Introduction
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a delicious meal waiting for you, and this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy truly delivers that cozy, comforting experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can turn plain chicken breasts into a rich and creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly hearty, making it a favorite for all ages. Let’s dive into this delightful comfort food!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups of prepared chicken gravy
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot, allowing them to soak up all the tasty flavors.
- In a medium bowl, blend together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth until everything is wonderfully incorporated.
- Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in your crockpot, ensuring each piece is coated in that rich sauce.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tantalizingly tender and fully cooked.
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the prepared chicken gravy to elevate the dish’s flavor and creaminess.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces right in the pot, then give everything a good mix to combine with the gravy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed to suit your palate.
- Serve the delicious chicken and gravy mixture generously over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or dreamy mashed potatoes.
Notes or Tips
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding diced onion or garlic to the crockpot along with the chicken. You can also throw in some vegetables like carrots or peas for a complete meal in one pot. If you’re short on time, prepared gravy can be substituted with more chicken broth for a lighter version, but the gravy adds a lovely richness.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe uses the slow-cooking technique, which allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while soaking in all the flavors from the soup and gravy. The low, slow heat helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out, making it perfect for a stress-free dinner. The simplicity of throwing everything in the crockpot is ideal for those busy days!
FAQ
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour or so of cooking time if they’re frozen.
- What can I serve with the chicken? This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
- Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, refrigerate, and then cook it the next day. Just remember to add a bit more time if starting from cold.
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the kind of meal that warms the heart and fills the belly. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for those hectic days when you crave something comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful aromas and flavors that fill your home!