This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a simple, heartwarming dish! Just throw chicken in with some savory gravy mix and let it cook all day. Easy peasy!
What I love most is coming home to that yummy smell! Serve it over rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy a cozy dinner without the fuss. Perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they cook quickly and shred easily. You can use bone-in chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even turkey if you prefer a different option.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the base for the gravy. If you’re avoiding cream soups, feel free to make a homemade version using milk, flour, and chicken broth, or use a dairy-free version.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds flavor and creaminess. If you don’t have ranch mix, any packet of dry seasoning like Italian dressing mix or taco seasoning can work in a pinch.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: The onion flavor is key here. You can substitute with a combination of onion powder and garlic powder if needed, or just finely chop fresh onions and sauté them before adding.
Garnish: Fresh thyme and parsley add a lovely touch. If you don’t have them, any fresh herb like cilantro or even green onions can brighten the dish.
How Do You Get Tender, Shredded Chicken?
To ensure your chicken turns out tender and easy to shred, follow these steps:
- Start with enough liquid! The cream of chicken soup and chicken broth combo keeps the chicken moist.
- Cook it low and slow. The longer you let the chicken cook (6-7 hours on low), the more tender it will become.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker, letting it soak up the gravy as you go. This adds flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then you’ll need to let it cook in the slow cooker for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a day when you want to set it and forget it while you do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper to taste, as this will add extra flavor to the dish.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, and dry onion soup mix. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be the delicious sauce that makes the chicken super tasty!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, spreading it around so the chicken is well covered. This is where the magic happens!
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook! If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Either way, the chicken will come out tender and juicy.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken. Take two forks and gently pull apart the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir the chicken with the gravy to mix it all together so every bite is flavorful!
6. Serve It Up:
Now, scoop the chicken and gravy over a bed of cooked rice. For a nice finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top. It looks great and adds a little freshness. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low, or about 1.5 hours on high. Keep in mind that cooking from frozen may result in a slightly different texture as the chicken releases moisture while thawing, so adjust as needed!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use creamy mushroom soup or homemade creamy sauce made from a roux. To make a roux, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, and gradually add 1 cup of chicken broth until thickened. Season to taste!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it gets too thick. You can also use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and gravy mixture ahead of time in the slow cooker, refrigerate it, and then cook it on the day you want to serve it. Just remember to add a bit more time for cooking if you refrigerate it before turning on the slow cooker, about 30-60 minutes extra might be needed depending on how cold the mixture is.
