I love it when dinner practically makes itself – like this 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken. With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple minutes of prep, the slow cooker does the rest of the work and dinner is done in just a few hours. The result is tender shredded chicken coated in the creamiest, most flavorful gravy. It’s one of those no-fuss meals my whole family devours, and I bet yours will too!

Crockpot chicken is hands down one of my favorite things to make when I don’t have the time or energy and I want a no-fuss, tasty dinner. Recipes like my crockpot BBQ chicken, crockpot chicken and stuffing, and this 3 packet crockpot chicken have been a lifesaver on busy days, especially when I don’t want to think too hard about feeding the family. I love serving this over mashed potatoes for an easy comfort meal. Just dump everything in and let the slow cooker do the work!

Helpful Tips & Variations

• Cook on low, not high. Slow and steady wins the race here. Cooking on low for 4–5 hours helps the chicken stay juicy and tender. If you cook it on high or leave it in too long, the chicken can become stringy or dry. For best results, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Too salty or too thick? If the gravy ends up too salty or too thick, add a splash of unsalted broth or plain water to mellow it out.
• Add cream cheese. During the last hour, add a block of cream cheese for extra richness.
• Add veggies. Add sliced mushrooms or onions under the chicken for a savory twist. And/or stir in frozen peas or spinach at the end for a pop of green.
• Use chicken thighs. Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for even more flavor.
• Thicken the gravy or make it tangy. Add a block of cream cheese during the last hour for extra richness. If you want a thicker, creamier sauce, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 15 minutes. It’ll thicken as it simmers without clumping.

How to Make 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken Step by Step

Prep the crockpot and add the chicken: Lightly coat a 6-quart crockpot with nonstick spray. Place 3 pounds skinless chicken breasts (3-4 breasts) in a single layer on the bottom of the crockpot.

Mix the seasoning broth: In a large measuring cup with a spout, whisk together 1 packet (1 oz.) of ranch seasoning, 1 packet (0.6 oz.) of Italian dressing mix, 1 packet (0.8 oz.) of chicken gravy mix, and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth until fully dissolved.

Pour over the chicken. Pour the seasoned broth mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with two forks.

Shred the chicken. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the gravy.

Serve and garnish. Spoon the shredded chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

I almost always serve this 3 Packet Crockpot Chicken over mashed potatoes, because it’s the ultimate comfort food, and the potatoes soak up every bit of that savory gravy. But if I’m in the mood to switch things up, it’s just as good over rice, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. I like to round things out with something fresh on the side, like a simple green salad or roasted green beans.

How to Store Leftovers

• Fridge. Store leftover shredded chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully for quick weekday lunches. 
• Freezer. To freeze, transfer the chicken and gravy (without the mashed potatoes) to individual containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

More Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes

• Slow Cooker Italian Lemon Chicken
• Crockpot Chicken and Stuffing
• Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken
• Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube!