When it comes to simplicity and deliciousness, Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy takes the crown. This recipe has become a household favorite due to its quick preparation and comforting, hearty taste—a perfect meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, crafting this classic at home takes minimal effort yet yields a rewardingly rich flavor. By utilizing just a handful of ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, you’ll achieve a tender and creamy meal that your family will request repeatedly.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Best Way to Make Chicken & Gravy at Home: Utilizing a crockpot makes this process seamless and hands-off.
- Only 10 Minutes to Prep!: Just stack, mix, and set it.
- Perfect for Beginners: The recipe is foolproof with minimal ingredients and steps.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Cooks conveniently while you multitask, leaving you a savory dish for several meals.
- Mouthwatering Comfort Food: Creamy, tender chicken that promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- Optional: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper for additional seasoning
Dietary Swaps
- For a Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free condensed cream soup available at most grocery stores.
- Low-Sodium Choices: Choose a low-sodium soup and seasoning mix to reduce salt intake.
These essential ingredients for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy combine to deliver a satisfying home-cooked meal.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy – Step by Step
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing mix until well blended.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Pour the blended sauce over the chicken. You may add a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Set and Forget
- Cover your crockpot and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. For extra tender chicken, cook for a full 7 hours.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy to ensure it’s well coated.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a complete meal.
Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Recipe: Comforting and Flavorful Pro Tips for Making the Best Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Can I Make Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy Ahead of Time? Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, set up your crockpot and enjoy your evening.
- What is the Secret to the Best Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy? The perfect balance of flavors from the soup and dressing mix, patiently slow-cooked to perfection.
Cooking Hacks and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate peas or carrots, either fresh or frozen, for a complete one-pot meal.
- Spicy Variation: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Best Ways to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
The best way to serve this delightful dish is over:
- Mashed potatoes, which soak up the gravy beautifully.
- Fluffy white rice, providing a perfect neutral base.
- Egg noodles offer a classic pairing and added texture.
Pair with our [Homemade Garlic Bread Recipe] for a complete meal experience.
Nutritional Information for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 18g
Optimized for health-conscious readers, this dish offers a comforting meal with a balanced nutritional profile.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers. It lasts about 3 months frozen.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring to distribute heat evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Can I freeze Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy?
- Yes, it freezes beautifully. Be sure to use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date.
- What can I use instead of ranch dressing mix in Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy?
- A homemade blend of herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt can substitute for the ranch mix.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely. You can substitute an equal weight of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which may result in an even more tender dish.
- Is it possible to cook this on high for a shorter time?
- Yes, cooking on high for 3-4 hours should yield similar results in texture and taste.
Related Recipes for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Yes, cooking on high for 3-4 hours should yield similar results in texture and taste.
- Can I freeze Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy?
Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Total Time: 370
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Easy Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing mix until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat.
- Cook for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once done, shred the chicken right in the crockpot using two forks and mix it with the gravy.
- Serve warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken breasts.
- This recipe pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 360-420
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Chicken, Gravy, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food