There’s something truly magical about coming home to the aroma of a meal that’s been gently cooking itself to perfection, and this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is the epitome of effortless comfort food. Perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, this dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and savory gravy that’s bound to satisfy your soul. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you’ll whip up a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, heartwarming meal that the whole family will love.
Growing up, my mom often made chicken and gravy on Sundays. The smell of the chicken slowly cooking throughout the day was a comforting backdrop to our family activities. This recipe brings back those cherished memories, making it a beloved staple in my own home now. The convenience of the crockpot means you can set it up in the morning and come home to a ready-made dinner, perfect for the modern, busy lifestyle.
Ingredients
½ cup chicken broth
1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon chicken seasoning
2 packets chicken gravy mix (0.87 ounces each)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Base
Prepare the Crockpot: Start by plugging in your crockpot and setting it to low heat.
Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine ½ cup of chicken broth, 1 can (10 ounces) of cream of chicken soup, 1 tablespoon of chicken seasoning, and 2 packets (0.87 ounces each) of chicken gravy mix.
Stir Well: Use a whisk or a spoon to stir these ingredients together until they are well combined. This mixture will form the flavorful base in which the chicken will cook, infusing it with rich, savory flavors as it slowly simmers.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Prepare the Chicken: Take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and, if desired, trim any excess fat.
Coat with Gravy: Nestle the chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated with the gravy mixture. Use a spoon to scoop some of the mixture over the top of the chicken breasts if necessary. This ensures that the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 3: Set and Forget
Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the crockpot. Set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high and reduce the cooking time to 3-4 hours.
Leave It Alone: During this time, the crockpot will do all the work. The low, slow cooking process will ensure that the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful without any need for intervention.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Check Doneness: After the cooking time has elapsed, check the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
Remove and Shred: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also cut the chicken into cubes.
Return to Gravy: Once shredded, return the chicken to the crockpot. Stir it into the gravy mixture, ensuring the chicken is well-coated and can absorb the flavorful gravy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Prepare Sides: While the chicken is finishing up, prepare your sides. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles.
Serve the Chicken and Gravy: Spoon the chicken and gravy over your chosen side dish. The creamy, savory gravy is perfect for soaking into the rice, potatoes, or noodles, making each bite wonderfully flavorful.
Garnish: For an added touch of freshness and color, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Variations and Substitutions
Customizing to Your Taste
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture.
Herbal Notes: For a more herbaceous flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the mix.
Dietary Modifications
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth and look for reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to control the salt content.
Gluten-Free: Ensure that your gravy mix and cream of chicken soup are gluten-free if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions.
Adding Vegetables
Include Veggies: For a more complete meal, consider adding vegetables like sliced carrots, celery, or peas to the crockpot along with the chicken. These will cook down beautifully and add extra nutrition to the dish.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. The tender chicken, combined with the rich, savory gravy, makes for a comforting meal that is perfect for any night of the week. The convenience of using a crockpot allows you to set it and forget it, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals and families. Whether you serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
The recipe’s simplicity and versatility mean you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs, making it a true kitchen staple. The joy of coming home to a ready-made, delicious meal is one of the greatest comforts of modern cooking, and this Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy delivers on that promise every time. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this dish, and make it a regular part of your meal rotation. Happy cooking!
