Chicken and Gravy

Chicken and Gravy: Your New Comfort Food Hug

Hey there, Food Meld fam! Jackson here, and I’m about to give you the coziest kitchen hug of your life. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in rich, savory gravy, poured over a mountain of fluffy mashed potatoes or tucked into a buttery biscuit. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and sigh—pure, unapologetic comfort. This ain’t just dinner; it’s a time machine straight to Sunday suppers at Grandma’s, where the table groaned under platters of love and nobody left hungry.

What I adore about this Chicken and Gravy is how it balances simplicity with knockout flavor. We’re talking pantry staples doing a flavor tango in your slow cooker or skillet. No fancy techniques, no stress—just hearty, soul-warming goodness. Whether you’re wrangling kids after soccer practice or craving a taste of nostalgia, this dish delivers. It’s forgiving (messy hands welcome!), adaptable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like a Southern diner at peak brunch hour. So tie on that apron, crank up some tunes, and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into something unforgettable. Trust me, your future self—lounging on the couch with a happy belly—will thank you.

Grandma’s Gravy-Stained Apron & My First Kitchen Victory

This recipe? Oh, it’s steeped in gravy-splattered memories. When I was eight, I’d perch on a stool in Grandma Lou’s kitchen, watching her make magic in a chipped blue Dutch oven. One rainy Sunday, she handed me a whisk and said, “Alright, Jackson, you’re on gravy duty.” My heart raced like I’d been handed Excalibur. I stirred like my life depended on it, flour flying everywhere, while she chuckled and guided my hands. When that velvety gravy finally poured—thick and speckled with black pepper—the whole family cheered. Uncle Roy even pretended to lick his plate clean. That moment? Pure gold. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the chaos, the laughter, and the unspoken rule in her kitchen: imperfections welcome, love required. Every time I make this dish, I swear I catch a whiff of her rosewater perfume and hear her saying, “Baby, if it makes ’em smile, you did it right.”

Chicken and Gravy

---

• Author: Jackson Walker
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 - 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This dish takes me straight back to Sunday suppers at grandma’s — the kind where everyone came hungry and left with full hearts. Tender chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy poured over mashed potatoes or biscuits… it’s comfort food at its finest. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker or stovetop, you can make a meal that hugs you from the inside out.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)

1 packet chicken gravy mix

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 cup chicken broth

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

Slow Cooker Method:

Place chicken in the slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together gravy mix, ranch seasoning, soup, and broth.

Pour over chicken.

Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

Shred chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat in the gravy.

Stovetop Method:

In a large skillet, sear chicken on both sides until golden. Remove.

In the same pan, whisk soup, broth, gravy mix, and ranch. Bring to a simmer.

Add chicken back in, cover, and simmer on low 25–30 minutes until tender.

Shred or serve whole with gravy spooned over top.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Sugar: 2g per serving
• Sodium: 780mg per serving
• Fat: 18g per serving
• Saturated Fat: 5g per serving
• Carbohydrates: 12g per serving
• Fiber: 1g per serving
• Protein: 28g per serving
• Cholesterol: 85mg per serving

Gather Your Flavor Crew

Here’s your dream team! Pro tip: Chicken thighs are my MVP for extra juiciness, but breasts work great too. Don’t stress over subs—this recipe’s as flexible as your favorite yoga pants.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs!) – Thighs = richer flavor & fork-tender magic. Breasts = leaner but still delish. Frozen? Thaw ’em first for even cooking.
• 1 packet chicken gravy mix – Our flavor shortcut! No shame—it’s busy-kitchen genius. Swap with 2 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tsp each onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme if DIY-ing.
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix – Secret weapon alert! Adds herby tang. Out of ranch? Use 1 tbsp dried dill + 1 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Creamy base boss. Cream of mushroom works great too (hello, umami!). For homemade, blend 1 cup broth + ½ cup milk + 3 tbsp flour.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Liquid gold! Low-sodium lets you control salt. Veggie broth works in a pinch.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Season like you mean it! Taste before adding salt—those packets bring sodium swagger.
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish – Fresh pop of color & brightness. Chives or green onions rock too.

Let’s Build That Comfort, Step by Step

Slow Cooker Method (My “Set It & Hug It” Approach):

1. Chicken down! Place chicken in your slow cooker. Chef’s hack: Rub a little cracked pepper on both sides first—it wakes up the flavor!
2. Whisk warriors unite! In a bowl, whisk gravy mix, ranch seasoning, soup, and broth until smooth. No-lump secret: Add broth slowly while whisking like you’re whisking for Olympic gold.
3. Pour the love! Drench that chicken in your gravy mixture. Pro move: Lift chicken edges to let sauce flow underneath—no dry spots!
4. Cook low & slow or fast & fierce! Cover and cook on LOW 6-7 hours (best for melt-in-mouth thighs) or HIGH 3-4 hours (perfect for breasts). Key tip: NO PEEKING! Every lid lift adds 15 mins.
5. Shred & rejoice! Use two forks to shred chicken right in the pot. Stir—it’ll soak up gravy like a flavor sponge. Texture trick: Leave some chunks for satisfying bites!

Stovetop Method (For Gravy Cravings in 30 Mins Flat):

1. Sear for glory! Heat 1 tbsp oil in a deep skillet over medium-high. Pat chicken dry (crisp = flavor!), season with pepper, sear 3-4 mins per side until golden. Remove to plate. Game-changer: Don’t crowd the pan—sear in batches if needed!
2. Deglaze that goodness! In same skillet, whisk soup, broth, gravy mix, and ranch seasoning. Scrape those browned bits—they’re FLAVOR BOMBS! Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Reunite & simmer! Nestle chicken back into gravy. Reduce heat to low, cover, simmer 25-30 mins until chicken hits 165°F internally. Juiciness guard: Keep it at a lazy bubble—no raging boils!
4. Shred or slice! Serve chicken whole with gravy ladled over, or shred directly in pan for ultimate gravy coverage. Bonus: Simmer uncovered 5 mins if gravy needs thickening.

Plate It Like a Pro (Or Just Dump It—We Don’t Judge!)

Ready to serve up some serious comfort? This Chicken and Gravy was made to be smothered, piled, and savored. For that cozy-diner look, spoon a generous heap over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes—bonus points for swirling the gravy into little rivulets down the sides. Feeling biscuit vibes? Split a warm, buttery biscuit and ladle that gravy right on top until it cascades over the edges like a savory waterfall. Rice, egg noodles, garlic toast—this dish plays nice with everything.

📸 Styling tip: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cracked black pepper just before serving. That pop of green and fleck of spice makes it look as crave-worthy as it tastes.

But hey—if you’re halfway through your third episode of that show and just want dinner in a bowl? Toss everything together and dig in. The flavor doesn’t judge, and neither do we. 😄

Shake It Up: 5 Tasty Twists

Make it YOUR signature with these riffs:

1. Mushroom Madness: Sauté 8oz sliced mushrooms with onions after searing chicken. Earthy heaven!
2. Spicy Cajun Soul: Swap ranch for 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning + dash of hot sauce. Serve with cheesy grits.
3. Creamy Dream: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end. Luxe level: 100.
4. Pork Power Play: Use boneless pork chops instead of chicken. Cook times same—gravy loves pork!
5. Gluten-Free Fix: Use GF gravy mix, GF cream of chicken soup, and thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed.

Jackson’s Real-Talk Kitchen Confessions

This recipe’s evolved since my gravy-whisking debut with Grandma! Originally, she used a whole chicken simmered for hours—delicious, but who’s got time? My “cheat” packets became a happy accident when I was broke in college. (Ramen money well spent!) Funny story: Once, I doubled the ranch mix by mistake. We called it “Ranch Apocalypse”—surprisingly addictive! Now, I keep it simple because life’s messy enough. Gravy too thin? Whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water, simmer 2 mins. Too thick? Splash in broth. Remember: Cooking’s a vibe, not a science. Burned the bottom? Scrape around it—your secret’s safe with me!

Your Burning Questions, Answered!

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Absolutely! Thaw it first in the fridge overnight for even cooking. Tossing it in frozen? Add 1-2 hours to slow cooker time, but check internal temp (165°F).

Q: Help! My gravy’s too salty!

A: No panic! Stir in ½ cup peeled, diced potato—simmer 10 mins, then remove. Potatoes absorb salt like a sponge! Or add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to balance.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: You bet! Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup (or my homemade sub with broth + almond milk + flour). Skip optional cream in variations—gravy’s still fab!

Q: Why’s my chicken dry in the slow cooker?

A: Breasts can overcook. Try thighs (more forgiving) or reduce time to 5-6 hrs on LOW. Also, ensure enough liquid—if sauce reduces too much, add ¼ cup broth.

Nutritional Nibbles (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 18g
Note: Using thighs adds ~50 calories but boosts flavor & moisture. Sodium varies by broth/packets—low-sodium options help!

ChatGPT said: