Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Embrace the convenience of slow cooking with our Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. This hearty and comforting dish features tender boneless chicken breasts simmered to perfection in a savory gravy infused with rich flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for classic comfort food. Whether served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will warm your soul with every spoonful.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounce each)
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounce)
• 1 can of chicken broth (14.5 ounce)
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional)

Directions:

1. Prepare your crockpot by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then place them in the crockpot.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard (if using) until smooth and well combined.
4. Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are fully covered.
5. Seal the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
6. Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well with the gravy, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
8. Serve the delicious chicken and gravy over cooked rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Calories: 259 kcal
• Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serving Suggestions: Serve your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy piping hot over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken and gravy just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
3. Side Dish Pairings: Complement the dish with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, glazed carrots, or a crisp green salad for added texture and nutrition.
4. Crusty Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side for soaking up the delicious gravy.
5. Family Style: Transfer the chicken and gravy to a large serving dish or platter and place it in the center of the table for a cozy family-style meal.
6. Leftovers: Allow any leftover chicken and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
7. Reheating: Reheat individual portions of chicken and gravy in the microwave until heated through, or gently warm them in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the gravy if needed.
8. Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe and storing individual portions in freezer-safe containers for quick and convenient meals on busy days. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
9. Freezing: To freeze, portion the cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
10. Customization: Personalize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or peas to the crockpot along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
11. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken and gravy mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply transfer the mixture to the crockpot and continue with the cooking instructions.
12. Party Favorite: Serve the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy at potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday parties for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.
13. Low-Sodium Option: For a lower-sodium version, use reduced-sodium chicken broth and gravy mix, and adjust the salt to taste.
14. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken breasts with cubed tofu or your favorite meat alternative, and use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
15. Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture for an extra kick of heat, or garnish with sliced jalapenos for a spicy twist.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is enjoyed to the fullest, whether served as a comforting family meal or shared with friends at gatherings and potlucks.

Variations:

1. Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the chicken for a savory Mushroom Chicken and Gravy.
2. Italian-Inspired: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning and add diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil to the gravy mixture for a flavorful Italian Chicken and Gravy.
3. BBQ Twist: Substitute BBQ sauce for the cream of chicken soup and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy BBQ Chicken and Gravy.
4. Honey Mustard Infusion: Mix honey mustard into the gravy mixture for a sweet and tangy Honey Mustard Chicken and Gravy.
5. Coconut Curry: Replace the cream of chicken soup with coconut milk and add curry powder, turmeric, and ginger for a fragrant Coconut Curry Chicken and Gravy.
6. Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary to the gravy mixture for a refreshing Lemon Herb Chicken and Gravy.
7. Teriyaki Twist: Use teriyaki sauce instead of cream of chicken soup and add sliced bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a tropical Teriyaki Chicken and Gravy.
8. Cajun Style: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and add diced bell peppers, onions, and celery to the crockpot for a spicy Cajun Chicken and Gravy.
9. Creamy Ranch Chicken: Mix ranch seasoning into the gravy mixture for a creamy and flavorful Ranch Chicken and Gravy.
10. Mexican Fiesta: Add taco seasoning, diced green chilies, and black beans to the crockpot for a zesty Mexican Chicken and Gravy.
11. Pesto Perfection: Stir pesto sauce into the gravy mixture for a vibrant and herbaceous Pesto Chicken and Gravy.
12. Greek-Inspired: Season the chicken with Greek seasoning and add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to the crockpot for a Mediterranean-inspired Greek Chicken and Gravy.
13. Maple Bacon Bliss: Mix maple syrup and cooked bacon pieces into the gravy mixture for a sweet and savory Maple Bacon Chicken and Gravy.
14. Apple Cider Chicken: Replace the chicken broth with apple cider and add sliced apples and cinnamon for a seasonal Apple Cider Chicken and Gravy.
15. Soy Ginger Glaze: Combine soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the gravy mixture for an Asian-inspired Soy Ginger Chicken and Gravy.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Increase the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Can I omit the cream of chicken soup? The cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and flavor to the gravy, but you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce if desired.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free gravy mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified to make this recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I cook this recipe on high heat instead of low heat? While low heat is recommended for tender and juicy chicken, you can cook it on high heat for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
6. Can I add vegetables to the crockpot? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the crockpot for a complete meal.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow-cooked dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this classic comfort food favorite is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So dust off your crockpot and let it work its magic, while you sit back and enjoy the delicious aroma of homemade goodness filling your kitchen.