Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (So Creamy & Easy!)
If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food in a bowl, this recipe is exactly what you need. It turns simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying masterpiece while you go about your day. The chicken becomes so tender that it just melts into the savory gravy, making it the perfect topping for mashed potatoes or even warm biscuits. It is without a doubt one of the easiest ways to get a hearty dinner on the table when you are short on time but craving something that feels homemade.
Get ready to master the ultimate “dump-and-go” dinner, a recipe so simple and delicious, it’s destined to become a permanent fixture in your comfort food rotation.
Why This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a Must-Make
You are going to be completely obsessed with how much rich, slow-simmered flavor you can get with such minimal effort. This dish is a true game-changer. Here’s why:
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Shredded Chicken: The low-and-slow cooking process makes the chicken breasts unbelievably tender and juicy, shredding effortlessly into the rich gravy at the end.
- A Foolproof, Ultra-Creamy Sauce: The clever combination of condensed soups and seasoning packets is the secret shortcut to a perfectly smooth, rich, and deeply savory gravy every single time.
- The Ultimate “Set It and Forget It” Meal: With a genuine 5-minute prep time, this is the perfect meal to throw together in the morning for a delicious, hot dinner that’s ready when you are.
- Incredibly Versatile Comfort Food: This dish is a perfect canvas. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or with fluffy biscuits for sopping up the sauce.
- A Guaranteed Family-Pleaser: The combination of savory, creamy, and comforting flavors is a guaranteed hit with everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the hungriest adults.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours |
| Total Time | 6 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Calories | 676 kcal per serving |
| Course | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Slow Cooker |
Your Shopping List for This Creamy, Cozy Dinner
This impressive dinner comes together with a handful of simple, powerful pantry staples.
→ For the Chicken and Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts → About 1.5 to 2.5 pounds total.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix → This is a secret weapon for a huge boost of herby, savory flavor!
- 1 packet (1 oz) brown gravy mix → Adds a deep, rich, and savory beefy note that makes the gravy incredible.
- Seasonings: 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 ½ tsp garlic powder, 1 ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cracked black pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika for a warm, savory flavor profile.
- 1 large yellow onion → Diced. An optional but highly recommended layer of flavor.
- 3 cups frozen mixed vegetables → An easy way to make this a complete one-pot meal.
- 1 (16.3 oz) can of jumbo biscuits → The perfect, fluffy, golden-brown vehicle for sopping up every last drop.
- Fresh chopped parsley → For a final, fresh garnish.
Let’s Get Cooking! Your Slow Cooker Guide
Ready for the easiest, most comforting dinner of your life? Let’s get that crockpot loaded up.
Part 1: The “Dump and Go” Slow Cook
- Layer the Chicken and Spices: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Sprinkle the oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over the chicken.
- Add the Veggies: Scatter the diced onion over the chicken in an even layer, followed by the frozen mixed vegetables (if using).
- Make the Gravy Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup until they are smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the soup mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Do not stir! Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and fall-apart tender.
Part 2: The Final Creamy Finish
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat. It should be incredibly tender and fall apart with ease.
- Make It Creamy: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Pour in the sour cream and stir everything together until the gravy is smooth, creamy, and coats all the chicken. Turn the slow cooker to the “warm” setting.
- Bake the Biscuits and Serve: While the chicken and gravy is keeping warm, bake your biscuits according to the package directions until puffed and golden. Ladle the hot, creamy chicken and gravy into bowls over mashed potatoes or rice, and top with a warm biscuit. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer the diced onion and then the frozen vegetables over the chicken.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
- Stir in the sour cream until the gravy is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Turn the slow cooker to ‘warm’.
- Bake the biscuits according to package directions. Serve the warm chicken and gravy in bowls, topped with a fresh biscuit and garnished with parsley.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Chicken and Gravy
These simple secrets will ensure your slow cooker meal is a flawless, flavorful triumph.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Even More Flavor. While chicken breasts work wonderfully and shred beautifully, you can substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even richer, more moist result that is virtually impossible to overcook.
- Don’t Lift the Lid! The slow cooker does its best work in a sealed, steamy environment. Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and can add 15-20 minutes to your cooking time. Trust the process!
- Add Sour Cream OFF the Heat (or on Warm). To prevent the sour cream from curdling or splitting, it’s best to stir it in when the slow cooker is on the “warm” setting or turned off. This ensures a perfectly smooth and creamy finish.
- Layer, Don’t Stir! The initial instruction to layer the ingredients and pour the sauce over top without stirring is intentional. It allows the chicken at the bottom to cook gently and become super tender in the direct heat.
- Don’t Forget the Garnish. A final sprinkle of fresh, green parsley or chives at the end does more than just add color. It provides a burst of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the creamy gravy beautifully.
Keep It Cozy! Storing Your Chicken and Gravy
This recipe makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for a comforting lunch the next day.
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the baked biscuits in a separate container or bag at room temperature to keep them from getting soggy.
- Freezer: The chicken and gravy filling freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs: Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Questions, Answered!
Can I make my own “cream of” soup base?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid the canned soups, you can make a simple base. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for a minute. Then, slowly whisk in about 1.5 cups of chicken broth and/or milk and simmer until thickened. Season it well with salt, pepper, and onion powder before adding it to the crockpot.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, but you will need to find gluten-free versions of the key components. Look for certified gluten-free ranch mix, brown gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup. Serve it over rice or potatoes, and use gluten-free biscuits.
What other vegetables can I add?
This is a great base recipe for adding more veggies! Sliced mushrooms, green beans, or chopped celery would all be fantastic additions. You can add them right at the beginning with the other vegetables.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken or turkey?
This is a great recipe for using up holiday leftovers! If using already cooked chicken or turkey, you can significantly reduce the initial cooking time. Just cook the onions, veggies, and sauce on low for about 3-4 hours to let the flavors meld, then add your shredded, cooked meat and the sour cream for the final 30 minutes to heat through.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Meal
There is nothing more satisfying than a hearty, creamy, and delicious meal that required almost no effort to prepare. This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the perfect embodiment of smart, comforting home cooking. It’s a dish that will warm you from the inside out, please the whole family, and give you back your precious time on a busy day. I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home. Happy Cooking!
