Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish that is perfect for busy families or anyone who loves easy and delicious meals. This recipe is a lifesaver during hectic days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner without much effort. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful gravy creates a meal that can please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it requires minimal preparation and lets your slow cooker do most of the work, leaving you free to focus on other tasks or enjoy your evening.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is incredibly simple. Just follow these straightforward steps, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious, home-cooked meal.
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 in the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.
Coat the Chicken: Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated. This will form a rich and tasty gravy as the chicken cooks.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the chicken will be.
Shred and Stir: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy until everything is well blended.
Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice. The gravy pairs perfectly with the potatoes, soaking in for extra flavor.
- With Rice: Fluffy rice is another great base for this chicken and gravy. It soaks up the flavorful gravy well.
- On Biscuits: If you want to add a bit of Southern charm, serve the chicken and gravy on top of warm biscuits. This combination is truly comforting.
- With Vegetables: For a well-rounded meal, consider serving alongside steamed green beans, carrots, or corn.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Storing leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is easy, and it can stay fresh for a few days. Here’s how to do it:
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. Make sure to include both chicken and gravy for optimal flavor.
- Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you think you won’t eat it within that time, consider freezing it.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the leftovers, place the container in the freezer. It can last for about 2-3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date.
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You might want to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the gravy if it gets too thick.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy turns out perfect every time:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and shred easily. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you have more than four chicken breasts, consider cooking them in batches or using a larger slow cooker. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to add extra spices or seasonings according to your taste. A little paprika or thyme can add depth to the flavor.
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove some of the liquid from the slow cooker before serving and whisk in a cornstarch slurry. To make a slurry, mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir it into the hot gravy.
- Cooking Time: If you’re tight on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours still yields tender chicken. However, cooking on low is typically recommended for the most tender results.
Variation
You can also switch things up with different flavor profiles. Here are some variations to consider:
- Herbed Chicken: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sauce for a more aromatic dish.
- Lemon Flavor: A splash of fresh lemon juice in the sauce gives a bright and zesty flavor.
- Mushroom Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for an earthy touch.
- Creamy Mushroom Soup: Instead of cream of chicken soup, use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor base.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just be aware that it may take a bit longer to cook. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just ensure to remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to take the chill off.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double the ingredients if you have a larger slow cooker. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary when cooking larger quantities.
Can I substitute cream of chicken soup?
Yes, if you want a healthier option, you can use low-fat cream of chicken soup or even make your own using chicken broth and a bit of milk with flour to thicken.
What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or a side salad also make for a great accompaniment.
Enjoy your cooking and indulge in this warming, delicious meal!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a flavorful gravy, perfect for busy families.
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 in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir into the gravy until blended.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker gravy, whisk in a cornstarch slurry before serving. Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken, slow cooker, gravy, comfort food, easy dinner