This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is super simple and bursting with flavor! The chicken gets tender while soaking up a yummy gravy that makes your taste buds dance.
I love how this dish fills the house with a warm, homey smell while it cooks. Plus, it’s perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to shred after cooking. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor or even cook a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time a bit for larger pieces.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you want a healthier option, use a homemade version or a low-fat soup. For dairy-free diets, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The ranch seasoning brings a nice kick. If you don’t have it, make your own using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder, or use Italian seasoning instead for a different twist.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is key for moisture. Vegetable broth is a great substitute, especially for a lighter flavor, or just add water, but be aware it might be less rich.
What’s the Best Technique for Shredding Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s really simple and fun! After cooking, the chicken will be super tender, making it easy to break apart with two forks. Here’s how:
- Once cooked, take the chicken out gently with a fork and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks: one to hold the chicken and the other to pull it apart into shreds.
- If you prefer, shred directly in the slow cooker. Just use the forks to break it down right in the gravy.
Mix the shredded chicken back into the gravy to soak up the flavors. It makes every bite delicious!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect meal to set and forget!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will be the main ingredient that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Pour the Mixture:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are fully covered. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful while it cooks.
4. Add the Thyme:
Sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme, if using) over the top of the mixture. This adds a lovely herby flavor to the dish.
5. Set It to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir it into the gravy so it’s nicely coated and mixed.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the delicious chicken and gravy over a bed of cooked rice. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! However, they will need to cook a little longer. If cooking on low, plan for about 7-8 hours; on high, about 4-5 hours. Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the extra time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade mixture! Combine 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup of chicken broth and a sprinkle of flour for thickness. You could also use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as alternatives.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, place the chicken and the sauce in the slow cooker insert, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed. This is a great time-saver!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
