Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

Introduction

There’s something about a slow-cooked meal that just feels like home. This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe has quickly become one of my family’s go-to comfort foods. The dish is incredibly easy to prepare, and the result is a tender, flavorful chicken served in a creamy, savory gravy. We first tried it on a busy weeknight when I needed something simple but satisfying, and it’s been a regular in our meal rotation ever since. The best part? It requires minimal effort, but the flavors are so rich and comforting that it tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.

The chicken comes out incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, and the gravy is thick, rich, and perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. It’s one of those recipes that the entire family will love, no matter their age. And it’s so versatile, you can serve it with just about anything, making it a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Gravy:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by placing the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of the Crockpot. You can use fresh or frozen chicken, though fresh will typically cook faster.

1. Make the Gravy:

• In a bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot, making sure to coat the chicken thoroughly.
• For extra richness, you can dot the top of the gravy with butter. This step is optional, but it will make the gravy even creamier and more flavorful.
• Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, depending on how much seasoning you prefer.

1. Slow Cook:

• Cover and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. When done, the chicken will easily shred with a fork.

1. Shred the Chicken:

• Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the Crockpot using two forks. If you prefer, you can leave the chicken whole and serve it that way for a chunkier texture. Stir the gravy to combine it with the shredded chicken, or leave the chicken as is if you want more texture.

1. Serve:

• Serve the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with biscuits for a hearty, comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 servings (based on 4 chicken breasts)
Calories per Serving: 350 kcal (approximate)

• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 39g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
• Total Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
• Yield: 6 servings

How to Serve

This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Over Mashed Potatoes: This classic pairing is a favorite. The creamy gravy complements the mashed potatoes perfectly.
• Over Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• With Biscuits: For a complete comfort food experience, serve the chicken and gravy with warm, flaky biscuits.
• With Pasta: Use egg noodles or any pasta shape to make a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor.
• As a Sandwich: For a fun twist, serve the chicken and gravy on a toasted bun for a hearty sandwich.

Additional Tips

1. Use Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts are the most common choice, chicken thighs can be used for even more flavor and juiciness. The slow-cooking process makes thighs incredibly tender and rich.
2. Add Veggies: For a more complete meal, consider adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or even potatoes to the Crockpot. You can add them in during the last hour of cooking.
3. Customize the Gravy: You can use low-sodium chicken broth or opt for fat-free cream of chicken soup to make this dish lighter, if desired.
4. Use Frozen Chicken: If you’re in a rush, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure they are cooked all the way through, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
5. Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the gravy mix for a spicy kick.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try based on your taste preferences:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken & Gravy: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the gravy mixture for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Add Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added to the gravy mix for a more complex flavor profile.
• BBQ Chicken & Gravy: Add some BBQ sauce to the gravy mix for a smoky, tangy twist on the original recipe.
• Mushroom Chicken & Gravy: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a more earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the gravy.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and gravy, balancing the meal perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken and gravy with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a complete, nutritious meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for extra flavor and to soak up all the delicious gravy.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This recipe freezes well. After cooking, let the chicken and gravy cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and add more flavor and juiciness. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
2. Can I use water instead of chicken broth?
   Yes, you can use water instead of chicken broth, but chicken broth adds more flavor. You can also use vegetable broth for a different taste.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
   Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or even potatoes. Add them about an hour before the cooking time is done.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when ready to serve.
5. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, frozen chicken can be used. Just ensure that it’s fully cooked through, and you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
6. Can I use a different type of soup?
   Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
7. How can I thicken the gravy?
   If the gravy is too thin, you can whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour mixed with a little cold water to thicken it.
8. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   This recipe is not gluten-free due to the soup and ranch mix. You can use gluten-free alternatives for the soup and seasoning mix to make it gluten-free.
9. Can I make this recipe in the oven?
   Yes, you can bake this recipe in the oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
10. Can I make this recipe spicy?
    Yes, you can add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to the gravy for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is the perfect recipe for busy nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and

easy to make. With its tender chicken and creamy gravy, this dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or any side of your choice. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a flavorful and comforting meal ready to enjoy.

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