Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a rich and flavorful gravy, creating a dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to go about your day while it works its magic. This dish is versatile and can be served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Gravy:
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounce each)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce)
- 1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounce)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by preparing your crockpot. Spray the inside with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken and gravy from sticking. This will make cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them evenly with ¼ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the two packets of chicken gravy mix, the can of cream of chicken soup, the can of chicken broth, and the optional 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor of the gravy, but it’s optional if you prefer a more traditional taste.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure that the chicken breasts are fully covered by the gravy. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the gravy.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Place the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking process will make the chicken incredibly tender and will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
After 6-8 hours, check that the chicken is cooked through and tender. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well to combine with the gravy. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the rich gravy.
Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy over your choice of cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy, making each bite a comforting delight.
Serving
Suggested Serving Options:
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- With Noodles: Pair the chicken and gravy with egg noodles or any pasta of your choice for a hearty dish.
- On Mashed Potatoes: Pour the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting dinner.
Serving Size:
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 259 kcal per serving
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Notes
Tips for Best Results:
- Chicken Thighs: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it cook a bit longer with the lid off to thicken up.
- Additional Flavor: Feel free to add other spices or herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf to the gravy mixture for extra depth of flavor.
Storage and Reheating:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain the gravy’s consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. It’s generally recommended to thaw the chicken first for even cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a homemade version by combining butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Cook until thickened to create a creamy base.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as carrots, peas, or green beans to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This will make the meal even more nutritious and colorful.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free chicken gravy mix and ensure the cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.
Can I cook this on high heat?
If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken and gravy on high for 3-4 hours instead of on low for 6-8 hours. However, the chicken may not be as tender as it would be with the low and slow method.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftover Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can be used in various ways:
- Chicken Pot Pie: Use the chicken and gravy as a filling for a delicious chicken pot pie.
- Casserole: Mix with cooked rice or pasta, top with cheese, and bake for a comforting casserole.
- Sandwiches: Use the shredded chicken and gravy as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe if you have a large enough crockpot. Ensure the chicken is fully covered with the gravy mixture, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork.
Can I use other types of meat?
While chicken is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other meats such as turkey or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a simple yet delicious dish that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for an easy meal prep option, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender chicken and rich gravy served over your favorite base makes for a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal. Enjoy the convenience of slow cooking and the delightful flavors of this comforting dish!