Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth to your dinner table. It’s a simple, delicious dish that transforms juicy chicken breasts into a tender meal infused with rich gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe offers a hassle-free way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply mix and toss ingredients into the crockpot, making dinner stress-free.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: Enjoy tender chicken immersed in a creamy, savory gravy that elevates any side dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles for a satisfying meal adaptable to your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish freezes well, allowing you to prepare ahead and enjoy leftovers later.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: The mild flavors and creamy texture make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Crockpot
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Forks (for shredding)
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Crockpot: The star of this recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over time.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without mess, ensuring everything blends smoothly before adding to the crockpot.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free mixture of sauces and soups, which enhances the gravy’s texture.
• Forks: Perfect for shredding the chicken after cooking, making serving easy and quick.

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Ingredients

This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is made with readily available ingredients that pack tons of flavor.

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)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauces

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the ranch dressing mix, brown gravy mix, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup.
2. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure each piece is well coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cook on low heat for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Use two forks to shred the chicken within the gravy gently.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Stir in the sour cream and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

Serve your delicious chicken and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness.

Step 8: Optional Add-Ins

For extra flavor:
– Consider adding chopped onions or garlic to the crockpot at step 2.

Step 9: Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish freezes well for future meals. Store in an airtight container for easy reheating later.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. It’s not just a main dish; it can also elevate simple meals when paired with the right sides or used in creative recipes.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and gravy over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the flavorful gravy perfectly.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes to create a classic comfort food combination. The rich gravy complements the potatoes beautifully.

In Tacos

• For a fun twist, use shredded chicken and gravy as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Top with fresh veggies and avocado for added crunch.

On Biscuits

• Spoon the chicken and gravy over warm, flaky biscuits for a hearty brunch option. This makes for a delightful Southern-inspired dish.

As a Sandwich

• Use crusty bread to make sandwiches filled with shredded chicken and gravy. Add some lettuce or tomato for extra freshness.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Serve alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal. The vegetables add nutrients while complementing the flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

To ensure your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose quality chicken: Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or spices to enhance the flavor.
• Thicken if needed: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add vegetables: For more nutrition, toss in chopped carrots or celery at the start of cooking. They will become tender and flavorful.
• Use low-sodium broth: Opting for low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of your dish better.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken sit in the gravy for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can enhance your meal experience. Consider these delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread
   A perfect companion that soaks up all that delicious gravy while adding a crunchy texture.

2. Coleslaw
   A refreshing, crunchy slaw provides contrast to the rich flavors of chicken and gravy while adding brightness.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers bring color and additional nutrients to your plate.

4. Quinoa
   This protein-packed grain adds a nutty flavor and is an excellent base for soaking up gravy.

5. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread pairs well with savory dishes like this one, providing a delightful balance of flavors.

6. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad offers crispness that complements the warm richness of chicken and gravy perfectly.

7. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries add an element of sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory dishes.

8. Rice Pilaf
   Flavored rice pilaf adds complexity without overpowering the main dish—making it an elegant side choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crockpot Chicken And Gravy even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Always season your chicken before adding it to the crockpot. This enhances the flavor and results in a more delicious dish.

• Using low-quality broth: A good quality chicken broth is essential for a rich gravy. Opt for homemade or low-sodium options for better taste.

• Not shredding the chicken properly: Shredding the chicken into small pieces allows it to absorb more gravy. Use two forks for easier shredding.

• Overcooking the chicken: While slow cooking is forgiving, overcooked chicken can become dry. Monitor the cooking time and check doneness periodically.

• Omitting garnishes: Garnishes like chopped parsley add freshness and visual appeal. Don’t skip this step for a complete dish presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crockpot Chicken And Gravy in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure it cools down before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Chicken And Gravy:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your crockpot. Just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.

How do I thicken the gravy?

To thicken the gravy, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the mixture during the last hour of cooking.

What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

This dish goes well over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge overnight before cooking it in your crockpot.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy recipe is not only simple but also offers comforting flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or even to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty meal that fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle!