Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts With Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is the perfect meal for those days when you need something comforting yet easy to prepare. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked slowly in a rich, savory gravy made from chicken gravy mix, condensed chicken soup, and a blend of seasonings. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it absorbs the delicious gravy during the cooking process. To finish, the gravy is enriched with sour cream, creating a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Serve this dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is the epitome of comfort food, offering tender chicken and a rich, creamy gravy that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

INGREDIENTS

• Water: 1 1/2 cups of water to create the base for the gravy, ensuring it’s smooth and flavorful.
• Chicken Gravy Mix: 2 packets of chicken gravy mix add a savory depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor of the gravy.
• Condensed Chicken Soup: 1 1/4 cups of condensed chicken soup provide a creamy, rich texture to the gravy, making it extra comforting.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder brings a subtle, savory flavor that complements the chicken.
• Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt helps to season the chicken and the gravy, balancing the flavors.
• Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon of paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor and a hint of color to the dish.
• Coarse Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper for a touch of heat and depth of flavor.
• Chicken Breasts: 3 whole, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about a pound in total, serve as the main protein in this dish, becoming tender and flavorful as they cook slowly in the gravy.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup of sour cream is whisked into the gravy at the end, adding a rich, creamy finish that elevates the dish to new levels of comfort.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. This step ensures that the chicken is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 2:

In your slow cooker, whisk together the water, chicken gravy packets, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the base of your rich and creamy gravy.

Step 3:

Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, turning them over a couple of times to coat them thoroughly in the gravy mixture. Ensuring the chicken is well coated will help it absorb all the flavors as it cooks.

Step 4:

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. This slow and steady cooking method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, practically falling apart when it's done.

Step 5:

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. You can choose to shred the chicken for a pulled chicken-style dish or cut it into slices, depending on your preference.

Step 6:

With the chicken removed, whisk the sour cream into the gravy mixture left in the slow cooker. The sour cream will add a rich creaminess to the gravy, making it smooth and velvety.

Step 7:

Serve the shredded or sliced chicken with a generous helping of the gravy poured over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or even over a bed of noodles for a comforting and hearty meal.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete and comforting meal. The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over your side dishes as well.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making the leftovers even more delicious.
• To reheat, place the chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture.
• If the gravy thickens too much after refrigerating, simply whisk in a little bit of water or chicken broth while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

Helpful Notes

• This recipe is very versatile—you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a one-pot meal.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the gravy during the last hour of cooking.
• For a more intense flavor, try browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step adds an extra layer of depth to the dish.
• This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd or to have leftovers for meal prep throughout the week.

Tips from well-known chefs

• Chef Ina Garten suggests always seasoning the chicken well before cooking to ensure each bite is flavorful.
• Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using low-sodium ingredients when possible to control the salt levels in the dish, allowing you to adjust seasoning to taste at the end.
• Chef Ree Drummond advises adding a bit of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the gravy at the end for a pop of freshness and color.