Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm meal that fills your home with delightful aromas. This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is just that—a cozy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy gravy, making it the perfect way to end a busy day. Just pop everything into your trusty slow cooker, let it work its magic, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner waiting for you. It pairs exquisitely with a fluffy bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes, making it a beloved family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of chicken gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 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 on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended into a smooth mixture.
- Place the chicken breasts into your crockpot, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Pour the gravy mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully covered.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you have. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- As soon as the chicken is fully cooked, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. Stir the shredded chicken into the luscious gravy, allowing it to soak up all that wonderful flavor.
- Serve the warm chicken and gravy over a fluffy mound of cooked rice or a creamy dish of mashed potatoes. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Notes or Tips
For an even richer flavor, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the gravy mixture before cooking. If you have extra veggies on hand, feel free to toss in some frozen peas or carrots for added nutrition and color. This dish can also be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for meal prep!
Cooking Techniques
The beauty of this Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy lies in the slow cooking technique. Allowing the chicken to cook slowly helps it absorb all the flavors of the gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and spices, resulting in incredibly moist and tender meat. Use a quality slow cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent any burning at the edges. Remember to shred the chicken while it’s hot for the best texture!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Just cook it on high for about 4-5 hours to ensure thorough cooking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce or a gluten-free soup option. Alternatively, regular cream of mushroom soup works beautifully too!
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug after a long day. The tender pieces of chicken swimming in a creamy, herb-infused gravy will make your dinner table feel like home. With little prep time and the ease of the slow cooker, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again. So gather your loved ones, serve it up, and watch as smiles appear all around the table!