Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing, then this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is just the ticket! This dish is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also brings a hearty warmth to busy weeknights or family gatherings. The tender chicken simmering in rich gravy creates a delightful combination that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your weekly rotation!

The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is how versatile it is. You can whip it up with minimal effort and let your slow cooker do all the work. Whether it’s a rushed Tuesday evening or a laid-back Sunday dinner, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy gravy and tender chicken—it’s a dish everyone can enjoy!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; leftovers store well in the freezer for quick future meals.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ranch seasoning and gravy is simply irresistible.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with various spices or add-ins to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making your cooking experience enjoyable. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

For the Chicken and Gravy

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Approximately 1.5 lbs)
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix (1 oz)
• 1 packet brown gravy mix (1 oz)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• chopped parsley (For garnish)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some tasty variations you might enjoy:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless turkey breasts or even chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots or peas during cooking for an extra nutritional boost.
• Change the seasoning: Experiment with different seasoning mixes like Italian herbs or Cajun spices for a unique twist.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute sour cream with a plant-based yogurt alternative to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. It’s important to use fresh chicken as it’ll soak up all those delicious flavors from the gravy while cooking.

Step 2: Mix Your Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Whisk until smooth. This mixture will be the heart of your dish—creamy and full of flavor!

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure each piece is well-coated in that savory goodness; this will help create a rich gravy as it cooks.

Step 4: Set It to Cook

Cook on low heat for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking slowly allows all those flavors to meld beautifully together, resulting in mouthwatering tenderness.

Step 5: Shred That Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the gravy using two forks. This step adds to that comforting texture we all love!

Step 6: Add Some Creaminess

Stir in the sour cream and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This addition takes your dish from great to absolutely fantastic by adding richness.

Step 7: Serve Up Deliciousness

Serve your Crockpot Chicken And Gravy over rice or mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley for that fresh touch!

Step 8: Optional Flavor Boosts

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or garlic to the crockpot at the beginning of cooking—these aromatics bring even more depth to your dish.

Step 9: Enjoy Your Leftovers!

If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This dish freezes well for future meals, making it perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.

Now you have everything you need to make this delightful Crockpot Chicken And Gravy! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Creating the perfect Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is all about the little details! Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh chicken and quality broth can elevate the flavors, making your gravy richer and more satisfying.

• Adjust seasoning – Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adding a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper at different stages can help balance the flavors perfectly.

• Add vegetables – Consider tossing in some chopped carrots or celery with the chicken. These veggies not only add nutrition but also infuse extra flavor into the gravy.

• Thicken the gravy if needed – If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Plan for leftovers – This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Consider making extra so you can enjoy it again later in the week!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Serving your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is just as important as making it! With simple additions, you can transform this comforting dish into a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Green onions – Sliced green onions provide a mild oniony crunch that complements the rich gravy beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli – This vibrant green vegetable adds not only color but also a healthy crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy gravy.

• Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair perfectly with chicken and gravy, soaking up all those delicious flavors.

• Rice pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base for your chicken and gravy, allowing every bite to be flavorful.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create a delightful meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy every comforting bite of your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is not only a delicious meal but also perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, saving you time and effort on busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
• Label containers with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the gravy during reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time to about 8 hours on low heat.

What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles. It’s versatile enough to complement your favorite sides!

How do I make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat sour cream and choosing whole grain options for your sides. Adding vegetables like carrots or peas can also enhance nutrition!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy as delightful as I do! It’s a special recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy making it, and don’t hesitate to share your experience! Happy cooking!