Name: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs); 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz); 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 oz); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz); ½ cup sour cream; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

I absolutely love this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe because it’s like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. The tender chicken slowly simmers in a creamy, flavorful gravy that’s just perfect for draping over fluffy mashed potatoes or steaming rice. What I adore most is how easy it is to put together — toss in a few simple ingredients, set the crockpot on low, and come back to a delicious homemade meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking. It’s one of those recipes that instantly makes any weeknight feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

When it comes to flavor, I’m always drawn to dishes that combine rich, savory elements with just the right hint of creaminess, and this recipe hits all those notes perfectly. The ranch dressing mix adds a little tangy lift, while the brown gravy mix and cream of chicken soup create a luscious base that’s bursting with comforting depth. Each bite is so satisfying, you’ll find yourself savoring every forkful. I genuinely believe this balance of flavors makes it stand out from your typical chicken dinner.

Another reason I’m so enthusiastic about this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. Honestly, it’s a busy person’s dream—no complicated prep or constant stirring required. Just put everything together, set the timer, and you’re free to go about your day. It’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re feeding your family on a cozy weeknight, hosting a casual get-together, or just want an easy comfort meal, this recipe adapts beautifully. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone wanting a homemade dish with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two raw chicken pieces with a pinkish-beige color and smooth texture rest side by side on a white oval plate. Surrounding the plate are nine small white bowls, each with different ingredients: three cloves of garlic with pale tan skins, bright red tomato paste, dark brown soy sauce with a shiny surface, orange chili flakes, black pepper powder, white cornstarch powder, clear liquid vinegar, dark amber honey, and golden oil. All items are arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One thing I adore about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each item is simple yet essential, contributing to the rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting aroma that make this dish unforgettable.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein for tender and juicy results.
1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz): Adds a tangy, herby flavor that elevates the gravy.
1 packet brown gravy mix (1 oz): Boosts the savory depth and helps thicken the sauce perfectly.
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while contributing a subtle savory base.
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz): Creates that luscious creamy texture and rich flavor.
½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang to finish the gravy with silkiness.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the dish visually and taste-wise.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. I like to arrange them evenly so they cook uniformly.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and the cream of chicken soup until everything is smooth and well combined. This will be your flavorful gravy base.

Step 3: Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is nicely coated with the sauce to lock in the flavors.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours. I find this slow and steady cooking allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up the tasty gravy.

Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. This way, the meat absorbs even more gravy flavor.

Step 6: Stir in the sour cream carefully to blend in that creamy, tangy finish. Then season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 7: Serve the chicken and gravy over warm rice or comforting mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family meal or a small group dinner. The prep time is delightfully short—about 10 minutes—allowing you to get everything ready without stress. You’ll then set the crockpot to cook for approximately 6 hours, giving you plenty of flexibility throughout the day. The total time sums up to about 6 hours and 10 minutes, mostly hands-off. There is no need for resting or cooling time, so it’s perfect to serve as soon as it’s done cooking.

How to Serve This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with three golden-brown crispy patties placed closely side by side at the center. These patties are covered with a thick, creamy mushroom sauce, scattered with sliced brown mushrooms and small green herb bits on top, giving a fresh touch. The sauce looks smooth and slightly shiny, pooling around the patties, showing a mix of light beige and brown colors. The background is a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand holding a fork is seen on the right side, about to pick up some food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I like to pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice because the gravy soaks perfectly into both. Sometimes, I add a side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots to balance out the richness with some crunch and color. It’s such a cozy meal when plated thoughtfully, and a simple garnish of fresh parsley makes it look inviting and homey.

For presentation, I scoop hearty portions of the shredded chicken and gravy over a mound of mashed potatoes, then sprinkle parsley on top. It’s a classic look that never fails to impress! If I’m hosting a dinner, I occasionally add a crusty bread roll on the side to soak up any leftover sauce—always a crowd-pleaser. This meal shines best served hot, straight from the crockpot, but I’ve also found it holds up nicely if kept warm in a slow cooker during gatherings.

I like to pair this with a lightly chilled glass of Chardonnay or an amber ale, but it also goes wonderfully with sparkling water infused with lemon for a non-alcoholic option. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday or family reunion, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe adapts to fit the mood perfectly and always makes the table feel welcoming and warm.

Variations

If you’re looking to customize this recipe, one of my favorite tweaks is swapping the ranch dressing mix for a packet of Italian dressing mix for a slightly different herb profile. You can also experiment by adding chopped onions or minced garlic to the crockpot at the start for an extra flavor boost. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary added during cooking bring a lovely aromatic touch too.

For those needing dietary modifications, this recipe is adaptable. To make it gluten-free, I recommend using gluten-free gravy and ranch mixes, which are often available in many grocery stores. For a dairy-free twist, try substituting the sour cream with coconut milk yogurt or a vegan sour cream alternative. Though chicken is the star here, using turkey breasts works great if you want a leaner option, or even tofu for a vegetarian spin paired with a veggie broth substitute.

If you don’t have a crockpot, you can create a similar dish in the oven by baking the chicken covered with the gravy mixture at 325°F (163°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours until tender. Just keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. No matter how you prepare it, this recipe invites plenty of creative adaptations to suit your tastes and kitchen setup.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always recommend storing any leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. When you store it, make sure the chicken is submerged in the gravy to prevent it from drying out, which helps preserve its tender texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to make a large batch and save some for later. This dish freezes beautifully—just transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. I suggest dividing it into portions so you can thaw only what you need. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I find the stovetop method works best for preserving the gravy’s rich texture. Warm it gently over low to medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. While microwave reheating is quick, I recommend doing it in short bursts and stirring well to avoid uneven heating or drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. They tend to stay even juicier during slow cooking and add a slightly richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if your thighs are bone-in, as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it okay to add vegetables to the crockpot with the chicken?

Yes, you can definitely toss in chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions at the start of cooking. They’ll add natural sweetness and a tasty dimension to the gravy. Just keep in mind that some vegetables release water, which might thin the gravy slightly, so you may want to adjust the broth amount or add a bit more gravy mix.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely! One of the joys of this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is that it’s very forgiving. You can assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, keep it refrigerated overnight, and then cook it the next day. Just make sure to let the ingredients come to room temperature a bit before starting slow cooking to ensure even cooking.

What should I serve with this chicken and gravy dish?

My top choices are creamy mashed potatoes or steamed white rice because they soak up the luscious gravy perfectly. But I also love pairing it with buttery egg noodles or even garlic roasted potatoes for a twist. For veggies, green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad balance the hearty dish beautifully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, swap the sour cream with coconut or cashew-based alternatives. For vegan, you’d want to replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, use vegan gravy and ranch seasoning mixes, and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth. It won’t taste exactly the same, but you can still get a creamy, comforting dish with those swaps.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a dish that’s easy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, I encourage you to try this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s one of my reliable go-to meals for busy days when I want something homemade without fuss. The tender chicken, creamy gravy, and simple prep make it a winner every single time. I truly hope it becomes one of your favorites too and brings warmth and joy to your table!