Crockpot chicken & gravy is a super easy dish! Just toss some chicken in with tasty gravy and let it cook slowly until it’s tender and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy days!
Honestly, I love how it fills the house with a warm, delicious smell. I usually serve it over rice or mashed potatoes for extra yumminess. Trust me, you’ll want to make this often!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they cook evenly and absorb the flavors. If you don’t have breasts, thighs work well too; they’re a bit juicier and add more flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use a homemade white sauce or even a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different twist.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives the dish its distinct flavor. If you don’t have it, making a homemade mix with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and onion powder can work, or using Italian seasoning as a substitute can also be tasty!
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth enhances the flavor. If you’re short on broth, add water or a vegetable broth as alternatives. This will still keep a good taste.
How Can You Ensure Tender, Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be the best part of this recipe, but it’s important to cook it long enough first. The key is to let the chicken cook slowly in the crockpot.
- Set your crockpot to low if you have time; this allows for more tender chicken. Aim for at least 6 hours.
- When it’s done, use two forks to pull apart the chicken. It should shred easily if it’s cooked right.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the gravy to soak up more flavor!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You can cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours in your crockpot. Once the chicken is tender, dinner will be ready and waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s okay if they overlap a little; just make sure they’re as flat as possible.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, black pepper, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looks creamy.
3. Pour Over Chicken:
Now, carefully pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly so it can soak up all that delicious flavor!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with its lid and choose your cooking time. You can set it to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours or set it to high for 4-5 hours. Just relax while everything cooks together and fills your kitchen with a lovely scent.
5. Shred and Stir:
Once your chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Simply pull it apart in the gravy and give it a good stir to combine everything.
6. Season and Serve:
Before serving, taste the chicken and gravy mixture. Add a bit of salt or more black pepper if you want to enhance the flavor. Serve it hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or with biscuits. Enjoy your homemade dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make your own version by mixing equal parts of sour cream and chicken broth, then adding some sautéed onions for flavor. Alternatively, a homemade white sauce can be used as a base.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the chicken and gravy cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Can I Adjust the Seasoning in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the spices to your taste. If you like a bit of heat, adding cayenne pepper or paprika can elevate the flavor. You can also substitute the ranch seasoning mix with a blend of your favorite dried herbs and spices if you prefer.
