Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy has officially earned a spot in my weeknight rotation—and not just because it’s ridiculously easy. With just four ingredients and almost no prep, it’s the kind of dinner that feels like a win before you’ve even had your first bite. Perfect for those nights when you need something dependable, delicious, and low-effort.
My family loves these slow cooker recipes, if you want more great chicken recipes for the slow cooker, try my Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken Recipe or my Slow Cooker Sticky Chicken Thighs.
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Why this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it’s so easy to put together and is so nostalgic.
- 10 Minute Prep: This slow cooker recipe super easy to toss together and set to cook, which is great for busy night and for food prep.
- Easy Ingredients: It uses 4 common ingredients you often have in your pantry right now.
- Family Favorite: Rich gravy over some homemade mashed potatoes is so comforting, your family is going to love it. Shred chicken and serve over mashed potatoes or biscuts.
- Consistent Results: This recipe turns out well every time you make it.
- Light on Cleanup: Besides the crock pot, this recipe doesn’t create a lot of dirty dishes or mess.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breast to Make this Recipe?
Sure, but be aware that if you use chicken that’s frozen it will take longer to cook than thawed chicken does.
Pro Tip to Love this Chicken Casserole
Use dark meat for richer flavor.
Ingredient Notes for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
You only need a few easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you probably have around your kitchen already.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Boneless Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs to make this recipe. Make sure to use seasoned chicken for more flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning: Ranch seasoning is what will give this recipe the irresistible flavor. You could substitute a gravy mix instead.
- Chicken Broth: Make your own Chicken Broth or chicken stock to maximize flavor. You can use a low sodium chicken stock or broth.
Variations to Make the Chicken with Homemade Gravy
Easily customize this slow cooker chicken gravy by experimenting. Take it to the next level by using different ingredients and trying different flavors. More ways to love this chicken recipe.
- Soup Options: Try adding cream of mushroom, celery, or cream of chicken soup with herbs. You can also always make your own homemade cream of chicken soup.
- Protein Swaps: Use turkey breast, pork chops, or boneless thighs.
- Add-Ins: Frozen peas, carrots, mushrooms, or green beans in the last hour for a pot-pie vibe.
- Flavor Boosters: Try adding Dijon mustard or Worcestershire.
Equipment Needed for Making Gravy with Shredded Chicken
To make this easy and quick recipe, you will need a crock pot.
- Slow Cooker: A crock pot, or slow cooker, is going to slowly cook your chicken so that it’s super tender.
- Hand Mixer: Optional, but quickly and easily shreds the chicken.
How to Make Chicken and Gravy in the Slow Cooker
This chicken and gravy slow cooker recipe comes together in 2 easy to follow steps. This chicken dish is so good, it’s going to make it way into your weekly meal rotation.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Season the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle ranch seasoning on top and stir in chicken broth.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook chicken on low until chicken is cooked through, then shred chicken with two forks. Stir everything together and serve.
Prep Ahead for Crockpot Chicken and Chicken Gravy
When I prepare ahead of time, it saves me time and kitchen space when it comes to making everything else for dinner.
- Assemble Ahead: Mix gravy ingredients and trim chicken the night before. Store everything in the slow cooker insert (covered) in the fridge. In the morning, pop the insert into the base and start cooking.
Alternate Cooking Methods for Easy Chicken and Gravy
Make this recipe another way by using your instant pot, stovetop or oven.
- Instant Pot: High pressure for 10–15 minutes, then shred.
- Oven: Bake covered at 325°F for 1.5–2 hours. Remove the chicken from the pan and shred.
- Stovetop: Gently bring the gravy to a simmer in a Dutch oven until chicken is tender.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Refrigerate leftover chicken in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat homemade chicken and homemade gravy in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth. Avoid reheating in the slow cooker for safety.
- Using Leftovers: Serve over homemade mashed potatoes with corn and rolls, with biscuits, make a hot sandwich or stir make chicken and noodles for a whole new meal.
Common Questions About This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Yes. To make the gravy creamy, whisk in some some sour cream or cream cheese to the chicken broth and stir.
Yes, freeze in an airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
The quickest and easiest way to shred chicken is with a hand mixer, but you can also use two forks.
Expert Tips for Simple Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Season the Chicken: Season this ultimate comfort food with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and optional Dijon add depth.
- Thicken the Gravy: Use a cornstarch slurry (1 Tablespoon cornstarch + 1 Tablespoon cold water) if needed to keep a smooth gravy.
- Sides: I like to make homemade mashed potatoes and steamed green beans to have tender shredded chicken served over mashed potatoes.
- Don’t Peek: Lifting the lid slows cooking and affects texture.
- Double the Batch: It’s super easy to make and reheats beautifully, perfect for meal prep.
- Add Veggies: To make this great recipe even heartier and more nutritious, add a frozen vegetable blend to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Serve the Chicken Recipe: Serve chicken and gravy over Mashed Potatoes, Bacon Green Beans or Old Fashioned Sage and Onion Stuffing.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
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Equipment
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Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 10.5 ounces Cream of chicken soup, 1 can
- 2 Tablespoons Ranch seasoning mix, 1 packet
- 1 cup Chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock-Pot.
- Sprinkle ranch seasoning on top, mix in cream of chicken soup, and add either chicken broth or water.
- You have the option to let it slow cook on LOW for a span of 4-6 hours or alternatively, you can select HIGH and cook it for 2-3 hours.
- Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, use either a hand mixer or two forks to separate the chicken into shreds.
- After shredding, stir and serve.
Christina’s Notes
• Don’t skip the seasoning: Even with gravy mix, a little garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper adds depth. Taste before serving and adjust as needed.
• Layer smart: Place the chicken at the bottom and pour the gravy mixture over the top. This ensures even cooking and lets the flavors soak in.
• Low and slow wins: Cooking on low for 6–7 hours gives the chicken time to become tender and flavorful. High works in a pinch (3–4 hours), but the texture won’t be quite as silky.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.