Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal that will satisfy the whole family? Look no further than this easy crock pot chicken and gravy recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a flavorful and tender chicken dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re a busy parent or someone who wants to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to go about your day while the flavors meld together to create a mouthwatering dish. Let’s dive in and discover why this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why this crock pot chicken and gravy recipe is a winner:
– Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal without any complicated techniques.
– Flavorful: The combination of tender chicken and rich gravy creates a dish bursting with savory flavors.
– Versatile: This recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adding herbs, spices, or vegetables.
– Time-saving: The slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks.
Ingredients
To make this easy crock pot chicken and gravy, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional ingredient substitutions:
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
- Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect crock pot chicken and gravy:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, dry onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, water, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.
- Cover the slow cooker again and let the chicken and gravy cook together for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the crock pot chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to ensure your crock pot chicken and gravy turns out perfectly every time:
– Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They cook evenly and are easy to shred.
– Don’t skip the dry onion soup mix. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the chicken and gravy.
– For extra flavor, sauté the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
– If you prefer a thicker gravy, use the cornstarch mixture mentioned in the step-by-step instructions.
Variations and Substitutions
This crock pot chicken and gravy recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs:
– Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
– Herb-infused: Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley over the chicken before cooking for added flavor.
– Creamy alternative: Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup for a different taste and texture.
– Dietary substitutions: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use a gluten-free cream soup and double-check that the onion soup mix is gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream soup or make a homemade substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This crock pot chicken and gravy is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:
– Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination.
– Pair it with steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a well-rounded meal.
– Spoon it over cooked egg noodles or rice for a hearty and filling dish.
– Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. Simply cook the chicken and gravy according to the instructions, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This easy crock pot chicken and gravy recipe is a game-changer when it comes to convenient and delicious meals. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy tender and flavorful chicken smothered in rich and savory gravy. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
An easy and flavorful chicken dish cooked in a slow cooker with rich gravy, perfect for a hassle-free and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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In a mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, dry onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, water, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
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Remove the cooked chicken, shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
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Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy, cover, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
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For a thicker gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.