As the sun sets and the evening air gets chilly, nothing beats the smell of slow-cooked food. For me, that smell means our family’s favorite Crockpot Chicken & Gravy. It’s a dish we’ve loved for generations.
This recipe is a labor of love. It combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety gravy. It’s perfect for satisfying big appetites. With simple ingredients and a few hours of cooking, you’ll make a meal that feels like coming home.
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for the ultimate comfort. This dish has been a family favorite for 30 years. It’s a true classic in many homes.
Introduction to Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food
Slow cookers are a favorite for busy cooks looking for easy meals. The Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is a beloved family dish. It’s a simple yet tasty option for many years.
Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite
This recipe is loved for its ease. It needs little prep and only a few ingredients. It’s great for busy nights or weekends.
The slow cooking makes the chicken tender. It also blends the flavors, creating a dish that everyone loves.
Benefits of Slow Cooking Chicken
- Tenderizes the meat for a melt-in-your-mouth texture
- Allows flavors to infuse the chicken, creating a deeper, more complex taste
- Requires little hands-on time, making it a great one-pot cooking option for family dinners
- Keeps the chicken moist and juicy, unlike some other cooking methods
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
The secret to a tasty Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is in the ingredients. This dish needs a few key items to make a rich gravy and tender chicken.
The recipe centers on boneless skinless chicken breasts. It calls for 2 pounds of chicken, perfect for a family of four. For bigger groups, use 3-4 pounds of chicken, whether thighs or breasts.
To get the right gravy, you’ll need chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup. Mix these with water or chicken broth to create the flavorful gravy.
Garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sour cream are also crucial. The sour cream adds a creamy touch that goes well with the chicken and gravy. You can also add sliced mushrooms, bacon, or frozen veggies to make it even better.
Want to try something different? Use Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead of sour cream. You can also swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2-4 pounds |
| Chicken Gravy Mix | 1 packet |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can |
| Water or Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sour Cream | 1/2 cup |
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Steps
To make the perfect Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, you need some basic tools and steps. Let’s explore how to make your slow-cooked dish a hit.
Required Cooking Tools
- A 6-7 quart slow cooker or crockpot to hold the chicken and gravy
- A sturdy whisk for mixing the gravy ingredients
- A fork for shredding the cooked chicken
Pre-Cooking Preparation Tips
Before starting, prepare the chicken and your cooking area:
- Use non-stick cooking spray or a slow cooker liner to make cleanup easy.
- Season the chicken breasts with your favorite spices and herbs for a good coat.
- Put the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, trying to keep them in one layer.
Proper Slow Cooker Settings
Cook the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy on low for 6-8 hours for the best taste. This slow cooking keeps the chicken moist and tender. If you’re in a hurry, high heat for 3-4 hours works too. But low heat is better for flavor and juiciness.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the ultimate slow cooker chicken and gravy dish is easy. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step boosts the flavor.
Then, mix the gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and water in the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it’s covered in the gravy.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours. It should be tender and cooked through.
- After cooking, use two forks or a mixer to shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Just before serving, stir in the sour cream for a creamy gravy.
To make the gravy thicker, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Slowly add it to the slow cooker. Let it simmer for 30 minutes to get the right thickness.
The slow cooker chicken and gravy are a family hit. This easy chicken recipe is perfect for a crockpot meal. It’s easy to make and requires little effort.
Creating the Perfect Gravy Consistency
Getting the right chicken gravy consistency is crucial for this tasty Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe. Whether you like your gravy thick and creamy or thinner, we’ve got tips for you.
Troubleshooting Gravy Thickness
If your chicken gravy is too thin, no worries. You can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Then, stir this into the crockpot.
Let the gravy simmer for 30 more minutes. You’ll get a creamy gravy consistency.
If your gravy is too thick, thin it out. Add chicken stock or milk until it’s just right.
Seasoning Adjustments
Try your chicken gravy and adjust the seasoning. Add Dijon mustard for depth or fresh herbs for a bright taste. The goal is to balance flavors to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs | 2 – 2.5 lbs |
| McCormick Chicken Gravy Mix | 2 packets (0.87 oz each) |
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Enjoy the tasty Crockpot Chicken & Gravy with many serving ideas and side dishes. This dish goes well with many staples, making meals more enjoyable.
Try serving the chicken and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. For a twist, pair it with waffles for a chicken and waffles meal.
For a complete meal, add some side dishes to balance the dish’s richness. Honey-glazed sweet potatoes, butter swim biscuits, or a steamed vegetable medley are great choices. For a heartier meal, add frozen peas or other veggies in the last 30 minutes.
There are countless ways to serve this delicious Crockpot Chicken & Gravy. Try different meal pairings to find your family’s favorite. This will make every meal a comfort food experience.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
After enjoying the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, it’s key to store leftovers right. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container. For even longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.
Proper Storage Methods
To store leftovers, put the chicken and gravy in an airtight container. Use a resealable bag or a glass container with a tight lid. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Always refrigerate it quickly, as cooked chicken shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours.
Best Reheating Practices
Ready to reheat your leftovers? Just add a bit of water or chicken broth to the chicken and gravy. This keeps it moist and prevents it from getting dry or rubbery. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring often, until it’s hot.
The chicken and gravy might feel a bit different after freezing and reheating. But the taste will still be great. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy this Crockpot Chicken & Gravy for days.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe is very versatile. You can change the flavors, meet dietary needs, or use what you have. There are many easy ways to adapt and substitute ingredients.
Chicken Swaps: Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer taste. The dark meat stays juicier and more flavorful while cooking.
Sauce Variations: Use cream of mushroom soup for a slightly earthy taste. Greek yogurt or cream cheese are great substitutes for sour cream, letting you adjust the creaminess.
- Add diced veggies like carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for a fuller meal.
- Try different seasoning blends, like garlic and onion powder, dried thyme, or paprika.
- For a stovetop version, sear the chicken first. Then, simmer the ingredients on the stove. Or, use an Instant Pot for a quicker 10-minute cook time.
Adapting this recipe to your taste or dietary needs is easy. The most important thing is to have fun and be creative with your choices and methods.
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | Cream of Mushroom Soup |
| Sour Cream | Greek Yogurt or Cream Cheese |
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Ideas
This Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is great for busy weeknights. It’s easy to prep for meal prep. Just prepare the ingredients the night before for quick assembly in the morning.
Using frozen chicken breasts saves time. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed.
For a budget-friendly meal prep, double the recipe. Enjoy the leftovers all week. You can turn the chicken and gravy into creamy chicken soup by adding more broth and veggies.
This versatile dish is perfect for big groups or to freeze for later. It’s a meal prep dream.
This time-saving Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe is a lifesaver for busy homes. Prep it ahead and enjoy a tasty, budget-friendly meal any day.