This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm and comforting dish! Juicy chicken cooks slowly in a tasty gravy, making every bite filled with flavor.
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically makes itself? Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work. Perfect over rice or mashed potatoes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they become tender and flavorful. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you might try using chicken thighs, which have more fat for additional flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium version or make homemade cream of chicken soup. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a different taste.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This mix is vital for flavoring. You can substitute it with homemade ranch seasoning or Italian dressing mix if needed. Just remember to adjust the salt because pre-made mixes can vary in salt content.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds depth to the dish. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out or use onion powder for a milder flavor.
Garnish (Thyme or Parsley): I love using fresh herbs to brighten up the dish. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried ones can work as well, but use them sparingly. You can skip the garnish if you want a simpler presentation!
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker requires some attention to timing. Slow cooking helps the chicken become incredibly tender but can also lead to dryness if overcooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker to allow even cooking.
- Ensure the chicken is fully covered by the sauce mixture; this keeps it juicy.
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken gently with two forks while still in the cooker to absorb the gravy.
Remember, slow cookers can vary, so always keep an eye on your chicken during the last hour of cooking for best results!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and can be cooked in your slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it until it’s time to enjoy a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts directly at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s important that they are boneless and skinless for this recipe, which helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
2. Make the Gravy Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Make sure everything is blended well; this will create a delicious, savory coating for the chicken.
3. Combine the Chicken and Gravy Mixture:
Carefully pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to ensure that the chicken breasts are thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce.
4. Cook it Low and Slow:
Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be fully cooked and very tender when done, making it easy to shred.
5. Shred the Chicken:
After cooking, remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken into the gravy to combine everything well.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve the warm chicken and gravy over a bed of cooked rice or mashed potatoes. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to extend the cooking time. If cooking on low, aim for about 8-10 hours, and for high, about 4-5 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade cream soup made from equal parts milk and flour, seasoned with chicken bouillon or broth. Alternatively, cream of mushroom soup or any other cream soup can work as a great substitute!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate the assembled slow cooker ingredients. In the morning, just plug in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you’re away!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to keep the gravy moist!
