatoes, or onions (for added vegetables)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, if desired)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the Crockpot. There’s no need to brown the chicken beforehand, as the slow cooker will do the work. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and the seasoning mix of your choice. For a simple mix, combine a packet of ranch seasoning or onion soup mix with chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Pour the Gravy Over the Chicken
Once your gravy mixture is ready, pour it over the chicken breasts in the Crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well-covered with the liquid to ensure it stays moist as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The low-and-slow method is best, as it allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors and become incredibly tender.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crockpot. It should fall apart easily. Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy to combine, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Crockpot chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For an extra touch, add some steamed vegetables or a side salad. The tender chicken and creamy gravy will make every bite a delight.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, you can add carrots, potatoes, or onions to the Crockpot in the beginning. These will cook along with the chicken and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir it into the gravy, and let it cook until thickened.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For added flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just be sure to remove the bones before serving.
- Make it Spicy: Add some heat by tossing in red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Minimal Effort: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish practically makes itself.
- Family-Friendly: The rich, comforting flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: You can serve it with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to rice or even over biscuits.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken is an affordable protein, and this recipe makes it go a long way, feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the gravy is so rich and flavorful that it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a small dinner, this dish will quickly become a go-to recipe. So, next time you need a hearty meal with minimal effort, pull out your Crockpot and let it work its magic!
