If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe. This dish combines tender chicken with a flavorful, velvety gravy that’s rich and satisfying. Best of all, it’s made in the Crock Pot, so you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort.
The beauty of this Crock Pot recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, including chicken, a savory gravy mix, and some seasonings, you’ll have a meal that’s full of flavor and so easy to prepare. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the delicious gravy, making it perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a no-fuss dinner option, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Super Easy to Make
With just a few ingredients and the magic of the Crock Pot, this recipe comes together with almost no effort on your part.
2. Tender and Juicy Chicken
The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender, falling apart effortlessly with a fork.
3. Rich and Flavorful Gravy
The savory gravy adds depth to the dish, enveloping the chicken and creating a comforting, hearty sauce.
4. Perfect for Busy Days
Set it and forget it! You can let the Crock Pot do all the work while you go about your day.
5. Versatile
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or bread. The creamy gravy works well with just about anything.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth
- Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
- Gravy mix (such as brown gravy or chicken gravy mix)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
For the Gravy:
- The liquid from the Crock Pot (chicken broth and soup mixture)
- Cornstarch or flour (to thicken)
Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, chicken thighs are an excellent substitute for breasts, as they stay juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots, onions, and celery for a heartier meal. These vegetables will cook down and blend beautifully into the gravy.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamier gravy.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra flavor. A bay leaf can also be a great addition for an aromatic touch.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bottom of the Crock Pot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Mix the Gravy
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and gravy mix. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The chicken should shred easily with a fork.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch (or flour) with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the liquid in the Crock Pot, stirring constantly. Turn the Crock Pot to high and let the gravy thicken for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Serve
Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the Crock Pot to coat in the gravy. Stir to combine, then serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your choice of side.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Make sure the chicken fits in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: For a lighter version of the dish, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the gravy.
- Keep the Lid On: Avoid lifting the lid of the Crock Pot during cooking to ensure the dish cooks evenly and stays hot.
- Add a Splash of Milk: If the gravy seems too thick, you can add a little milk or extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
How to Serve
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy is perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, making it a classic pairing.
- Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over steamed white or brown rice for a simple yet satisfying meal.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or buttered pasta are another great option for soaking up the delicious gravy.
- Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the flavorful gravy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and gravy for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and gravy on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the gravy. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just add an extra hour of cooking time if using frozen chicken.
2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will give the gravy a richer flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe without gravy mix?
Yes, you can make your own gravy by using chicken broth, flour, and seasonings, or simply use the cream of chicken soup and broth for the base.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, onions, or celery to the Crock Pot for added flavor and texture.
5. How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, you can use cornstarch or flour. Create a slurry by mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and add it to the Crock Pot toward the end of cooking.
6. Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe is not spicy. However, if you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
7. Can I use a different type of soup?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with other cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
8. How long does the chicken take to cook in the Crock Pot?
On low, the chicken will take about 6-7 hours to cook, and on high, it will take about 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and shred easily when it’s done.
9. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can cook this dish on the stovetop. Brown the chicken and make the gravy in a large pot or Dutch oven, then simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure to use a larger Crock Pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Conclusion
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is the perfect dish for anyone seeking a no-fuss, comforting meal that’s full of flavor. With tender chicken, savory gravy, and endless serving options, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread, this meal delivers the ultimate cozy dining experience with minimal effort. You’ll love how simple and satisfying this dish is, making it the ideal choice for busy days or family dinners.
PrintEasy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours if cooking on high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is a simple, comfort food dish that requires minimal effort and delivers big flavor. Tender chicken cooked in a rich, savory gravy makes the perfect meal when served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. A family favorite for busy nights or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make the gravy mixture:
- In a bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour this gravy mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, covering the chicken evenly.
- Cook the chicken:
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the gravy in the crock pot and stir to combine.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a thicker gravy, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger families or meal prep.
- If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can substitute chicken thighs or drumsticks, but they may require a longer cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American