Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, making it a reliable favorite. The slow cooker ensures that the chicken becomes tender and flavorful, while the creamy gravy adds a rich touch that pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes. Easy to prepare, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep time, you can simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix creates a savory sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles – it’s delicious every way!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; this dish reheats wonderfully.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this comforting dish, making it ideal for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, gather your tools to ensure a seamless cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Forks for shredding

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool is essential for achieving perfectly tender chicken without constant supervision.
• Medium bowl: A reliable bowl helps mix ingredients efficiently, ensuring a smooth gravy mixture.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that all components are well combined for a consistent flavor in your gravy.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts), thawed if frozen
• 10.25 ounces cream of chicken soup (one standard can)
• 1.74 ounces chicken gravy mix (two envelopes)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Cooked rice for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly.

Step 2: Make the Gravy Mix

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and chicken broth until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This allows it to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Step 5: Add Sour Cream and Season

Stir in the sour cream. Then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the chicken and gravy over cooked rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a final touch.

Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer a classic presentation or something a bit more creative, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance this delicious meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the shredded chicken and gravy over fluffy cooked rice for a hearty meal that soaks up all the flavors.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Spoon the chicken mixture over creamy mashed potatoes for an indulgent comfort food experience.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create wraps filled with chicken and gravy, topped with fresh veggies for added crunch.

On Biscuits

• Pour the savory chicken and gravy over warm biscuits for a delightful breakfast or brunch option.

As a Sandwich

• Make a sandwich by placing the chicken between slices of bread, adding some cheese if desired.

Garnished with Parsley

• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the dish before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

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How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish is flavorful and perfectly cooked.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts will yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
• Season Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning; use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance taste.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking before shredding the chicken. This helps it retain moisture.
• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like carrots or peas during cooking.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix in some cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Serve Hot: Enjoy your meal right after preparation while it’s hot for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors well.

1. Steamed Broccoli: The crispness of steamed broccoli adds a healthy touch that balances the richness of the gravy.
2. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds provide both crunch and color, making them a perfect side.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs nicely with savory dishes. Serve it warm for an inviting touch.
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables offers a great contrast in flavor and texture.
5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice as a light base under the chicken and gravy.
6. Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette adds brightness to your plate, balancing out the heavy main course.
7. Baked Zucchini Fries: Lightly seasoned zucchini fries offer a crispy alternative that kids love.
8. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for an easy-to-eat side that pairs wonderfully with gravy-based dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a slow cooker can simplify meal prep, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using frozen chicken: Always use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and safety.
• Skipping seasonings: Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper; it enhances the flavor of the gravy.
• Overcooking: Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended time for best results.
• Not shredding the chicken: Shredding allows the chicken to absorb more gravy, making each bite tastier.
• Ignoring the rest period: Letting the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together better.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a creamy gravy mixture. It’s perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?

Cooking this dish typically takes about 4 hours on low heat. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can use thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times as necessary based on thickness.

What sides go well with Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a versatile meal that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Its simplicity allows room for customization—add your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!