Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is an easy and satisfying dish that brings comfort food to the forefront with its rich, smooth gravy and tender chicken. This dish is perfect for busy days when you desire a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using a slow cooker, you can set it up in the morning, go about your day, and return home to a delicious meal that’s ready to serve.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
This recipe stands out because of its simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent and comforting. The combination of cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, and sour cream creates a luscious gravy that perfectly coats the shredded chicken. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip this up; it requires minimal prep and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Directions
Creating the delightful Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is a straightforward process. You will start by placing the four boneless and skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker. This is the foundation of your meal, and using fresh chicken will provide the best results. Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine a can of cream of chicken soup, a cup of chicken broth, and the ranch seasoning mix. Stir this mixture until it’s well blended. Once mixed, pour it over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated with that savory, creamy goodness.
Next, cover your slow cooker with its lid. At this point, if you’re more pressed for time, you can set the cooker to high and let it simmer for four hours. However, if you can wait, setting it on low for six to seven hours will bring out the flavors even more. When the cooking time is up, it’s time to create the wonderful dish’s texture. Remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, letting it absorb the thick, delicious gravy.
To enhance the richness of your sauce, mix in the half cup of sour cream. Give it a gentle stir and season to taste with salt and pepper. The sour cream will give it an incredible creaminess that you’ll love. With everything mixed together, it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy, there are several mouth-watering options to consider. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy cooked rice, allowing the grains to soak up the rich gravy. Another wonderful option is to dish it over creamy mashed potatoes; the pairing of flavors will surely be a hit. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more rustic, serving this dish alongside warm biscuits is a fantastic way to enjoy every bit of the gravy. These options are not only comforting but also versatile enough to accommodate different taste preferences.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips. First, always use fresh ingredients whenever possible; this notably enhances flavors and textures. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, consider sautéing some garlic or onion before adding the other ingredients. You can also add vegetables such as carrots or sweet peas for added nutrition and texture. Adjust the ranch seasoning to your liking; if you prefer a milder flavor, consider using half the packet. Lastly, don’t skip the step of shredding the chicken back into the gravy; this allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and makes it easier to serve.
How to Store Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
If you find yourself with leftovers—a testament to the dish’s deliciousness—you’ll want to store them properly. Make sure to allow the creamy chicken and gravy to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. When stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the dish; in that case, place it in a freezer-safe container, ensuring there’s enough space for expansions during freezing. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variation of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit your individual taste. For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy. You can also swap out the ranch seasoning for Italian seasoning to create a different flavor profile. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream provides a lighter yet still creamy result. Mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving can enhance the visual appeal and add freshness. Another variation worth trying is to incorporate chopped veggies for added nutrition and color; think bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach. These little changes can transform your dish while keeping the spirit of the original recipe intact.
FAQ
What is the cooking time for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
You can cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time if necessary.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
This dish is delightful served over cooked rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm biscuits.
How long can I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to three months.
Can I modify the recipe to make it healthier?
Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Fresh chicken provides the best results.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix Adjust to taste for milder flavor.
- 0.5 cup sour cream Can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits For serving options.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Stir until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Mix in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Serve the creamy chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or with biscuits.
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