As the days get shorter and the air gets crisp, nothing beats the smell of a hearty meal in the slow cooker. This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe has been a family favorite for over 30 years. It reminds me of cozy family times and the warmth of home.
It’s easy to make and fills your soul with comfort. With just a few ingredients and little prep, it’s a true comfort food.
This recipe is simple. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let the flavors mix. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a delicious meal.
It’s sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine for years.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Slow Cooker Comfort Meal
Crock pot chicken and gravy is a top pick for satisfying meals that won’t break the bank. It’s a dish that’s all about comfort, with tender chicken and a rich, tasty gravy. It’s perfect for busy nights because it’s easy to prepare and cooks itself.
This recipe has been a hit in families for over 30 years. It’s loved for its simple yet delicious outcome. The chicken crockpot makes it easy to create a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
“This chicken crockpot meal is a true lifesaver on those hectic nights. The chicken always turns out so tender and juicy, and the gravy is simply divine. It’s a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly.”
This chicken crockpot recipe is great for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Get ready to enjoy this classic dish!
Essential Ingredients for Success
To make the perfect crock pot chicken and gravy, you need a few key ingredients. At the heart of this dish are boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. These chicken cuts become tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
To make the savory gravy, you’ll need chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup. These mix with water to create a rich, flavorful base.
Main Components
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (2.5-3 lbs)
- Chicken gravy mix (2 packets, 0.87 oz each)
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cups)
- Water (2 cups)
- Sour cream (optional)
Seasonings and Spices
To enhance this easy chicken crock pot recipe, add some simple spices. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are all you need. They elevate the flavors and make the dish delicious.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp)
Optional Add-ins
For a customized crock pot chicken and gravy, add some extra ingredients. Frozen vegetables, sliced mushrooms, or crispy bacon pieces can add variety and texture.
- Frozen vegetables (1 cup)
- Sliced mushrooms (1 cup)
- Bacon pieces (1/2 cup)
Remember, you can use low-sodium versions of the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup. This helps control the sodium in your dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Making Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is easy. It’s a classic comfort food great for busy days or lazy weekends. Let’s get started!
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts. Use pepper, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. This mix will make your chicken taste amazing.
Then, mix cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and flour in your slow cooker. This will turn into a creamy gravy as it cooks.
- Put the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure it’s covered in the gravy.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and warm.
- After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks. Then, add milk to thicken the gravy.
For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond or oat milk. This recipe also works with bone-in or boneless thighs.
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or bread for a full meal. It’s great for leftovers too. Enjoy the comforting taste of this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy!
| Nutritional Information | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories per Serving | 259 kcal |
| Protein per Serving | 34g |
| Fat per Serving | 11g |
| Sodium per Serving | 1187mg |
Tips for Tender and Juicy Chicken
Creating perfect chicken crockpot meals requires the right temperature and cooking time. The secret to tender, juicy chicken is finding the perfect balance.
Temperature Control
Cook your chicken on the high setting for 2-3 hours to keep it moist and flavorful. This high temperature seals in the juices, preventing dry meat. Chicken thighs can cook for longer without drying out.
Cooking Time Guidelines
- Chicken breasts: 2-3 hours on high
- Chicken thighs: 3-4 hours on high
Don’t overcook your chicken. It can become tough and unappetizing. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F before serving.
Moisture Management
Adding broth or water to your crockpot helps keep the chicken moist. But, frozen chicken releases more water. Adjust the liquid to find the right balance.
By following these tips, your chicken crockpot meals will always be tender, juicy, and delicious. Enjoy the comforting flavors of slow-cooked chicken!
Creating the Perfect Gravy Consistency
Getting the right gravy consistency is key for a great crock pot chicken and gravy dish. You might like it thick and velvety or thinner. There are easy ways to make your gravy just right.
If your gravy is too thick, add a bit of milk or heavy cream. Start with 2-3 tablespoons and add more as needed. Whisk well to avoid lumps.
For a thinner gravy, try a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cold water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk it into the gravy and simmer until it thickens.
Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt can make the gravy creamy. For an even richer taste, use cream cheese. Start with 2-3 tablespoons per batch.
Whisk everything well to get a smooth gravy. A bit of practice will help you make the perfect crock pot chicken and gravy for everyone to enjoy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs | 2 – 2.5 lbs. |
| McCormick Chicken Gravy Mix | 2 packets (0.87 oz each) |
| Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup | 2 cans (10.5 oz each) |
| Water | 3/4 cup |
With these tips, you’ll make perfect crock pot chicken and gravy every time.
Best Side Dish Pairings
When you serve your tasty easy chicken crock pot recipes, the right side dishes can make the meal even better. You can choose from classic comfort foods or creative vegetable options. These pair well with the hearty chicken and gravy.
Classic Options
For a traditional choice, try serving the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. The creamy gravy goes great with these starches. Another good option is buttery rice, which absorbs all the flavors.
Vegetable Sides
Don’t forget the veggies to balance the meal. Garlic-roasted broccoli, green beans, or corn on the cob are great choices. You can also serve the chicken and gravy over roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
Bread Accompaniments
No easy chicken crock pot recipe is complete without the right bread. Southern-style cornbread or buttermilk biscuits are classic picks. You can also try serving it over waffles for a twist on chicken and waffles.
There are many side dish options to pair with your easy chicken crock pot recipes. Try different flavors and textures to find the best match for this comforting dish.
Storage and Meal Prep Solutions
The chicken crockpot dish is not just tasty. It’s also great for meal prep and storage. You can enjoy leftovers for days, saving you time in the kitchen.
To store leftovers, put the chicken crockpot in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate it for 3-4 days. Reheat it in a saucepan or microwave for a quick meal.
For longer storage, freeze the chicken crockpot for up to 2 months. Put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Want to plan ahead? Prepare the chicken crockpot as a freezer meal. Mix all ingredients in a freezer bag. Then, thaw and cook it in your slow cooker.
| Storage Option | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months |
These storage and meal prep tips make enjoying the chicken crockpot easy. You can have delicious meals without daily prep. Enjoy the flavors and simplicity of this versatile recipe.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This best chicken slow cooker recipes ever is super versatile. You can make it dairy-free by swapping sour cream for coconut cream or a non-dairy option. Try using boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and a richer texture.
Dairy-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream substitute. This keeps the creamy texture without the dairy. You can also make your own cream of chicken soup instead of using canned.
Different Cuts of Chicken
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs offer more flavor and stay moist. Mix and match cuts to your liking.
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet 1 ounce chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sour cream optional, for creamier gravy
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, gravy mix, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the gravy mixture over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crock pot, or leave it whole if preferred. Stir in the sour cream (if using) to make the gravy creamier.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.