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If youβre looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal that fills your home with the warm scent of slow-cooked goodness, Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is exactly what you need. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a trusty slow cooker, youβll have a savory dish that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, stuffing, or egg noodles.
Letβs dive into this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe thatβs bound to become a family favorite.
π Ingredients You’ll Need
Hereβs everything required to create this delicious dish:
2 packets chicken gravy mix
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can of water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Β½ teaspoon paprika
ΒΌ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
3 whole chicken breasts (boneless, skinless β about a pound)
Β½ cup sour cream
Optional: Add salt to taste once the dish is fully cooked.
π Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. You donβt need to measure the seasoning exactlyβjust give the chicken a good coating. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken, giving it a rich and savory taste once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the water, chicken gravy packets, and cream of chicken soup until smooth. This creamy mixture will create the base for your gravy. Make sure there are no lumps before pouring it into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Gravy to Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. Cooking on low allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while absorbing all the flavors from the gravy.
Pro Tip: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Mine was perfectly cooked after 4.5 hours.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it, or cut it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream and Serve
Whisk the sour cream into the gravy in the slow cooker until smooth. The sour cream adds a creamy tang that balances the flavors perfectly. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the gravy.
Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, but I found it was perfectly seasoned without any extra.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crockpot chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or stuffing. This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any side.
π₯ Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a true comfort meal that shines when served with your favorite sides. Here are some ideas:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing, soaking up the rich gravy beautifully.
Rice: Fluffy white rice or buttery seasoned rice is an excellent base for this dish.
Egg Noodles: Tender egg noodles tossed with butter make for a comforting and hearty meal.
Stuffing: For a holiday-inspired twist, serve the chicken and gravy with stuffing.
π Variations and Tips
Want to customize this recipe to suit your taste? Here are some variations:
1. Add Veggies
For a complete one-pot meal, add vegetables like carrots, celery, and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Theyβll cook alongside the chicken and soak up the delicious gravy.
2. Use Chicken Thighs
If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative to chicken breasts. Theyβre juicy and tender, and they hold up well during slow cooking.
3. Make It Spicy
Add a little heat by sprinkling in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
4. Herbs for Extra Flavor
Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. Add them at the beginning for a deeper flavor or at the end for a fresh touch.
5. Gluten-Free Option
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free gravy mix and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well.
βοΈ Storing and Reheating
This dish is perfect for meal prep because it stores and reheats well.
In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: Freeze the chicken and gravy in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
π¬ Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. Itβs easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. The best part is that itβs so versatileβyou can serve it in many different ways and customize it to your liking. Whether itβs a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a weeknight meal when youβre short on time, this dish always hits the spot.
So, grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try! Your family will thank you.