Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to a new level with minimal effort. If you’re busy, this recipe becomes your best friend. You can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a scrumptious meal waiting for you. It combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
This dish is incredibly versatile and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe guarantees you’ll serve something everyone will love. It’s also a great option for meal prep, providing delicious leftovers for the week ahead.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
To prepare this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. The cooking process is straightforward, making this dish a go-to for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. It is best to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken breasts are coated with the mixture to lock in flavor.
Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this cooking time, the chicken will become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors of the gravy.
Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy to combine everything together.
Dish It Out: Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a hearty meal. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy can be served in various ways, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: This is a classic choice as the gravy enhances the creamy texture of the potatoes.
- With Rice: Serve over white or brown rice to soak up the savory gravy.
- On Biscuits: For a Southern twist, pour the chicken and gravy over flaky biscuits. This makes a delightful breakfast or brunch option.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair the dish with some steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Storing leftovers is simple and helps reduce waste. Here’s how you can properly store your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep the chicken and gravy in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to store the meal for a longer period, freeze it. Place the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it in a saucepan on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth if the gravy has thickened too much during storage.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
To achieve the best results with this recipe, consider these helpful tips:
- Chicken Freshness: Use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor. If you need to, you can use frozen ones, but they may need a slightly longer cooking time.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more garlic powder or salt according to your preference.
- Use Low-Sodium Options: If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and a reduced-sodium gravy mix.
- Add More Veggies: For a heartier meal, throw in some chopped carrots, celery, or potatoes into the slow cooker with the chicken for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the mixture for a kick.
Variation
While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily change it up to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor profile.
- Different Proteins: Use turkey breasts or bone-in chicken thighs for a different taste and texture. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can enhance the flavor. Try adding thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to the slow cooker for added aroma.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to extend the cooking time, especially if you’re using the slow cooker on low. It may take around 8-10 hours on low to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free chicken gravy mix. Check the labels to ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
3. How can I thicken the gravy?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, consider mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and then stirring it into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help it thicken up nicely.
4. What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including mashed potatoes, rice, biscuits, or a fresh salad. Steamed vegetables are also a great complement.
5. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
Yes, you can! To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to brown the chicken briefly before adding the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before shredding and serving.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is an easy and comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor each delicious bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A comforting slow cooker dish with tender chicken and rich gravy, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks and stir to combine with the gravy.
- Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh chicken breasts and adjust seasoning to taste. Add veggies like carrots or celery in the slow cooker for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, slow cooker, comfort food, gravy, easy recipe, meal prep