When you’re in need of a hassle-free, delicious meal, Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the perfect solution. This dish is not only incredibly simple to prepare, but it also delivers comforting flavors that make it an instant favorite for family dinners. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the chicken to cook slowly, resulting in tender, flavorful goodness. You’ll love the way the savory gravy coats everything, making it an ideal choice for pairing with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Why We Love This Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
One of the reasons this recipe stands out is its versatility and ease of preparation. You can throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Whether you’re busy running errands, juggling work, or simply enjoying some time with family, you can rely on your crockpot to handle dinner for you. Not to mention, this dish is delightful comfort food that pleases both adults and kids alike. Plus, the creamy gravy is perfect for soaking into sides like bread, rice, or vegetables, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients about Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
To create this delicious meal, you’ll need the following ingredients:
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix (usually about 1 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Having everything ready before you begin will help speed up the cooking process and allow you to enjoy your time in the kitchen.
How to Make Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Directions
Making Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is as simple as following a few straightforward steps. Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they lay flat to ensure even cooking.
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the ranch dressing mix and chicken broth. This mixture is what makes the gravy thick and flavorful! Stir everything together until it’s well blended. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Next, it’s time to season your dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top to taste. Keep in mind that the ranch dressing mix already contains some salt, so adjust accordingly.
Now comes the fun part! Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
Once the cooking time is complete, check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked—this means it should be tender and easily shred apart. Using two forks, shred the chicken within the gravy until it’s well mixed. Stir everything together so that the chicken is fully covered with the rich and savory gravy.
Serve this delicious dish hot, and if you want to add a touch of color, consider garnishing it with fresh parsley. This simple step elevates the presentation and adds a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Serving your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can be just as enjoyable as making it. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it over fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or even with buttery egg noodles. Each mouthful will be a delightful combination of tender chicken and creamy gravy.
If you’d like to make it a complete meal, accompany it with steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots. Not only do these veggies add a pop of color to your plate, but they also offer a nice nutritional balance to the richness of the chicken and gravy.
For those who love bread, a side of crusty rolls or biscuits can be an excellent addition as well. You’ll enjoy sopping up the leftover gravy, ensuring no delicious drop is left behind.
Expert Tips: Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Here are some expert tips to help ensure your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy turns out perfectly every time:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cooking is forgiving, be cautious not to exceed the recommended cooking time, as this can lead to dry chicken.
- Adjust Consistency: If you find that your gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a short period to thicken.
- Make It Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare it the night before and set it to cook in the morning.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add extra herbs or spices according to your taste. Garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
How to Store Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly is key to enjoying the flavors for another meal. Allow any remaining chicken and gravy to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.
Refrigerate the container, and you can enjoy your leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider freezing the chicken and gravy. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them on the stove over medium heat or in a microwave-safe bowl until warmed through. If you find that the gravy has thickened, adding a little broth can help return it to the desired consistency.
Variation of Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
There are countless ways to customize your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, making it a versatile dish for all taste preferences. Here are some variations you might like:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in chopped carrots, potatoes, or peas into your slow cooker for a heartier meal. These veggies will simmer in the gravy and enhance the overall flavor.
- Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy mix. This will give it an exciting kick that adds depth to the dish.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a fragrant twist. These herbs can bring additional layers of flavor to your savory gravy.
- Different Meat: While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can also use turkey breast or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for different meats to ensure perfect tenderness.
- Creamy Mushroom Variation: Incorporate sliced mushrooms along with the gravy base for a classic combination that many people adore. The mushrooms will add an earthy richness to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
The best way is to layer the chicken breasts with the mixture of cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth in your slow cooker. Set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours for tender, flavorful chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken breasts, you will need to increase the cooking time slightly, ensuring they are cooked through to at least 165°F (75°C).
What can I pair with Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Additionally, serve it with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or homemade dairy-free cream sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks.
This ensures you’re fully equipped to make the most of your culinary experience with Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. Enjoy the simplicity and rich flavors this dish brings to your table!
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix Usually about 1 oz.
- 1 cup chicken broth Adjust for consistency of gravy.
- Salt and pepper to taste Ranch dressing mix already contains salt.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Optional for presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, laying them flat.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. Stir until well blended.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker. Set to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Finishing
- Check that the chicken is fully cooked and tender. It should shred easily.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken within the gravy until well mixed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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