Introduction

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The chicken is cooked slowly in the slow cooker, resulting in tender, juicy pieces that soak up the rich and flavorful gravy. This dish is simple, yet incredibly satisfying, with the savory gravy pairing perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or any side of your choice.

I first made this when I wanted a no-fuss, hearty meal for a hectic evening, and it quickly became a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, and the kitchen smells amazing as the chicken and gravy cook together. The best part is how versatile this dish is—you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, and it’s easy to customize based on what you have on hand.

What’s great about this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is that it’s one of those meals you can set and forget. The tender chicken paired with the creamy gravy makes for a meal that’s both comforting and filling. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy!

Perfect for:

Weeknight dinners
Meal prepping
Family gatherings
Comfort food lovers
Busy cooks

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here’s why Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy will become your go-to dish:

Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker results in incredibly tender meat that easily falls apart.
Rich Gravy: The gravy is flavorful, thick, and smooth, made with just a few ingredients for a comforting finish.
Hands-Off Cooking: Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker, set it, and let it cook while you attend to other tasks.
Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even over noodles to create a complete meal.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples, making it easy to prepare with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 4-6 hours
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
1 packet of ranch dressing mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)
1 packet of onion soup mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) chicken broth (or stock)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe, providing lean protein that cooks tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
Ranch Dressing Mix: Adds a tangy, herby flavor that complements the savory chicken and gravy.
Onion Soup Mix: Gives the gravy a rich, savory depth, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the base of the gravy, making it thick and creamy.
Chicken Broth: Helps create the right consistency for the gravy, while adding more chicken flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Prepare the Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the Soup and Broth: Pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is covered.
Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix and onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
Add Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and place it on top of the chicken and gravy mixture.

Cook:

Set the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the gravy.

Serve:

Serve: Once the chicken is shredded and mixed with the gravy, serve it hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

Over Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
With Rice or Noodles: Serve over steamed rice or egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy.
With Vegetables: Pair the dish with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a balanced meal.
As a Sandwich: Shred the chicken and serve it on a sandwich bun for a tasty chicken sandwich with gravy.
With Biscuits: Serve the chicken and gravy with warm, buttery biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is perfect every time:

Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and juicier texture.
Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the gravy after shredding the chicken, then cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes to the slow cooker to make this a one-pot meal.
Make Ahead: You can prepare everything the night before, refrigerate it, and cook it the next day for an even quicker meal.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipe:

Garlic Herb Chicken and Gravy: Add minced garlic and dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the gravy for extra flavor.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken and Gravy: Stir in a can of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a rich, earthy twist.
Spicy Chicken and Gravy: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
Lemon Herb Chicken and Gravy: Add a teaspoon of lemofor Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravyn zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
BBQ Chicken and Gravy: Mix in some barbecue sauce along with the gravy ingredients for a smoky and sweet variation.
Cajun Chicken and Gravy: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning for a bold, flavorful twist.
Italian Chicken and Gravy: Add Italian seasoning and a splash of marinara sauce for a more Mediterranean take on this dish.
Chicken and Gravy with Potatoes: Add peeled, diced potatoes to the slow cooker for a hearty, all-in-one meal.
Honey Mustard Chicken and Gravy: Mix in some honey mustard with the gravy for a sweet and tangy variation.
Bacon Chicken and Gravy: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the gravy for extra flavor and a crispy texture.

Freezing and Storage for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Freezing: You can freeze this dish for later. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and gravy to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

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

Slow Cooker: A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. If you have a smaller one, you may need to reduce the ingredients proportionally.
Forks for Shredding: Two forks are helpful for easily shredding the chicken once it’s cooked.
Measuring Spoons: Use measuring spoons to accurately measure the seasoning packets and broth.
Airtight Containers: For storing leftovers or freezing, airtight containers or freezer bags are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add 1-2 hours of additional cooking time, depending on your slow cooker settings.
Can I make this without the ranch dressing mix?
Yes, you can make your own ranch seasoning using dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes directly into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They are even juicier and more flavorful.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
If you want a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the gravy after shredding the chicken.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for busy nights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal ready in no time. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this dish is sure to please the whole family.

This recipe is as convenient as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from hectic weeknights to cozy family dinners. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a simple meal for yourself, Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy will always hit the spot.

I’d love to see how your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!