Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm and comforting meal that’s super easy to make. Just toss chicken, creamy gravy, and a few spices into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
You won’t believe how tender the chicken becomes! I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes—trust me, it makes everything even better! Who can resist a hearty bowl like that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe because they cook evenly and become tender. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs or even bone-in chicken pieces, just adjust cooking time as needed.
Cream of chicken soup: This is the base of your gravy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using reduced-fat cream of chicken soup or a homemade version using chicken broth and flour. A cream of mushroom soup can work too if you enjoy that flavor.
Ranch seasoning mix: This adds a nice flavor twist. You can make a homemade ranch seasoning blend using herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if you don’t have the packet on hand.
Chicken broth: Provides extra moisture to the dish. Low-sodium chicken broth is a great alternative if you’re watching your salt intake. Vegetable broth can also work, especially if you’d like a lighter flavor.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely touch, but dried thyme is just as good. You could also swap it with Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence for a different herbal flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender in the Slow Cooker?
Keeping chicken tender in a slow cooker is all about cooking it gently and making sure it’s well-coated in the sauce. Here are some helpful tips:
- Always start with enough liquid. The cream of chicken soup and broth will keep the chicken moist.
- Cook on low for longer periods (6 to 7 hours is ideal) to break down the fibers and make it tender.
- Avoid lifting the lid too frequently as this can let out heat and extend cooking time.
After cooking, shredding the chicken in the sauce will soak up even more flavor and keep it juicy. Give it a try for a really satisfying meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Gravy Mixture:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful slow cooker chicken and gravy takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to let it cook for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high, adjusting based on your schedule. It’s a perfect meal to set and forget!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Gravy Mixture:
In your slow cooker, mix together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir everything well so that the flavors blend nicely.
2. Adding the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure to coat them thoroughly with the gravy mixture. This will help keep the chicken juicy and flavor-packed.
3. Seasoning with Thyme:
Sprinkle the fresh thyme (or dried thyme) over the chicken. This will add an aromatic touch to your dish that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6 to 7 hours; if you’re in a hurry, high for 3 to 4 hours will work too. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and tender.
5. Shredding or Serving Whole:
After cooking, you can either use two forks to shred the chicken right in the sauce for a cozy texture or serve the chicken breasts whole, topped with the yummy gravy.
6. Ready to Serve:
Serve your delicious chicken and gravy hot over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Feel free to drizzle some extra gravy on top for that lovely, savory touch!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on the high setting for about 4 to 5 hours instead of 3 to 4 hours to ensure it’s fully cooked. No need to thaw it first; just pop it straight into the slow cooker with the gravy mixture!
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade mixture of milk, butter, and flour for a quick alternative. To make your homemade version, combine 1/2 cup of milk with 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of flour, whisked together until smooth.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the shredded chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas. If you’re adding root vegetables, chop them into small pieces and place them at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken and gravy mixture. This way they’ll become tender while the chicken cooks!
