This Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Gravy is perfect for busy days! Juicy chicken simmers in a rich, creamy sauce that makes every bite taste like a warm hug.
What’s great is how hands-off this recipe is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic. I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish as they stay moist and tender. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, or use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time a bit!
Soup: The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups create a creamy base. If you’re dairy-free, consider using coconut cream or a non-dairy cream soup. You can also make your own by blending cooked mushrooms or chicken with broth and a little flour.
Ranch seasoning: This adds a ton of flavor! If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives with some salt and pepper as an alternative.
Garlic and onion powder: These enhance the taste effortlessly. Fresh garlic and onions can work too; just sauté them before adding them to the slow cooker.
How Do I Make Sure My Gravy is the Perfect Consistency?
Getting the right gravy consistency can be tricky! After cooking, if you find the gravy is too thin, you can thicken it with cornstarch. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and cook on high for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
For a creamy texture, make sure to stir the mixture well before adding it back to the chicken. Doing this helps to avoid lumps. With these tips, you’ll have a deliciously creamy gravy!
Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Gravy will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high until the chicken is tender. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re arranged evenly for proper cooking.
2. Mix the Sauces:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, dry ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is smoothly mixed together.
3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This tasty sauce will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with amazing flavors.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and tender, and it will easily shred with a fork.
5. Thicken the Gravy (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker gravy, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the gravy in the slow cooker and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes until thickened.
6. Finish and Serve:
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the creamy gravy over it. This is the perfect moment to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch.
7. Enjoy:
Serve this amazing creamy chicken and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Gravy
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Avoid using thicker cuts as they may require even longer cooking times.
What Can I Substitute for the Cream Soups?
If you want to avoid canned soups, you can make your own creamy mixture using a combination of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with some chicken broth and seasonings. Alternatively, use a homemade white sauce or a dairy-free cream alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and cook it in the slow cooker the next day. Just remember to keep the chicken and sauce separate until you’re ready to cook.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover creamy chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
