Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a simple, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy that’s full of flavor and just the right amount of thickness. This recipe is all about making mealtime easy without losing that home-cooked taste we all love.
I love how effortless this dish is to prepare—just toss the chicken and a few basic ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work while I go about my day. The smell that fills the house is amazing, and by dinnertime, everything is perfectly tender and ready to enjoy. It’s one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
My favorite way to serve this is over a big scoop of buttery mashed potatoes or alongside some fluffy rice to soak up all that gravy goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but is actually super simple to make. On chilly evenings, this chicken and gravy just hits the spot and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work well here for even cooking. You can also use thighs for a juicier result. Thighs stay tender and add extra flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This acts as a rich base for the gravy. If you want to avoid canned soups, try making a simple homemade roux with chicken broth and milk for a lighter sauce.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ranch mix adds a nice herb and garlic flavor. If you don’t have ranch packets, use a mix of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder instead.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy. You can swap this for all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder if needed. Just mix with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
How Do You Get the Chicken Tender and the Gravy Perfectly Thick?
Slow cooking is key here. Cooking chicken low and slow in the crockpot keeps it juicy and tender.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Resist the urge to open the lid too often, as it slows down cooking.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks for easy bite-sized pieces.
- Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch in cold water before stirring it into the hot crockpot liquid. This keeps the gravy smooth and helps thicken it quickly.
- Cook on HIGH for about 15-20 minutes after adding the slurry, stirring occasionally to notice the gravy consistency. Add more slurry in small amounts if needed.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – it gently cooks the chicken and lets the flavors blend while you relax.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for whisking together the soup, broth, and seasonings easily.
- Whisk or fork – helps mix the gravy ingredients smooth without lumps.
- Two forks – great for shredding the cooked chicken quickly and evenly.
- Measuring spoons – useful for adding spices and cornstarch precisely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs to get juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add sliced mushrooms for a meaty texture and earthy flavor in the gravy.
- Stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving for brightness.
- Mix in cream cheese or sour cream at the end for an extra creamy, tangy gravy.
Easy Crockpot 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 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, then you’ll let the crockpot do the work for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, spend about 20 minutes shredding the chicken and thickening the gravy. It’s a total of roughly 7 hours, but only a little hands-on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Ready the Chicken:
Put the chicken breasts right into the bottom of your crockpot. Easy cleanup and a great start!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything looks smooth and blended.
3. Cook It Slow:
Pour that tasty mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is covered. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Shred and Thicken:
Carefully remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the crockpot, then cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken the gravy.
5. Final Touch:
Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir to coat it with the thickened gravy. Serve it hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it fully in the fridge overnight before adding it to the crockpot.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to step 4, refrigerate the mixture, and cook the next day. Just add extra cooking time if the ingredients are cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the gravy smooth.
What Can I Serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
This dish is delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles to soak up all the creamy gravy. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also make great sides.
