The first time I smelled warm chicken and gravy bubbling from Grandma Mary’s kitchen, I was a little girl barely tall enough to reach the counter. She’d call my name and I’d come running, like Sunday dinner was the most important event of the day.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
• Tender, fall-apart chicken in thick, rich gravy
• Perfect weeknight meal that cooks itself
• Kid-approved and adult-friendly comfort food
• Great for busy families or cozy Sunday dinners
• Fills your home with nostalgic warmth and amazing aromasIngredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Required Ingredients:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup water
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Importance of These Ingredients:
Each ingredient plays a crucial role. The chicken breasts become incredibly tender through slow cooking, while the cream of chicken soup creates the base for our rich gravy. The ranch dressing mix adds that special flavor depth that makes this recipe unforgettable—like Grandma’s signature touch you’ll never forget.
Preparation Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in your 6-quart slow cooker.
💡 Hint: If your chicken breasts are really large, cut them in half for more even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, water, gravy mix, and ranch dressing mix until smooth.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
Step 4: Thicken and Serve
If you want thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
From Grandma Mary’s Kitchen
I used to always wonder how Grandma made her chicken so tender without any fuss. One busy Sunday, she showed me her secret:
“The slow cooker does all the work, honey. Just like love it gets better the longer you let it simmer.”
Since then, I’ve been making this recipe for my own family, and it never fails to bring everyone to the table with smiles.
Substitutions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
• Different Cuts: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor
• Dairy-Free: Try coconut milk instead of cream of chicken soup
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soup and gravy mix
• Gluten-Free: Check that your gravy mix is gluten-free certified
Variations on Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
• Add diced onions and garlic for extra flavor
• Stir in sour cream during the last hour for extra richness
• Mix in frozen vegetables like carrots and peas
• Try using rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version
Equipment for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
• 6-quart slow cooker or crockpot
💡 Don’t have a wire whisk? A large fork works just fine for mixing the gravy base!
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
• Fridge: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
• Reheating: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
Grandma Mary’s Secret to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Grandma used to say:
“Don’t lift that lid, sweetheart. Every peek lets the love escape, and we need all of it in there.”
And I still follow that rule today patience makes perfect chicken and gravy.
FAQ Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Add an extra hour to the cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with other cuts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more tender. Bone-in pieces are fine too.
What if my chicken breasts are really large?
Cut them in half or into smaller pieces for more even cooking and better flavor distribution.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time to 6-8 hours on low to ensure the meat falls off the bone.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a recipe to gather the family around on a busy weeknight, this slow cooker chicken and gravy is the one. It’s comfort food at its finest tender, flavorful, and made with love.
And if you’d like more cozy slow cooker recipes to go with it, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta or try our warming Slow Cooker Chicken Curry for your next family dinner!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Equipment
- 6-Quart Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Wire Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix 1 oz packet
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz can
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix 1 oz packet
Optional Additions
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening if desired
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in your 6-quart slow cooker. If your chicken breasts are really large, cut them in half for more even cooking.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, water, gravy mix, and ranch dressing mix until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well covered.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Optional: If you want thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.