Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy gravy, this recipe is the epitome of comfort food with minimal effort. Perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, it’s an easy, hearty meal your family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: The slow cooker does all the work for this cozy, satisfying dish.
- Versatile: Serve it over your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes or biscuits.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of soups, ranch seasoning, and sour cream creates a luscious gravy.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (optional; substitute with cream of chicken for a milder flavor)
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
- Make the Gravy Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup (if using), dry ranch seasoning mix, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream (if using) to make the gravy smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Herby Flavor: Include thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- Cheesy Gravy: Stir in shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower instead of traditional sides.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken works well, but remove the bones before shredding the chicken.
2. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Substitute it with another can of cream of chicken soup for a milder flavor.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream soup alternative and skip the sour cream.
4. What side dishes go best with this recipe?
Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits for a comforting meal.
5. How can I thicken the gravy if needed?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the gravy. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
6. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and adds creaminess.
7. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add carrots, green beans, or peas for a heartier dish.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased volume.
9. Is ranch seasoning necessary?
Ranch seasoning adds a unique flavor, but you can omit it or use Italian seasoning as an alternative.
10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but add it in the last hour of cooking to prevent it from becoming overcooked.
Conclusion
Slow cooker creamy chicken and gravy is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with a rich, savory gravy. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Pair it with your favorite sides for a hearty, satisfying meal!
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours and10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Savor the comfort of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy! Tender chicken in a rich, creamy gravy makes the perfect easy, hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (optional; substitute with cream of chicken for a milder flavor)
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
- Make the Gravy Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup (if using), dry ranch seasoning mix, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream (if using) to make the gravy smooth and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Southern-inspired comfort food