Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth and comfort, making it the perfect dish for those cozy, laid-back evenings when you need something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender, fall-apart chicken slowly simmered in a savory, flavorful gravy that soaks into every bite. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create a comforting, delicious meal that practically makes itself.

The first time I made Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, I was amazed at how little effort it took for such an incredibly satisfying meal. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forgot about it until dinnertime. As the chicken cooked, the rich aroma of the gravy filled my kitchen, making the wait almost unbearable. By the time dinner was ready, the chicken was so tender it practically fell apart, and the gravy was thick, smooth, and packed with flavor.

What I love most about Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is its versatility and ease. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a lot of prep work. The chicken and gravy pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple side of steamed veggies, making it a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s one of those recipes you can rely on time and time again, and it’s guaranteed to become a go-to for your family.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings
• Comfort food cravings
• Meal prepping
• Busy weekends

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Here’s why Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a must-try:

• Tender, Fall-Apart Chicken: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken comes out incredibly tender, almost falling apart with each bite.
• Rich, Flavorful Gravy: The gravy made from the chicken juices, broth, and seasonings is velvety, savory, and perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or rice.
• Minimal Effort: With just a few simple ingredients, you can set it and forget it, making this the perfect low-maintenance meal.
• Versatile Side Options: The gravy pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making this meal adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
• 1 packet of gravy mix (chicken or turkey)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts/Thighs: These cuts of chicken are perfect for slow cooking, as they become incredibly tender and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a burst of savory flavor, making the chicken even more delicious.
• Gravy Mix: Using gravy mix makes the sauce creamy and smooth, while saving time. You can use homemade gravy as well if preferred.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides richness and a creamy texture to the gravy.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce while helping keep the chicken moist as it cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
2. Add the Gravy Mix: Sprinkle the gravy mix over the seasoned chicken.
3. Add the Cream of Chicken Soup: Pour the cream of chicken soup over the chicken, spreading it out with a spatula to cover the chicken evenly.
4. Add the Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. The liquid helps to create the gravy and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.

Cook the Chicken:

5. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. The chicken will cook through and become tender and juicy.
6. Optional Butter: For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of butter during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will make the gravy even more flavorful and velvety.

Shred the Chicken:

7. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, mixing it with the gravy.
8. Stir to Combine: Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the rich gravy. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Serve: Spoon the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. The gravy will coat the chicken and sides perfectly, adding rich, savory flavor to every bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy can be served in various ways to suit your preferences:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, filling meal.
• With Rice: Serve with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the delicious gravy.
• With Steamed Vegetables: Pair the dish with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced, hearty meal.
• In Sandwiches or Wraps: Shred the chicken and gravy further and serve in a sandwich or wrap for an easy lunch or dinner option.
• With Biscuits: Serve the chicken and gravy with warm, flaky biscuits for a Southern-inspired twist.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here are some tips for making the best Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:

• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They are just as tender and flavorful as breasts, and the extra fat adds richness to the gravy.
• Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of hot sauce to the gravy for a bit of heat.
• Skip the Ranch Seasoning: If you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute the ranch seasoning with Italian seasoning or a simple blend of thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here are 10 variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Add a can of cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
• Chicken with Veggies: Add chopped carrots, potatoes, and celery to the slow cooker for a hearty vegetable-packed meal.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the gravy for a cheesy, savory twist.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add fresh lemon zest and thyme for a citrusy, herby version of this classic dish.
• Spicy Chicken and Gravy: Stir in some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard Chicken: Mix honey mustard dressing with the cream of chicken soup for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• BBQ Chicken and Gravy: Use a BBQ seasoning mix instead of ranch seasoning for a smoky, sweet flavor.
• Creamy Ranch Chicken: Add a packet of ranch dressing mix along with the gravy mix for an extra burst of ranch flavor.
• Dijon Mustard Chicken: Stir in some Dijon mustard with the gravy for a tangy, flavorful gravy.
• Chicken with Cheddar: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the gravy for a creamy, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish freezes well. After cooking and shredding the chicken, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth to loosen the gravy if needed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken will continue to absorb the gravy, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy even easier:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, allowing plenty of space for the chicken and gravy.
• Meat Thermometer: A thermometer ensures your chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F) and remains tender.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Use these to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly mixed with the gravy.
• Can Opener: For easily opening the cream of chicken soup and broth cans.
• Whisk: A whisk can help combine the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup smoothly, preventing any lumps.

FAQ Section for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Just add an extra hour of cooking time.
2. Can I use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix?
   Yes, you can use homemade chicken gravy, but make sure it’s thick enough to coat the chicken. You may need to adjust the amount of broth you add to the slow cooker.
3. How can I make this recipe low-carb?
   Serve it with cauliflower mash instead of mashed potatoes for a low-carb alternative.
4. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
   Yes, adding carrots, potatoes, or onions is a great way to turn this into a one-pot meal.
5. How do I prevent the chicken from getting dry?
   Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cook on low to retain moisture. Adding butter in the last 30 minutes also helps keep the chicken juicy.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish that brings everyone to the table. With tender chicken, a savory gravy, and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy families and those looking for an easy dinner solution. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm your heart. It’s a meal that feels like a hug from the inside, making it the perfect addition to your recipe rotation!

I can’t wait to hear how your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy turns out! Be sure to tag me on Instagram and share your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own. Happy cooking!