If you’re looking for the ultimate come-together comfort meal that lets your slow cooker do most of the work, then this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is your new best friend. Tender, juicy chicken slowly simmers in a rich, creamy gravy loaded with savory ranch and onion soup flavors that meld beautifully over hours. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to crock pot meal for cozy, home-cooked bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe means gathering some simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly to create big flavor. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the creamy base to the seasoning blends that elevate the dish’s taste and aroma, making this meal both comforting and delicious.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: the lean protein foundation that soaks up the rich gravy for a juicy, tender bite every time.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix: adds a tangy, herby punch that is essential for layering deep, savory flavors into the gravy.
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: brings a slightly sweet and savory note that complements the ranch and chicken perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: the creamy base that thickens the gravy and adds indulgent richness without any fuss.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water): keeps the gravy moist and flavorful without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): a subtle accent that enhances the overall taste with a little garlicky warmth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: to season and balance the flavors to your liking.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): for a fresh pop of color and mild herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasonings
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crock pot. This hands-off cooking method lets the chicken slowly absorb all the wonderful flavors around it. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and the optional garlic powder to amp up the base flavor nicely before adding the soup mixes.
Step 2: Add the Soup Mixes and Cream
Sprinkle both the ranch seasoning mix and the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. These two flavor packets are the secret stars that bring that signature savory complexity to the dish. Afterward, pour in the can of cream of chicken soup, spreading it lightly to cover the chicken pieces — this transforms into the luscious gravy as it cooks.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Set Your Crock Pot
Next, pour the chicken broth (or water) over everything. This keeps the chicken moist and creates the perfect consistency for your gravy. Set your crock pot to low and cook for about 6 to 8 hours, or you can cook on high for roughly 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooker does the magic of tenderizing the chicken and melding those flavors together seamlessly.
Step 4: Finish and Thicken as Needed
Once cooked, check the thickness of your gravy. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer some of the cooking liquid to a small pot and simmer it on the stove with a cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the top adds not only a beautiful burst of green but also a fresh herbal note that balances the creamy richness of the gravy perfectly. Some cracked black pepper on top can also add a subtle heat and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or warm egg noodles that soak up every bit of the gravy. Steamed vegetables or a crisp garden salad bring a lovely contrast in texture and freshness that brightens the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a heartier twist, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crock pot and serve it over baked biscuits or crusty bread for an irresistible chicken biscuit sandwich. You can also layer the chicken and gravy over roasted root vegetables or use it as a savory filling for pot pies. The possibilities are as comforting as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes extremely well. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the gravy becomes too thick after cooling. Microwaving works too, but stir midway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe because they stay moist and flavorful during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed.
Do I need to brown the chicken before adding it to the crock pot?
No need! One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is—you can skip browning and still get deliciously tender and flavorful chicken thanks to the slow cooking process.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply choose gluten-free versions of the ranch seasoning mix, onion soup mix, and cream of chicken soup. There are plenty of great gluten-free brands that work well here.
How thick does the gravy get during cooking?
The gravy thickens nicely during slow cooking, but if you prefer it thicker, you can always simmer it on the stove with a cornstarch slurry after the crock pot is done to reach your perfect consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is fantastic for meal prep since it stores well in the fridge and freezer, and reheats beautifully without losing its flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s quietly impressive how such simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels so satisfying and special. Give it a go—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting, simple dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to create a rich, creamy gravy. Ready with minimal prep, this hearty meal pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for an effortless family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crock pot, mix together the ranch seasoning mix, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and garlic powder until blended well to form the gravy base.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot, submerging them evenly in the gravy mixture to ensure they cook thoroughly and absorb flavors.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, with the gravy thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soup and broth to control salt content.
- If the gravy is too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and thicken the sauce by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the crock pot. Cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
- For added texture, sauté mushrooms and stir them into the gravy before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly; freeze cooked chicken and gravy separately for best quality.
