Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is an easy, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy chicken breasts simmering in rich gravy, it’s a meal that satisfies all appetites. It’s versatile enough to be served over rice or mashed potatoes, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. This recipe not only highlights simplicity but also delivers on flavor and warmth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ranch dressing mix and brown gravy creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta for a delightful twist.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
• Leftover Friendly: The dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick future dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to make this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy requires just a few essential tools. Having these on hand ensures easy preparation and cleanup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before adding them to the crockpot.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a lump-free mixture, ensuring even flavor distribution in your gravy.

Ingredients

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 Ingredients

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 in Crockpot

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

Step 4: Cook

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

Step 5: Shred Chicken

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

Step 6: Add Creaminess

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

Step 7: Serve

Serve your delicious chicken and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Step 8: Optional Additions

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or garlic to the crockpot before cooking.

Step 9: Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish freezes well for future meals.

Enjoy your delightful homemade Crockpot Chicken And Gravy!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• This classic combination absorbs the rich gravy beautifully, creating a comforting bowl of goodness.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Serve the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying dish.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Egg noodles or any pasta can be a delightful base, soaking up the savory flavors of the gravy.

In a Sandwich

• Shred the chicken and serve it on a crusty roll for a delicious sandwich option. Add some lettuce for crunch!

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing with steamed greens like broccoli or green beans adds freshness and balance to your plate.

As a Casserole

• Layer the chicken and gravy with bread cubes or biscuits in a baking dish for an easy casserole bake.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, follow these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts will yield better flavor and texture than frozen ones.

• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving! You can always add more salt, pepper, or even herbs according to your preferences.

• Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Add Extra Flavors: For more depth, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the mixture before cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Complement your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with these tasty side dishes that enhance the overall meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread pairs perfectly to soak up all that delicious gravy.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of chicken and gravy.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes bring texture and are great for dipping in gravy.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers nutritious balance while being easy to prepare.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds brightness to your plate and complements the flavors well.
6. Green Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness against rich chicken gravy.
7. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash introduces a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
8. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance to your meal while providing vibrant color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these common mistakes can enhance your Crockpot Chicken And Gravy experience and ensure a delicious meal.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your chicken before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Always season with salt and pepper for a tastier dish.
• Not using enough liquid: Using too little broth can cause the chicken to dry out. Ensure you have enough liquid in your crockpot for moisture and flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it tough. Stick to the recommended cooking time and check for doneness.
• Ignoring garnishes: Neglecting to garnish your dish can miss an opportunity for added flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of chopped parsley makes a big difference.
• Forgetting about leftovers: Not storing leftovers properly can lead to waste. Store them in airtight containers for future meals.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, at medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this Crockpot Chicken And Gravy, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by an hour or so.

What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. Feel free to get creative!

How do I thicken the gravy?

To thicken the gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the mixture towards the end of cooking.

Is there a vegetarian option for Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

You can substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

Absolutely! Adding carrots, potatoes, or peas will enhance both flavor and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various sides or additional spices according to your preference. Give it a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!