Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: The Lazy Dish!

A warm, comforting plate of tender chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy, served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug from Grandma, but with none of the fuss. This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is the ultimate “lazy dish” that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this set-it-and-forget-it meal will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!

FAMILY FAVORITE CROCK POT RECIPE

There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy The Lazy Dish is a household staple:

• Rich and comforting: The gravy is velvety and packed with savory goodness, coating every bite of tender chicken.

• Effortless prep: Toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—no babysitting required.

• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love this classic, homey dish.

• Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even biscuits for a meal that never gets old.

This recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy from Scratch is as easy as it gets. You’ll layer chicken, seasonings, and broth in your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and finish with a quick gravy. The result? A hearty, soul-warming dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Keep reading for the full step-by-step guide!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are leaner, while thighs stay extra juicy.

• Chicken broth: 2 cups of low-sodium broth for the base of the gravy.

• Seasoning packet: One 1-oz packet of ranch dressing mix for a zesty, flavorful kick (Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with Ranch Packet). Alternatively, use onion soup mix for a deeper, savory taste.

• Cornstarch: ¼ cup, mixed with ¼ cup water to make a slurry for thickening the gravy.

• Butter: 2 tbsp for richness (optional but recommended).

• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken.

• Optional: Garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

3-Ingredient Variation: For an even simpler 3 Ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, use just chicken, a packet of ranch or gravy mix, and a can of cream of chicken soup (no extra broth or slurry needed).

These ingredients come together for a dish that’s both easy and irresistible.

How To Make Chicken & Gravy in the Crockpot

Follow these simple steps to create Grandma’s Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.

2. Add seasonings and liquid: Sprinkle the ranch packet (or onion soup mix) over the chicken. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and add 2 tbsp butter, if using.

3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.

4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken to a bowl and shred with two forks or a hand mixer. Return it to the slow cooker.

5. Make the gravy: In a small bowl, whisk ¼ cup cornstarch with ¼ cup water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until the gravy thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Variation: For a Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (No Soup), skip canned soup and rely on the cornstarch slurry and broth for a from-scratch gravy. It’s just as delicious!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy shines with these classic pairings:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up the gravy perfectly.

• Rice: White or brown rice makes for a quick, hearty base.

• Egg noodles: For a comforting, noodle-y twist.

• Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits are ideal for sopping up every drop of gravy.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with Vegetables: Add veggies like carrots, peas, or green beans to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal. Alternatively, serve with simple sides like:

• Steamed green beans with a pat of butter.

• Roasted carrots with a sprinkle of thyme.

• A crisp side salad for freshness.

These options make your meal complete and balanced.

Variations & Tips

Make this recipe your own with these ideas and tricks:

• Chicken types: Try bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor (remove bones before shredding) or use Crockpot Chicken Recipes with pre-shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.

• Gravy texture: For thicker gravy, add more cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp at a time). For thinner gravy, stir in extra broth.

• Flavor boosts: Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for umami, or fresh herbs like parsley at the end.

• Meal prep: Double the recipe and freeze leftovers in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

• Freezing tip: Cool completely before freezing to maintain the gravy’s texture. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

These tweaks keep the recipe versatile and practical!

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 (1-oz) packet ranch dressing mix (Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with Ranch Packet) or onion soup mix

• ¼ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup water (for slurry)

• 2 tbsp butter (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder or paprika

3-Ingredient Variation: 2 lbs chicken, 1 packet ranch or gravy mix, 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup.

Instructions:

1. Place chicken in a 6-quart slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.

2. Sprinkle ranch packet over chicken. Add broth and butter, if using.

3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.

4. Shred chicken with two forks or a hand mixer and return to the slow cooker.

5. Whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until thickened. Adjust seasoning.

6. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.

Notes:

• For Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (No Soup), skip canned soup and use the cornstarch slurry.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Enjoy your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: The Lazy Dish!

FAQs About Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: The Lazy Dish!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe?
A: Yes! Place frozen chicken breasts or thighs directly in the slow cooker and add an extra 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

Q: How do I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
A: For thicker gravy, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water and cook on high for 10-15 minutes. For thinner gravy, stir in additional chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a seasoning packet?
A: Absolutely! For a Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (No Soup) version, skip the ranch or onion soup mix and season with 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste.