When you’re searching for a wholesome and delightful meal that requires minimal effort, look no further than Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This dish blends tender chicken with a creamy gravy that’s perfect for pairing with rice or mashed potatoes. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to deliver a satisfying meal, even on your busiest days. Utilizing a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, giving your chicken a rich taste that you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this recipe is worth adding to your weekly rotation.
Why We Love This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that practically cooks itself. The allure of Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy isn’t just its flavors; it’s also the convenience it provides. Imagine coming home after a long day to the rich aroma of chicken simmering in gravy, already prepared just for you. This recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners, yet delicious enough to save for special occasions. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable to suit your family’s tastes.
You’ll love how it requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Simply throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until mealtime. Plus, we can’t overlook the fact that leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Each bite provides warmth and satisfaction, making it a dish you’ll always look forward to enjoying.
Ingredients about Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
To make this delightful dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll require to create this mouthwatering chicken and gravy meal:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of chicken gravy mix (about 1 ounce)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup of chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
These ingredients create a lovely combination that results in juicy chicken coated in a flavorful gravy. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; many of these items can be substituted or excluded based on your preference.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Directions
Making Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to create a delightful meal:
- Start by preparing your slow cooker. Lightly spray or grease the inside of the crockpot to prevent sticking. This step can save you from a sticky mess when serving.
- Place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chicken gravy packet, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth or water together until well combined. You want this mixture to be smooth without any lumps.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. You can use a spatula or spoon to help distribute the gravy if necessary.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
- Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. The longer cooking time on low allows for a more tender chicken, while the high setting works if you’re short on time.
- Once the cooking time is complete, check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F is ideal). If the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork, it’s ready to serve.
- Once cooked, you can shred the chicken directly in the crockpot for easy serving. Stir the shredded chicken in the gravy to coat it thoroughly.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can transfer the gravy to a saucepan and simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes, or whisk in a cornstarch slurry until the desired thickness is achieved.
When serving, spoon the chicken and gravy mixture over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for a warming meal that tastes homemade.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Presenting your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is straightforward. You want to enhance its visual appeal while ensuring every bite is delicious. Here’s how you can serve this comforting dish:
Start by placing a generous scoop of cooked rice or mashed potatoes on each plate. These make an ideal bed for the chicken and gravy, soaking up all the scrumptious sauce. You can even serve it over biscuits or toast for a comforting twist.
Top the mound of chicken with a good ladle of gravy, ensuring that every bite you take is loaded with flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. This simple garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate, making it certainly more appealing.
Alongside, you can offer steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the meal. The simplicity of this dish allows for ample flexibility in terms of sides, so feel free to customize based on what you have available.
Expert Tips: Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
To guarantee the best results with your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, consider the following expert tips:
- Use Fresh Chicken: While frozen chicken can be used, fresh chicken breasts usually yield better texture and flavor.
- Choose High-Quality Gravy Mix: Look for a gravy mix that uses quality ingredients, as this will impact the overall taste of the dish.
- Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with seasonings. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the dish even further.
- Avoid Overcooking: Stick to the recommended cooking times to ensure your chicken remains juicy and tender. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken.
- Adapt for Different Cuts: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be substituted for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
- Check Consistency: If your gravy looks too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water; add it to the gravy and let it simmer until thickened.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy that everyone will love.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Storing your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for later use is simple and can help reduce food waste. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Cool: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool down to room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- Transfer to Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the chicken and gravy. Portioning it into smaller containers can make reheating easier later on.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it’s best to freeze. In the freezer, it can last for up to 3 months without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.
- Reheat Safely: When ready to eat, you can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it appears too thick after reheating, you can stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy your Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy without the worry of spoilage.
Variation of Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
While the main recipe is simple and delicious, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit. Here are some variations of Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to try:
- Creamy Mushroom Add-In: Add 1 can of sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker before cooking. This will enrich the flavor and add texture to the gravy.
- Onion Flavor Boost: Toss in sliced onions or shallots along with the chicken for a subtle sweetness.
- Vegetable Medley: Include bite-sized pieces of carrots, potatoes, and celery for added nutrition and a complete one-pot meal. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for the added veggies.
- Cajun Twist: A dash of Cajun seasoning can bring a nice kick to the dish, making it spicier. Serve with some cooked rice or over cornbread for a Southern twist.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, can be tossed into the crockpot for a fragrant aroma and richer flavor.
Experimenting with these variations can keep mealtimes exciting while still enjoying the comforting base of this recipe.
FAQs about Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
How long does Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy take to cook? Typically, on low, this dish takes about 6 to 7 hours, while cooking on high can reduce the time to 3 to 4 hours. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of the chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? While it is possible to use frozen chicken, it is recommended to use thawed chicken for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, you might need to extend the cooking time.
Is Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy suitable for meal prepping? Absolutely! This dish is ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I make Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy gluten-free? Yes! Simply use a gluten-free gravy mix and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.
What can I serve with Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy? This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. You could also serve it with vegetables or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh chicken for better texture and flavor.
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix (about 1 ounce) Choose high-quality gravy mix.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust seasoning as needed.
- optional Chopped parsley for garnish Adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Lightly spray or grease the inside of the crockpot.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken gravy packet, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth or water until smooth.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken and ensure it's well coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking
- Set the slow cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Check for doneness (165°F).
- Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot and mix with the gravy.
- For a thicker gravy, simmer on the stovetop or whisk in a cornstarch slurry.
Serving
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits, garnished with parsley.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad if desired.
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