Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a perfect dish for busy weekdays or cozy family gatherings. Cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting meal with minimal effort. By using simple ingredients, this recipe balances taste and convenience. The chicken becomes tender, soaking in the rich and creamy gravy, making it a hit among both children and adults. Moreover, it pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is straightforward and relaxing. You can set it up in just a few minutes and let the slow cooker do all the work. This method is ideal for people who want to prepare a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

In a slow cooker, mix together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated with the mixture. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later if needed.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This cooking time helps the chicken to become tender and juicy.
Once cooked, shred the chicken into the gravy for a comforting texture or serve it whole.
Serve it hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a complete meal.
If desired, garnish with chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is as easy as it is delicious. This dish pairs wonderfully with several sides that enhance its flavors:

Mashed Potatoes: The creamy gravy is perfect poured over fluffy mashed potatoes.
Rice: White rice or brown rice makes an excellent base, soaking up the delicious gravy.
Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits complement the dish, allowing you to scoop up the gravy and chicken easily.
Green Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrients and color on your plate.
Salad: A simple garden salad can balance the richness of the gravy and chicken.

With these options, you can create a well-rounded meal that delights your family and guests.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Storing Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is straightforward. If you have leftovers, here’s how to preserve them properly:

In the Refrigerator: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool down to room temperature. Transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave space at the top, as the liquid may expand while freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken and gravy overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, or warm it in the microwave until heated through. Make sure to stir it to ensure even heating.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy:

Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use thighs if you prefer dark meat. They tend to be juicier and even more flavorful.
Add Veggies: Consider adding sliced carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrition.
Adjust the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Seasoning: Feel free to modify the seasoning based on your taste. Adding garlic powder, onion powder, or extra herbs can elevate the flavors.
Meal Prep: Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also double the recipe for leftovers throughout the week.

Variation

This recipe is quite flexible, allowing for various adaptations to suit different tastes:

Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the slow cooker to infuse more flavor into the gravy.
Mushroom Gravy: Include sliced mushrooms for a tasty addition. They will cook down and add more depth to the gravy.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based meal.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, increase the cooking time by an hour or two. Ensure they are cooked through before serving.
Can I use other cream soups?
Absolutely! You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
Is it okay to leave leftovers out overnight?
No, it’s important to refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Discard any leftovers that have been left out longer than that.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to mix the ingredients and brown the chicken. Then use the manual setting for 10-15 minutes and allow natural pressure release.
What is the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Keeping the chicken submerged in the gravy mixture will help keep it moist. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken, as excessive heat can dry it out.

With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the process and delight in the delicious results!

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Author: mohamed175
Total Time: 250 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting dish made with tender chicken and rich gravy, perfect for busy weekdays or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a slow cooker, mix together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined.
Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are coated with the mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken into the gravy or serve it whole.
Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, garnishing with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Optional additions include sliced vegetables or a cornstarch slurry for thicker gravy. Adapt with spices for a personalized flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, gravy, easy dinner, family meal