Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

• 2 packets of chicken gravy mix

• 1 can of cream of chicken soup

• 1 can of water

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon of coarse ground black pepper (just sprinkle it on until it looks good)

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about a pound)

• 1/2 cup of sour cream

1. Season those chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. Throw ’em into the slow cooker.

2. Now, mix together the water, gravy packets, and soup until it’s nice and smooth.

3. Pour that mixture all over the chicken in the slow cooker.

4. Cover it up and let it cook on low for about 4-5 hours. Mine was perfect at 4.5 hours.

5. When it’s done, carefully take out the chicken and shred or chop it up however you like.

6. Now, whisk that sour cream into the sauce in the slow cooker until it’s nice and smooth.

7. Serve that creamy goodness over your chicken. If you want, you can sprinkle on some extra salt and pepper, but I didn’t bother.

8. Pair it up with some mashed potatoes, rice, stuffing, or egg noodles, whatever floats your boat!

Enjoy your cozy, homemade meal!

Serving and Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:

1. Serve Hot: Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is best served hot, straight from the slow cooker. This ensures that the chicken remains tender and the gravy is warm and flavorful.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with your favorite sides such as cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. These accompaniments soak up the delicious gravy and complete the meal.
3. Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over the chicken and gravy just before serving for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also add a sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.
4. Store Properly: If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
5. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, do so gently to prevent the chicken from becoming dry. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Freeze for Later: If you want to store Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for longer-term storage, you can freeze it. Transfer the cooled chicken and gravy to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, making sure to remove any excess air. Frozen chicken and gravy can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
7. Thaw Properly: When ready to enjoy your frozen Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can thaw it more quickly by placing the container or bag in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
8. Reheat from Frozen: If you forgot to thaw the chicken and gravy in advance, you can still reheat it directly from frozen. Place the frozen meal in a saucepan or skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy remains delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating leftovers.

Variations to Elevate Your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:

1. Herb-infused Gravy: Add a burst of freshness and flavor to your gravy by incorporating fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage. Simply stir in a teaspoon or two of your favorite herbs when mixing the gravy ingredients.
2. Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Enhance the richness of your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy by adding sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the gravy and add a delightful earthy taste to the dish.
3. Zesty Lemon Garlic Chicken: Give your chicken a citrusy kick by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic to the gravy mixture. The bright acidity of the lemon and the pungent flavor of garlic will complement the savory chicken and gravy perfectly.
4. Spicy Cajun Twist: Add some heat to your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy by seasoning the chicken with Cajun seasoning or a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder before cooking. The spicy kick will add depth and complexity to the dish.
5. Cheesy Chicken Delight: Take your chicken and gravy to the next level by melting some shredded cheese over the top of the cooked chicken just before serving. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese are all delicious options that will add a creamy, indulgent touch to the dish.
6. Mediterranean-inspired Flavors: Infuse your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with Mediterranean-inspired flavors by adding ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the slow cooker. The combination of salty, tangy, and savory elements will transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean.
7. BBQ Chicken Sensation: For a tangy and smoky twist, swap out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup and add a few tablespoons of your favorite barbecue sauce to the gravy mixture. Serve the BBQ-infused chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or on a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal with a Southern flair.
8. Asian-inspired Fusion: Give your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy an Asian-inspired twist by seasoning the chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, and adding sliced bell peppers, snow peas, and water chestnuts to the slow cooker. Serve the flavorful chicken and gravy over steamed jasmine rice for a delicious fusion dish.

With these creative variations, you can customize your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to suit your taste preferences and culinary cravings. Whether you prefer classic comfort food flavors or want to experiment with bold new combinations, the possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe.

Conclusion:

With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a winner every time. So, dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a stress-free dinner that’s packed with flavor and love.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:

1. Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, it’s recommended to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before placing them in the slow cooker for even cooking.
2. Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A: While bone-in chicken can be used, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe as they cook more quickly and are easier to shred if desired.
3. Q: Can I use homemade gravy instead of a packet mix? A: Yes, you can substitute homemade gravy for the packet mix. Simply use your favorite homemade gravy recipe and adjust the seasonings to taste.
4. Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and ensuring that the chicken broth and gravy mix are also dairy-free.
5. Q: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken? A: Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, or celery to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a complete meal.
6. Q: Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low? A: Yes, you can cook this recipe on high for 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours. Keep in mind that cooking on high may result in slightly different texture and flavor.
7. Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Crockpot Chicken and Gravy for future meals. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
8. Q: How do I reheat frozen leftovers? A: To reheat frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
9. Q: Can I add herbs or spices to customize the flavor? A: Yes, you can add herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, or paprika to the gravy mixture to customize the flavor to your liking.
10. Q: Can I double or halve this recipe? A: Yes, you can easily double or halve this recipe to accommodate your needs. Adjust the ingredients accordingly and ensure that your slow cooker can accommodate the larger or smaller quantity of ingredients.