Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe has become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights. It’s one of those dishes that fills the air with mouthwatering aromas while slowly simmering away in your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before dinner is even served.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a simple weekday dinner, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Serve it over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
• Family-friendly flavors: The creamy gravy combined with tender chicken makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Wholesome ingredients: Made with simple, good-for-you foods that you can feel great about serving to your loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need to create this delicious meal!

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs, similar size (6-8 oz each))
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz packet)
• 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 oz packet)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can, condensed)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (added at the end)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or what flavors you enjoy!

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even tofu for a plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or chopped carrots to incorporate more nutrients into your meal.
• Change up the seasoning: Experiment with different spice blends like Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning for a unique twist.
• Make it spicier: If you like a kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the gravy mixture before cooking.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps them cook evenly and absorb all those yummy flavors from the gravy.

Step 2: Mix the Gravy Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Mixing until smooth ensures there are no lumps—this creates that rich texture we all love.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pour the delightful gravy mixture over your chicken breasts. Make sure each piece is fully coated; this is where all those delicious flavors will infuse into your chicken during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all that savory goodness. Plus, you’ll be treated to an irresistible aroma wafting through your home!

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. It’s super easy when it’s hot! This step gives your dish that comforting “pulled” texture that’s so enjoyable.

Step 6: Stir in Sour Cream

Turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream. This addition adds creaminess to our gravy, making it even more luscious and satisfying.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Taste your creation and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Finally, serve this hearty chicken and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for that final touch of flavor. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Creating a delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is easy, but these simple tips can elevate your dish to something truly special!

• Choose the right chicken: Opt for chicken breasts that are similar in size. This ensures even cooking throughout, resulting in tender, juicy meat.

• Mix thoroughly: Whisk the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. This helps to avoid lumps in your gravy and ensures every bite is flavorful.

• Don’t rush the cooking time: Allow the chicken to cook on low for the full six hours. This slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste and season with salt and pepper after adding sour cream. This way, you can tailor the flavor profile to your liking without over-salting early on.

• Keep it warm for serving: If you’re not ready to serve immediately, keep the crockpot on warm. This keeps your meal at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Serving your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Lemon zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest adds a zesty brightness that contrasts deliciously with the creamy gravy.

Side Dishes

• Steamed green beans: These provide a crunchy texture that balances well with the soft chicken and gravy.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic are a classic pairing that absorbs all that rich gravy beautifully.
• Roasted carrots: Sweet, caramelized carrots add a lovely sweetness that complements the savory notes of the dish.
• Quinoa pilaf: For a healthy twist, quinoa pilaf offers nutty flavors and a lovely fluffy texture that’s perfect for soaking up gravy.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a comforting meal that will leave everyone satisfied! Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Chicken and Gravy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the week. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just want to save time, this dish stores and reheats wonderfully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label containers with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken and gravy overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on low in a saucepan on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that you might have!

Can I make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy without ranch seasoning?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ranch dressing mix with a blend of herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. It’s tender enough to shred easily with forks when it’s fully cooked.

What should I serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles. Don’t forget some steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in my Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook them on low for about 8 hours instead of 6 hours to ensure they cook through safely.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe as comforting as I do! It’s not only easy to make but also brings that warm, homey feeling with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing meals ahead of time, I’m sure you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is. Enjoy making this dish and share it with your loved ones – happy cooking!