Are you looking for a hassle-free dinner that delivers both comfort and flavor? Look no further than Crockpot Chicken & Gravy. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can enjoy a hearty, savory meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is a classic dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful gravy. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all the delicious flavors. Here are a few reasons why this recipe should be on your dinner rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply place your ingredients in the Crockpot and let it do the work. No need for constant monitoring or stirring.
- Rich and Savory Gravy: The gravy is a highlight of this dish. Made from a blend of chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and seasonings, it pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
To make this delicious Crockpot Chicken & Gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Mix the Gravy Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Mix well.
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Thicken the Gravy (Optional): If you prefer a thicker gravy, remove the chicken from the Crockpot and stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the Crockpot. Stir well to combine with the gravy.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: While chicken breasts are lean and work well, chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness to the dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding a dash of paprika or a pinch of rosemary can enhance the flavor.
- Make It a Meal: Add vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the Crockpot for a complete one-pot meal.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is a go-to recipe for busy families and anyone who loves a comforting, easy dinner. With its rich, savory gravy and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal!
Serving and Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
Serving Tips:
- Over Rice: Serve the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful gravy, making for a hearty meal.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair the dish with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy complements the smooth texture of the potatoes perfectly.
- On Noodles: For a comforting twist, serve the chicken and gravy over egg noodles or your favorite pasta.
- With Vegetables: Add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables to round out your meal. Green beans, peas, or carrots work particularly well.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a touch of color and added freshness.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any remaining gravy.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Crockpot Chicken & Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and gravy. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and it will stay good for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, be sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw frozen chicken and gravy in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
- Portioning: For convenience, consider portioning leftovers into single servings before freezing. This makes it easy to defrost only the amount you need.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy meal even after the initial cooking, making it a practical choice for busy days and meal planning.
- Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Crockpot Chicken & Gravy recipe. However, it’s important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, so you might need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so if using frozen chicken.
- Can I make this recipe with other types of chicken? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, you can also use bone-in chicken pieces. Just be aware that bone-in pieces may take a bit longer to cook. For a richer flavor, chicken thighs with the bone in can be a great option.
- How can I make the gravy thicker? If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can thicken it by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the Crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, and cook on high until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes or vegetables if you’ve added them to the Crockpot, which can also help thicken the gravy.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to make this a complete meal. You can add chopped carrots, potatoes, or celery to the Crockpot along with the chicken and gravy ingredients. Make sure to cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Add them at the beginning of the cooking process so they become tender and flavorful.