If you are craving a cozy, mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm hug, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes just a handful of simple ingredients and slow-cooks them to tender, flavorful perfection, delivering juicy chicken bathed in a rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just treating yourself to comfort food at its finest, this recipe will soon become your go-to for effortless weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend feasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its role perfectly to build layers of flavor, from the tangy ranch seasoning to the lush brown gravy. These essentials come together to create that hearty, luscious sauce along with tender chicken you’ll want to savor every bite of.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, which cooks to tender, shreddable perfection.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds an herby, tangy kick that keeps the dish bright and flavorful.
- 1 packet brown gravy mix: Creates that velvety, comforting sauce we all love with chicken and gravy.
- 1 cup water: Essential to hydrate the gravy and ensure everything cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps deepen the gravy’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savoriness with a mild, warming punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough spice to balance and brighten the flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. This base layer allows the chicken to soak up all those wonderful seasonings and juices as it slow cooks, becoming beautifully tender and juicy.
Step 2: Season Generously
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken, followed by the brown gravy mix. These two dry mixes are the magic behind the rich flavor, infusing every bite with herby and savory notes that make this dish such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 3: Add Water and Butter
Pour in one cup of water carefully around the chicken breasts—this liquid is critical for helping the gravy develop as the dish cooks. Next, place a tablespoon of butter on top; the butter melts slowly, enriching the gravy with a silky texture and depth.
Step 4: Season with Garlic and Pepper
Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper evenly across the chicken. These subtle spices round out the flavor profile, giving just the right hint of warmth and spice without overpowering the dish.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Secure the slow cooker lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. This long, gentle cooking time is key—it allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors marry into the rich gravy everyone will love.
Step 6: Shred and Stir
When cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts and shred them finely with two forks. Adding the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stirring it into the luscious gravy ensures every strand of chicken is coated in that comforting sauce.
Step 7: Finish with a Simmer
Allow the shredded chicken and gravy to cook together on low for another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to meld the flavors completely—this final simmer amps up the dish’s richness and makes it ready for serving.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust
Before plating, taste your creation. Add extra seasoning, if needed, to ensure the balance is just right for your palate. This little tweak can make all the difference between good and unforgettable.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme bring a lovely burst of color and a fresh aroma that brightens the richness of the gravy. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top adds a subtle texture contrast and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes are the ultimate partner to soak up every bit of that wonderful gravy. If you’re looking for variety, fluffy rice or buttered egg noodles work beautifully, too. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots add a splash of color and a light, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated touch, serve the shredded chicken and gravy inside warm, toasted biscuits or over creamy polenta. You can even turn it into a hearty sandwich filling topped with crunchy pickles for a delightful twist on comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover chicken and gravy to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy second-day dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm the gravy evenly. You can add a splash of water or broth if the gravy has thickened too much. Microwave reheating is fine too, just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during slow cooking, and they add a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if your slow cooker runs hot, as thighs may cook faster.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken for this recipe?
Shredding allows the chicken to soak up the gravy fully and gives you that tender, pull-apart texture that makes the dish so comforting. If you prefer, you can leave the breasts whole, but shredding is recommended for best results.
Can I make this recipe on high instead of low?
You can, but the texture might not be as tender. Cooking on low for 6 to 7 hours yields the best, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and thick, flavorful gravy.
What if I want the gravy thicker?
If the gravy seems too thin after cooking, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while simmering the gravy for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written usually contains gluten since most brown gravy mixes have wheat. To make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free ranch and gravy mix alternatives or make homemade versions of those seasonings.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe truly is a labor-saving superstar that brings comfort and flavor out of everyday ingredients. It’s effortless, satisfying, and perfect for those moments when you want a hearty homemade meal with minimal fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite family classic in your cookbook!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 6h 0m
- Total Time: 6h 10m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful ranch and brown gravy mixture. Perfect for a hands-off meal served over mashed potatoes or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 packet brown gravy mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer for even cooking.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts, then layer the brown gravy mix over the ranch seasoning to create a flavorful base.
- Add Liquids and Butter: Pour 1 cup of water around the chicken breasts to help dissolve the seasonings and create gravy. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of the chicken to add richness.
- Season Further: Sprinkle garlic powder and black pepper evenly over the chicken for extra flavor depth.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid securely and set it to low heat for 6 to 7 hours to allow the chicken to cook gently and absorb the seasonings.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks to create tender, pull-apart pieces.
- Combine Shredded Chicken with Gravy: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the gravy mixture to coat the meat evenly.
- Simmer Together: Let the chicken and gravy cook together on low for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken and gravy mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the flavorful shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side dish for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For thicker gravy, reduce the added water to 3/4 cup or cook uncovered for the final 10 minutes to thicken.
- Adding chopped onions or mushrooms during the cooking time can enhance flavor and texture.
- Feel free to substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite dry herb seasoning blend to customize the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
