Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy: A Comforting and Delicious Slow Cooker Meal

I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for those busy days when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal without all the fuss. Picture tender chicken breasts, and savory gravy with tons of flavor.

Tender chicken breasts, rich gravy, and aromatic garlic powder come together for a slow cooker delight. Get the recipe and great tips.

The Magic of Slow Cooking: Effortless and Flavorful

You know, one of the things I love most about slow cooking is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. In this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts take center stage, becoming incredibly tender as they simmer away in the crock pot. To enhance the flavor, I’ve included aromatic garlic powder, adding a subtle yet irresistible depth that’ll have your kitchen smell amazing.

Ingredients That Make the Difference

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering dish:

• 3 whole chicken breasts boneless, skinless (about a pound)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 packets chicken gravy mix
• 1 1/4 cup Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Setting Up Your Slow Cooker

With just a few steps, you can easily prep for the crock pot chicken and gravy. Follow these easy instructions:

1. Season and Sear: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. (Searing them in a pan for a couple of minutes on each side before placing them in the slow cooker adds a great depth of flavor.)
2. Mix the Gravy: Whisk together the water, gravy packets, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper until smooth

Time to Cook

Set it on low heat and let the chicken and gravy simmer for about 4-6 hours. This slow and gentle cooking process allows the flavors to come together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both tender and juicy.

Pairing with the Perfect Side Dish

As the chicken slowly cooks, you have time to prepare your favorite side dishes to accompany this delightful meal. Mashed potatoes are an obvious choice, but feel free to get creative. Garlic mashed potatoes or even cauliflower rice make for fantastic companions.

Once the cooking time is up, your Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy are ready to be served. The tender chicken practically melts in your mouth, while the rich and creamy gravy takes this dish to a whole new level of comfort. Serve it over a bed of mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli or mixed greens for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Make it Gluten-Free

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you are in luck! All the ingredients used to make this yummy chicken and gravy are gluten free.

Embracing Leftovers and Beyond

Believe me, the flavors of this dish only get better with time. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they make for a fantastic lunch the next day. You can also shred the leftover chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps, adding a dollop of cranberry sauce for a burst of tangy sweetness.

And let’s not forget the versatile gravy! Don’t hesitate to repurpose it as a sauce for other dishes, like roasted vegetables or even breakfast hash.

I hope these extra tips and tricks add an extra layer of excitement to your Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy experience. Remember, cooking is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to make the recipe your own. Feel free to share your adaptations and ideas in the comments below. Happy cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits you!

More Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy

Before you embark on your culinary adventure with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy, let me share some additional tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out absolutely spectacular:

1. Customize the Seasonings

While garlic powder adds a wonderful flavor to the dish, feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of paprika can bring new dimensions of taste to the gravy.

2. Experiment with Add-Ins

Want to take this dish to the next level? Consider adding a handful of sliced mushrooms, diced onions, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese during the last hour of cooking. These add-ins can elevate the flavor profile and create a more dynamic dish.

4. Use Leftover Chicken

If you have leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, don’t hesitate to use it in this recipe. Simply skip the searing step and add the cooked chicken to the slow cooker when you’re ready.

5. Adjust Cooking Time

The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker. Keep an eye on the chicken and gravy, and adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through and tender.

6. Play with Texture

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can skip the gravy mix altogether and create a roux by melting butter in a pan, adding flour, and then whisking in chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker for a more textured gravy.

7. Garnish Creatively

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving can add a burst of color and freshness to the dish. You can also serve it with a side of cranberry sauce, which beautifully complements the savory flavors.

8. Share the Love

Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is not only a delicious meal for your family but also a fantastic option for potlucks or gatherings. Prepare the dish in advance, and let it stay warm in the slow cooker for everyone to enjoy.

9. Get Creative with Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy, don’t hesitate to repurpose it. Use it as a filling for tacos, wrap it in a tortilla with some fresh veggies, or even turn it into a comforting pot pie by adding a puff pastry crust.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy

I’ve received a lot of questions from readers about this delicious slow cooker dish, and I’m here to provide you with all the answers you need. Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy:

1. Can I Use Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can easily swap them out for boneless skinless chicken thighs. The thighs will add a slightly different flavor and texture, but the dish will still turn out incredibly delicious.

2. How Do I Make the Gravy Creamier?

If you prefer an even creamier gravy, consider stirring in a bit of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking. This will add a velvety richness to the gravy that’s simply irresistible.

3. Can I Use Fresh Garlic Instead of Garlic Powder?

Certainly! Fresh garlic will infuse the dish with a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor. For a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic or sauté it in a bit of butter before adding it to the slow cooker.

4. Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?

Absolutely. Adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms or green beans during the last hour of cooking can elevate the dish’s nutritional value and taste. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the added ingredients.

5. How Do I Thicken the Gravy if It’s Too Thin?

If your gravy is thinner than you’d like, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts cold water. Stir this mixture into the gravy and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.

6. Can I Use a Different Flavor of Gravy Mix?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using a chicken flavored gravy mix, you can experiment with other flavors like turkey, beef, or even mushroom to create unique variations of the dish.

7. What Side Dishes Pair Well with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy?

Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, but you can also serve this dish over cooked rice, cauliflower rice, or even pasta for a hearty meal. Steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad can complement the dish beautifully.

8. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Definitely! Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal dish for meal prep. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

9. Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Breasts in the Slow Cooker?

While it’s generally recommended to thaw chicken before cooking for food safety reasons, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. However, ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent any risk of foodborne illness.

10. How Can I Make a Low-Sodium Version of This Dish?

To make a low-sodium version, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and choose a gravy mix with reduced salt content. You can also season the dish with herbs and spices instead of salt for a flavorful alternative.

I hope these answers help you on your journey to making the perfect Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below. Happy cooking!

In Conclusion

Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is more than just a recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors that come together to create a truly comforting and satisfying meal. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, set up your crock pot, and let the magic unfold. Your taste buds will thank you for treating them to this delicious experience. Enjoy your dinner tonight, and remember, there’s no rush – let the slow cooker work its magic and reward you with a meal that’s absolutely worth the wait.

I hope this comprehensive guide to making Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy becomes a staple in your kitchen. Let me know in the comments below how your cooking adventure goes, and feel free to share your own twists on this classic recipe. Happy slow cooking, dear reader!

Crock pot chicken and gravy is a healthy slow cooker meal and budget-friendly. The chicken cooks in about 4 hours and we love to serve with our favorite garlic mashed potatoes.

We opted for a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.