If there’s one meal that gets my family gathered around the table fast, it’s this chicken and gravy crockpot recipe. It’s creamy, savory, and unbelievably easy, everything a busy home cook dreams of.
Whether you call it crockpot ranch chicken and gravy or just plain chicken crockpot chicken and gravy, this dish delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort.
In this article, I’ll walk you through not just the recipe itself, but how to make it more flavorful, ways to save time, what to serve with it, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s start with the story behind why this one’s close to my heart.
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Why Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Is My Go-To?
I can still recall the first time I made chicken and gravy in the crockpot, it was pure comfort in a dish. It was one of those days where everything felt chaotic, my toddler was teething, my laundry pile was mountainous, and the fridge looked empty.
I threw a few pantry staples into the slow cooker more out of desperation than inspiration. But by dinner, the house smelled like magic, just like Grandma’s kitchen when she’d make her creamy roast chicken and gravy.
Since then, this easy crockpot chicken and gravy has become my go-to comfort recipe.
Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a laid-back Sunday, this dish always comes through. It’s as effortless as my crock pot marry me chicken pasta, rich, hands-off, and guaranteed to be devoured.
Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Ingredients That Deliver Big Flavor
The beauty of this plain chicken crockpot chicken and gravy lies in how few ingredients you need. Just five basics, and you’ll get a rich, creamy dish that tastes like it took hours.
Here’s everything you need for the best chicken and gravy crockpot recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 pounds |
| Dry ranch seasoning mix | 1 packet (1 oz) |
| Chicken gravy mix | 1 packet (0.87 oz) |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Water or chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Optional: sour cream or cream cheese | 1/2 cup |
It’s the kind of meal that sits proudly next to other favorites like buffalo chicken mac and cheese crock pot. Quick to prep, slow to cook, and always satisfying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Techniques for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Prep the Ingredients
Gather your essentials: 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 packet of ranch seasoning, 1 packet of chicken gravy mix, and 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of water or broth. Optional: ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese for added richness.
Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot
Lay the chicken in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch and gravy mix evenly over the top, then spoon in the cream of chicken soup. Pour in the water or broth. Don’t stir, layering is key for deep flavor.
Set and Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Low heat is best for that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, stir everything well and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. It’ll mix beautifully into the creamy gravy.
Customize Your Texture
Want it thicker? Combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir the mixture into the crockpot to help thicken the gravy. Cook uncovered on HIGH for 15–20 minutes to thicken.
Stir in Final Touches
If using, fold in sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess. Be sure the crockpot is on warm or low to avoid curdling.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon your crockpot chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or biscuits. Add a sprinkle of black pepper or chopped parsley on top, if you like, for extra flavor and color.
It’s a trick I also use with my one pot marry me chicken pasta, where layering makes all the difference in taste and texture.
How to Customize and Thicken Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Recipes?
You’ve let the slow cooker do its magic, now it’s time to finish strong. Once the cooking time is up, you’ll want to stir the mixture well and check the consistency.
If you like your gravy extra thick, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) and let it cook uncovered on high for another 15–20 minutes.
Want it extra creamy? Stir in that optional sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Just don’t add it too early, or it might break from the long cooking time.
You can even shred the chicken right in the pot for more of a shredded-chicken-and-gravy feel, it’s what I do when I serve it over biscuits.
You’ll find this method just as helpful in other easy crockpot chicken and gravy recipes. It’s all about balance: slow-cooked texture, a well-seasoned gravy, and just a hint of richness to make it sing.
Print
Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Recipe 2025
- Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This chicken and gravy crockpot recipe is creamy, comforting, and unbelievably easy. A slow-cooked classic that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
1 packet (0.87 oz) chicken gravy mix
2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
1 cup water or chicken broth
Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
Instructions
1. Place chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle ranch mix and gravy mix over the chicken.
3. Add cream of chicken soup and pour in water or broth.
4. Do not stir; cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
5. After cooking, stir everything together and shred chicken if desired.
6. Optional: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
Notes
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.
For a thicker gravy, add a cornstarch slurry near the end.
Try using chicken thighs for a richer texture.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Creative Variations for Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Recipes
There’s no one-size-fits-all with chicken and gravy crockpot meals. Whether you’re craving spice, extra creaminess, or a different flavor base, these variations will keep your crockpot chicken and gravy recipe exciting:
- Tex-Mex Twist: Replace ranch mix with taco seasoning and add a can of green chiles for a spicy spin on crockpot ranch chicken and gravy.
- Herb Infusion: Swap the ranch packet for Italian dressing or garlic herb seasoning for a lighter, herb-focused flavor.
- Soup Swap: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead of cream of chicken for a deeper or brighter flavor, perfect in any plain chicken crockpot chicken and gravy version.
- Thigh Upgrade: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts, they’re juicier and bring more richness to this easy crockpot chicken and gravy dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Mix coconut cream and cornstarch for a creamy, dairy-free gravy base.
These changes all stick to the heart of what makes crockpot chicken and gravy so comforting, and easy.
Best Sides and Serving Ideas for Chicken and Gravy Crockpot
Once your crockpot chicken and gravy is cooked to creamy perfection, it’s time to serve it up with something that soaks in all that delicious sauce. My go-to?
Mashed potatoes, rich, buttery, and soft enough to hold every spoonful of gravy. But you’ve got options.
Egg noodles are a close second, especially when you want a dish that feels like grandma’s Sunday dinner. Steamed white rice? Totally dependable and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Here are a few timeless sides that complement it perfectly:
| Serving Option | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Mashed potatoes | Creamy meets creamy, classic Southern pairing |
| Egg noodles | Egg noodles – cozy, tender twists that soak up the gravy perfectly. |
| Steamed white rice | Soaks up flavor and adds a neutral base |
| Buttermilk biscuits | Scoop, dip, or pour gravy straight on top |
| Cauliflower mash | A lower-carb twist that still feels indulgent |
This easy crockpot chicken and gravy fits right into meal plans focused on simplicity and warmth, like my chick-fil-a kale salad recipe, healthy but still full of flavor.
Creative Ways to Use Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Leftovers
Leftovers are anything but boring when it comes to this comforting dish.
I like to shred the chicken completely and stuff it into soft sandwich rolls for an easy lunch the next day.
You can even turn it into a quick pot pie filling, just add mixed veggies and bake with a puff pastry or biscuit topping. Or, spoon it over toast for a quick, cozy open-faced sandwich.
Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Mistakes to Avoid and Pro Tips for Success
Even though this recipe is forgiving, there are a few easy-to-make mistakes that can mess with your final results.
One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the chicken on the high setting. While it might seem like a time-saver, high heat can dry out the meat.
Always go low and slow, 6 to 7 hours on low heat will give you that tender, fall-apart chicken you’re craving.
Another mistake? Stirring everything together at the beginning. It’s tempting, but don’t do it. Layering the chicken on the bottom and your sauces and seasonings on top creates the best flavor and texture.
Also, don’t skip the liquid, whether it’s water or broth, because that’s what gives you a silky gravy by dinnertime.
This technique also plays a big role in other dishes like my southwest chicken salad recipe, where ingredient layering boosts both taste and texture.
Tips for a Perfect Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Every Time
Looking to elevate your easy crockpot chicken and gravy to the next level? Use low-sodium versions of the soup and broth so you can better control the saltiness.
Add fresh cracked pepper and a little garlic powder before cooking if you like bolder flavor.
You can even mix up the cream soups, cream of mushroom or celery both work well.
One last thing, use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F, and checking can help you avoid overcooking, especially if you’re using smaller cuts or thin breasts.
You’ll find tips like these helpful across recipes like marry me chicken pasta too, where small adjustments lead to big flavor improvements. It’s those little details that turn a good dinner into a family favorite.
What’s Included in a Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Serving?
This chicken and gravy crockpot dish might be rich and creamy, but with a few simple adjustments, it can absolutely fit into a balanced weekly meal plan.
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving for a standard recipe using chicken breasts, ranch mix, and cream soups (serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370–420 |
| Protein | 32–36g |
| Fat | 18–22g |
| Saturated Fat | 6–8g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–12g |
| Sugar | 1–2g |
| Fiber | 0–1g |
| Sodium | 850–1000mg |
These estimates can vary based on your choice of soup, gravy mix, and optional ingredients like sour cream or broth.
Healthier Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Looking to lighten up your plain crockpot chicken and gravy recipe? Use low-sodium gravy packets and reduced-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup.
You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream without losing the creamy texture.
If you’re following a low-carb plan, skip the mashed potatoes and serve your crockpot ranch chicken and gravy over roasted cauliflower or green beans.
This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe is super easy to tweak, which is why it’s one of my favorite healthier go-to meals for busy families.
FAQs About Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Recipes
How do you cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker?
Begin by laying boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, pour a blend of cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, chicken gravy mix, and a splash of water or broth over the top. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, then stir before serving. This method works perfectly for any easy crockpot chicken and gravy recipe.
Can I add gravy mix to a slow cooker?
Yes, and it’s one of the secrets to flavorful crockpot chicken and gravy. Adding a dry gravy packet directly to the slow cooker creates a thick, seasoned base that transforms into silky gravy as it cooks. Just mix it with soup or broth to help it dissolve and blend better.
Is it okay to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. In fact, most chicken and gravy crockpot recipes call for starting with raw chicken. As long as you cook on low or high for the recommended time, the chicken will reach a safe internal temperature (165°F) and become fall-apart tender.
What should I serve with crockpot chicken and gravy?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, anything that can soak up that delicious gravy. For a lighter option, serve your plain chicken crockpot chicken and gravy over cauliflower mash or steamed veggies. A flaky biscuit or slice of sourdough is perfect for scooping, too.
Conclusion: Chicken and Gravy Crockpot Is a Comfort Food Classic
When life gets hectic but you still want a homemade meal that feels like a warm hug, this chicken and gravy crockpot recipe delivers.
It’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable to suit your family’s preferences.
Whether you keep it classic or explore variations like crockpot ranch chicken and gravy or a low-carb twist, it’s always satisfying.
As someone who believes comfort food should be simple and shared, I can tell you, this is one recipe that keeps people coming back for seconds.
Add it to your weekly rotation, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested dinner.
You don’t need experience or fancy tools to make this dish. Just your slow cooker, a few ingredients, and a bit of trust that the magic will happen while you go about your day.
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