What’s the easiest way to turn a few pantry staples into a creamy, savory, soul-warming meal that’s guaranteed to soothe any appetite? Look no further than Crockpot Chicken & Creamy Gravy, a slow cooker favorite that’s as effortless as it is irresistible. With tender chicken simmered in a rich blend of ranch, gravy, cream cheese, and soup, this one-pot wonder delivers cozy flavor with every bite. It’s the kind of meal you crave on cold nights, lazy Sundays, or anytime comfort food calls your name.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet dry chicken gravy mix
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Layer Ingredients
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the dry ranch and gravy seasoning packets evenly over the chicken.
Step 2: Add Creamy Base
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until mostly smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the seasoned chicken. Add cubed cream cheese and butter on top.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily with two forks.
- Stir well to combine the sauce and break up the cream cheese fully. Shred or slice the chicken and mix back into the gravy.
Step 4: Serve with Style
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or biscuits for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra richness and tenderness.
- Substitute turkey gravy mix for a different twist on flavor.
- Add baby carrots or sliced mushrooms to the Crockpot with the chicken.
- Stir in a handful of frozen peas at the end for color and texture.
Cooking Note
- Softened cream cheese blends more easily—bring it to room temp before adding.
- No need to add salt; the ranch and gravy packets are seasoned already.
- This dish thickens as it cools—add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Chicken & Creamy Gravy over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or wide egg noodles for a classic Southern-style plate. Biscuits are another great option to soak up all that luscious gravy. Add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well—cool completely before freezing in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 410
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 760mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Use reduced-sodium gravy and soup mixes to cut back on salt. Swap cream cheese with Neufchâtel or Greek yogurt for fewer calories. Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles instead of starches for a lower-carb option. Choose low-fat cream of chicken soup for a lighter gravy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Chicken can dry out if left too long—check after 5 hours on low.
- Not stirring the cream cheese: Blend it fully at the end to avoid lumps in the gravy.
- Using cold cream cheese: Always soften it first for easier melting and mixing.
- Forgetting to taste before serving: Adjust with pepper or parsley if needed for balance.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken & Creamy Gravy is your answer to the ultimate weeknight comfort meal. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and packs all the flavor of a homemade dinner with none of the stress. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Just prep, press start, and come back to a house that smells like a warm hug.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
A: For best texture and food safety, thaw chicken before adding it to the Crockpot.
Q2: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and extend cook time slightly if needed.
Q3: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free gravy and soup packets to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
Q4: Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
A: Absolutely! Mix dried dill, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, and salt to taste.
Crockpot Chicken and Creamy Gravy
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Chicken & Creamy Gravy is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken smothered in a rich, ranch-seasoned gravy.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet dry chicken gravy mix
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese (cubed)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle dry ranch and gravy seasoning packets evenly over the chicken.
3. Whisk together cream of chicken soup and broth, then pour over chicken.
4. Add cubed cream cheese and butter on top.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
6. Shred or slice chicken and mix back into creamy gravy.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Let cream cheese soften before cooking to blend more smoothly.
Add vegetables like carrots or peas for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with gravy
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg