This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is an easy, flavorful dish that will become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to go. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, and the creamy gravy is perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. Here’s a detailed guide to making this comfort food classic in your slow cooker!
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts (boneless is ideal, but bone-in can also work)
- 1 ounce dry ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix (usually 1 packet)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of condensed chicken soup
- 1 cup water or chicken broth (using broth adds extra flavor)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
- Grease the slow cooker:
- Lightly spray the inside of your Crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent the chicken and gravy from sticking during cooking. This also makes cleaning up easier afterward.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Place the chicken breasts:
- Lay the 4 skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crockpot. You can use fresh or frozen chicken (though frozen may require a bit more cooking time).
- Add the cream of chicken soup:
- Pour the entire can of cream of condensed chicken soup over the chicken breasts. The soup will act as the base for the gravy, making it thick and creamy.
- Add the ranch seasoning:
- Sprinkle the 1 ounce packet of dry ranch dressing mix evenly over the soup. This will add tons of flavor to the dish.
- Pour in the liquid:
- Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth over the top of the ranch seasoning. Broth adds more depth of flavor, but water works well if you’re looking to keep things light.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook:
- Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook the mixture on low for 7 hours. The chicken will become tender and juicy, and the sauce will thicken to create a creamy gravy.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Shred the chicken:
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily due to the slow cooking.
- Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot:
- Stir the shredded chicken back into the gravy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve over mashed potatoes:
- Spoon the creamy chicken and gravy over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. The dish is hearty and comforting, making it the perfect meal for family dinners.
Benefits of Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Easy and Convenient: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the Crockpot do the cooking while you go about your day.
- Minimal Prep: There’s no need for complex chopping or preparation. Just add the ingredients, and you’re good to go.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, and canned soup are affordable pantry staples, making this an inexpensive meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
- Time-Saving: Set it and forget it! Once the ingredients are in the slow cooker, you don’t need to worry about stirring or checking on the dish.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The creamy gravy and tender chicken are perfect for all ages.
- Versatile: You can serve this over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles. It’s easy to customize to your preference.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- A: Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Q: Can I substitute the ranch dressing mix?
- A: If you don’t have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can substitute it with Italian seasoning or use a homemade ranch seasoning blend (mix together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt).
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Yes! This recipe can be prepped the night before. Simply add all the ingredients to the Crockpot insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop the insert into the Crockpot, set it on low, and cook for 7 hours.
Q: Can I make this with other types of meat?
- A: Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork or beef, but be mindful of the different cooking times. Pork or beef may need a little more time to cook thoroughly.
Q: How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
- A: If the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Add the slurry into the gravy and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
- A: Definitely! You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor. Just add them to the Crockpot about 2 hours before the cooking time is finished, so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is an incredibly simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy days or when you’re craving comfort food. With minimal effort, you get a flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s an easy meal to prepare and enjoy!