If you're looking for a comforting and easy-to-make meal, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is just what you need. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish requires minimal prep work and cooks slowly to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Whether served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into the ingredients that make this meal so delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Seasonings: ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Gravy Mix: 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounce each)
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Chicken Broth: 1 can (14.5 ounces)
- Dijon Mustard (optional): 2 teaspoons
These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and hearty dish. The chicken breasts are seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, providing a solid base of flavor. The gravy mix, combined with cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, forms a rich and creamy sauce that enhances the chicken's taste. Adding Dijon mustard is optional but recommended for an extra layer of tangy flavor. With just a few pantry staples and a crockpot, you can create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy dish:
Prepare Your Crockpot
Start by spraying your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom and make cleanup easier.
Season the Chicken
Take 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared crockpot.
Mix the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth and well combined:
- 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounces each)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)
Cook the Chicken
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, making sure they are fully covered. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and flavorful.
Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. This will ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the gravy when it is returned to the crockpot.
Combine and Serve
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it well with the gravy, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Serve the chicken and gravy over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Following these detailed instructions will help you create a delicious and comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy dish that your family will love. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is tender and flavorful, while the rich gravy adds a layer of comfort to every bite.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways and stored for future meals. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this delicious recipe:
Serving Tips
- Over Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair the dish with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich gravy.
- On Noodles: Use egg noodles or your favorite pasta as a base for the chicken and gravy.
- As a Sandwich: For a unique twist, serve the shredded chicken and gravy on a toasted bun or roll.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the chicken and gravy cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Batch Cooking: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing individual portions for quick and easy meals on busy days.
Helpful Notes about the Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is straightforward, but here are some additional tips and variations to make it even better:
Variations
- Herbs and Spices: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to enhance the flavor.
- Vegetables: Include vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms in the crockpot for added nutrition and flavor.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and gravy mix to reduce the salt content without sacrificing taste.
Quotes from Well-Known Chefs
"A slow-cooked meal like this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the epitome of comfort food. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner." - Ina Garten
"The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love." - Gordon Ramsay
With these tips and variations, you can customize the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to suit your taste and dietary needs. It's a versatile and comforting dish that's sure to become a staple in your home.