As the chill of evening settles in, I often find myself yearning for a cozy meal that wraps me in warmth, and nothing does this quite like Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This recipe has a comforting allure, where tender chicken gently bathes in a rich gravy that beckons for seconds (or thirds!). It checks all the boxes: an easy meal prep that’s perfect for families busy with life, plus it makes for fantastic leftovers that can be frozen for later—what’s not to love? The simplicity of tossing ingredients into the slow cooker leaves you free to unwind, while the aroma wafts through your home, creating a truly inviting atmosphere. Ready to create a hug-in-a-bowl that will please both kids and adults alike? Keep scrolling to discover how this beloved dish can become a staple in your kitchen!
Why is Crockpot Chicken and Gravy a must-try?
Comforting Delight: This recipe brings the warmth of home-cooked meals right to your table, making it the perfect dish for family gatherings.
Effortless Cooking: Simply toss your ingredients in the crockpot, allowing flavors to meld over hours, letting you enjoy your day without fuss.
Freezable Goodness: Leftovers are a dream, as you can easily store portions in the freezer for a quick meal solution later.
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix in seasonal vegetables or adapt flavors for every time of the year!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Everyone will love this savory dish, leaving you with empty plates and smiles; pair it with sides like mashed potatoes or rice for a complete feast.
Explore similar comforting recipes like Crockpot Chicken Nachos or Lazy Chicken Parmesan to keep your meal rotation exciting!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein source, but thighs can be substituted for richer flavor and juiciness.
For the Gravy
• Ranch Dressing Mix – Adds a savory flavor and seasoning base; opt for a low-sodium version to control salt intake.
• Brown Gravy Mix – Thickens the gravy and enhances flavor; feel free to use homemade gravy for a personal touch.
• Chicken Broth – Provides moisture and depth; vegetable broth can be used for a lighter alternative.
• Cream of Chicken Soup – Contributes creaminess and richness; a low-fat option is available for a healthier dish.
For Creaminess
• Sour Cream – Adds tangy creaminess; plain Greek yogurt works well for a lighter alternative.
For Seasoning
• Salt and Pepper – Adjust to taste; don’t forget to taste before adding more seasoning.
• Chopped Parsley – This garnish enhances visual appeal and aroma, giving your dish that final fresh touch.
Embrace the delight of homemade comfort with this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe that brings everyone to the table!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken And Gravy
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out to cook evenly. This step is crucial as the chicken lays the foundation for the delicious Crockpot Chicken And Gravy that follows.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This savory blend will create the luscious gravy that will envelop your chicken, making every bite a comforting delight.
Step 3: Cook
Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover with the lid and set your crockpot to low heat for about 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken shreds easily with a fork and the gravy thickens beautifully.
Step 4: Shred Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This not only breaks the chicken into tender pieces but also allows it to soak up all the flavorful gravy.
Step 5: Add Creaminess
Stir in the sour cream until everything is well blended and creamy, which adds a tangy richness to the Crockpot Chicken And Gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to adjust to your preferences for a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the hearty chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a wholesome meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving. This comforting dish is sure to be a family favorite!
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
As you prepare to savor the cozy comforts of this dish, consider pairing it with delightful sides that enhance your meal experience.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The classic choice for this dish, their buttery texture perfectly soaks up the rich gravy, creating a comforting harmony on your plate.
Fluffy Rice: A versatile side that balances out the robust flavors, allowing the chicken and gravy to shine while adding a lovely, chewy texture.
Steamed Green Beans: Adding a pop of color and freshness to the meal, their bright flavor and crispness contrast nicely with the savory gravy.
Garlic Bread: Ideal for a delicious dip into the gravy, garlic bread offers a crusty, warm addition that makes the meal feel even more indulgent.
Savory Biscuits: These fluffy delights are perfect for sopping up the sauce, bringing a homemade charm that makes every bite feel special.
Simple Garden Salad: With crunchy greens and a light vinaigrette, this refreshing option opens up the palate while providing a bright, crisp contrast to the richness of the gravy.
Pleasant Chardonnay: A glass of crisp Chardonnay can elevate your meal, its acidity complementing the savory components beautifully.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, indulge in a warm apple crisp, offering a sweet and cinnamon-spiced finish that rounds out the comfort theme beautifully.
Whether sharing with family or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these pairings will create a heartwarming feast centered around your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy masterpiece!
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: Freeze portions of the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to label with the date for easy tracking.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For faster results, you can also defrost in the microwave.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the crockpot over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps restore the creamy texture and flavor before serving.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Variations
Feel free to get creative with this cozy comfort dish as you explore exciting twists and swaps!
Seasonal Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or peas for an extra nutritional kick that brightens up the dish with color and flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the brown gravy mix and cream of chicken soup for gluten-free versions to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Creamy Mushroom: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms for added heartiness and a rich, earthy flavor that complements the savory gravy.
Herby Bliss: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the gravy enhance flavor complexity, giving it a delicious aromatic quality.
Smoky Twist: Add a touch of liquid smoke or smoked paprika to bring a delightful smokiness to your chicken dish that’s simply irresistible.
Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cream of chicken soup and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter take while keeping the creaminess intact.
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, introduce a sprinkling of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy mixture for an exciting spicy flavor.
As you adapt this comforting recipe, you might even find new favorite family traditions, similar to those stirred up by enjoying Korean Fire Chicken or Chicken Chimichangas. Customize and enjoy!
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Chicken and Gravy preparations are a huge time-saver for busy weeknights! You can combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup and refrigerate this mixture for up to 24 hours before cooking. Additionally, you can season the chicken breasts and marinate them overnight for enhanced flavor. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours. For the best quality, make sure to cover the mixture tightly and stir in the sour cream right before serving to maintain its creamy richness. Enjoy the ease of meal prep while still delivering a delicious, comforting dish that tastes just as homemade!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot enhances its flavor and ensures it holds up well during cooking.
Monitor Time: To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on the time. If necessary, switch to the warm setting after 6 hours to maintain tenderness.
Thaw First: If you’re using frozen chicken, be sure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even cooking and best results in your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.
Custom Additions: Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables or herbs to personalize the dish and add extra nutrition.
Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick for your liking, stir in a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and stay moist. However, if you’re looking for richer flavor, feel free to substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers of your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to keep everything fresh and delicious!
Can I freeze Crockpot Chicken and Gravy? How?
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label with the date for easy reference!
What should I do if the gravy is too thick?
If you find that the gravy is thicker than desired, stir in a bit more chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency. Allow it to heat through on low in the crockpot or stovetop, and adjust seasonings as needed to keep the flavor balanced.
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Definitely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can easily make this recipe more inclusive. For instance, to lower the calories, opt for low-fat versions of sour cream and cream of chicken soup. If dietary restrictions include gluten, ensure you’re using gluten-free gravy mixes and check your ranch dressing for gluten as well.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen Chicken and Gravy?
The best way to reheat is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. To heat it up, use the stovetop or crockpot on low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This method helps to maintain the creamy texture and delicious flavors!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Your Ultimate Comfort Meal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out to cook evenly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover with the lid and set your crockpot to low heat for about 6 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Stir in the sour cream until everything is well blended and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the hearty chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, and sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.