Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe – A Comfort Food Favorite
Looking for a tasty and simple comfort food recipe? Try a crockpot chicken and gravy dish. It’s perfect for any day, needing just a few ingredients like cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy packets.
This recipe is great for those who want a tasty meal with little effort. It’s ready in 4 hours, with only 5 minutes of prep. It serves 4 and goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
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The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Comfort food is all about warmth and satisfaction. A slow cooker chicken in gravy is hard to beat. It’s easy to make, requires little effort, and tastes amazing. The best recipes balance flavor and convenience, perfect for any day.
This recipe is loved by many because it’s simple. You need just a few things: 2 lbs chicken breast, 10 oz cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup chicken broth. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can relax. You’ll get a creamy chicken with gravy that everyone will love.
Slow cooker cooking is great for many reasons. It lets you cook while you’re away, is easy to prepare, and makes chicken tender. You can also add your favorite spices to make it unique. It’s perfect for a cozy night or a quick dinner.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Results
To make a tasty crockpot chicken and gravy, you need a few key ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Also, water, cream of chicken soup, and chicken gravy mix packets are required. These ingredients will make a flavorful chicken gravy in your slow cooker.
For a great savory crockpot chicken and gravy, use top-quality ingredients. You’ll need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for about 6 servings. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for a rich taste.
Here’s a list of the essential ingredients you’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Water
- Cream of chicken soup
- Packets of chicken gravy mix
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious and savory crockpot chicken and gravy. It’s perfect for any occasion. Your family and friends will love it, making it a staple in your home.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
To make tasty crockpot chicken and gravy, you’ll need some key kitchen tools. The most important thing is a big slow cooker, at least 7 quarts. This size ensures the chicken and gravy cook well, with all flavors mixed in and the meat tender.
When picking a slow cooker, think about size and features that help you cook. Some slow cookers have timers, great for those with busy lives. You’ll also need basic tools like a spoon, whisk, and cutting board for your crockpot chicken and gravy.
Slow Cooker Specifications
A good slow cooker should be sturdy, easy to use, and have a tight lid to stop spills. Look for one with a non-stick interior. This makes cleaning up easier and keeps the chicken and gravy from sticking.
Additional Tools and Utensils
Along with the slow cooker, you’ll need other tools for your slow cooker chicken with gravy. You’ll need a can opener, measuring cups, and a wooden spoon for stirring. Having extra utensils like a slotted spoon and serving spoon can also help with serving.
Preparing Your Ingredients the Right Way
To make the best crockpot chicken and gravy, start by placing chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This gives it a rich flavor. This easy crockpot chicken gravy recipe is simple but delicious.
In a separate bowl, mix water, cream of chicken soup, and chicken gravy packets. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure everything is coated evenly. This step is key to creating a tasty gravy for your chicken.
Here’s a summary of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 oz each)
- 21 ounces of water
With these ingredients, you can make a mouth-watering easy crockpot chicken gravy recipe. The best crockpot chicken and gravy is just a few steps away. You’ll be enjoying a delicious meal in no time.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To make a tasty slow cooker chicken with gravy, start by seasoning the chicken. Use your favorite spices. Then, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until it’s browned on all sides. This step boosts the flavor of your creamy crockpot chicken with gravy.
After browning the chicken, put it in the slow cooker. Add your favorite gravy ingredients. You can mix chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and dijon mustard for extra flavor. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW heat for 6-8 hours. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Preparing the Chicken
When preparing the chicken, handle it safely and cook it to the right temperature. This ensures your slow cooker chicken with gravy is not only tasty but also safe to eat.
Making the Gravy Base
To make the gravy base, mix chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and dijon mustard in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. This will make a rich and creamy gravy for your slow cooker chicken with gravy.
Setting Up Your Crockpot
When setting up your crockpot, place the chicken and gravy ingredients in the right order. Start with the chicken at the bottom, then add the gravy ingredients. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the gravy is rich and flavorful.
Cooking Times and Temperature Settings
Cook the slow cooker chicken with gravy on LOW heat for 6-8 hours. You can also cook it on HIGH heat for 3-4 hours. But, LOW heat makes the chicken more tender and juicy. Use a thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
Here is a summary of the cooking times and temperature settings:
- LOW heat: 6-8 hours
- HIGH heat: 3-4 hours
- Internal temperature: 165°F (74°C)
By following these step-by-step cooking instructions, you can make a delicious and creamy slow cooker chicken with gravy. It’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
To make your delicious slow cooker chicken in gravy even better, try a few simple tips. Using chicken broth instead of water can add a rich flavor. Just remember to skip adding salt to the chicken to avoid it being too salty.
Adding frozen veggies or different seasonings can also make your savory crockpot chicken and gravy stand out. You can add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, or a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky flavor. This way, you can make the dish your own and enjoy a truly special meal.
It’s important to cook the chicken to 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. The cooking time will vary based on your slow cooker’s settings. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
Remember to use a slow cooker that’s at least 5 quarts in size. Also, don’t overfill the cooker to ensure even cooking. You can also try substituting ingredients like Greek yogurt or cream cheese for sour cream to find your favorite combination.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
Your best crockpot chicken and gravy is now ready. You can serve it over mashed potatoes or cooked rice for a full meal. This recipe is easy and can be paired with many side dishes.
For a special touch, add garnishes. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten your meal. Steamed veggies like carrots or green beans add texture and flavor.
Classic Side Dish Pairings
Here are some classic side dishes that go well with your best crockpot chicken and gravy:
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Garlic bread
Garnishing Options
Try these garnishes for your dish:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
- Chopped scallions or chives
- Sliced almonds or pecans
- Diced bell peppers or onions
These serving suggestions will help you make a delicious meal. Your family and friends will love it. This easy crockpot chicken gravy recipe is perfect for any meal, with many side dish options.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Cooked Rice | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Roasted Vegetables | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing and reheating leftovers of your slow cooker chicken with gravy is key. Make sure to do it safely and well. To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For microwave reheating, heat in 30-second increments until it’s hot through. Freezing the gravy is not a good idea because cream-based sauces don’t defrost well. But, you can freeze the cooked chicken and reheat it with new gravy. For creamy crockpot chicken with gravy, it’s best to store and reheat within a day or two for the best taste and texture.
Here are some tips for storing and reheating leftovers:
- Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and other flavors from affecting the dish.
- Label and date the containers so you know how long they’ve been stored.
- Reheat the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your slow cooker chicken with gravy for days to come. And make the most of your creamy crockpot chicken with gravy recipe.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
This guide has given you the tools to master crockpot chicken and gravy. It’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Your family and friends will love it.
Using your slow cooker makes cooking easy. You get tender chicken in a creamy gravy without much work. Just a few ingredients and some time are all you need. Try it out for a delicious, easy meal.