Nothing says comfort like a creamy, flavorful dish of chicken and gravy. Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is a rich and hearty recipe that combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a luscious, savory gravy that’s perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttery biscuits.
This is a true set-it-and-forget-it meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want a home-cooked meal with minimal effort. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the chicken broth over the top, then spoon the cream of chicken soup on top.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir gently to help it melt and incorporate into the gravy.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy gravy.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley or cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Chicken Options: Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay juicier, but breasts work just as well if you prefer leaner meat.
- Thicker Gravy: For a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the gravy about 15 minutes before serving.
- Make It Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and soup substitutes for a lactose-free version.
- Mix It Up: Add sliced mushrooms or frozen peas during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring frequently to avoid separating the gravy.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb Lovers: Stir in fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for an aromatic touch.
- Vegetable Additions: Include diced carrots, celery, or even frozen green beans to make it a complete one-pot meal.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Details
Per Serving (Approximate, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 38g
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Certainly! Cook the chicken in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until tender, then follow the same steps for adding the cream cheese and shredding the chicken.
What can I serve with this dish?
This pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, or fluffy biscuits. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad to round out the meal.
How do I avoid separating the cream cheese?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it, and stir gently to help it melt smoothly into the gravy.
