Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a delightful dish that brings comfort and ease to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory gravy. It’s ideal for serving over rice or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. The standout quality of this dish lies in its simple preparation and rich flavors, ensuring everyone will enjoy it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work.
• Rich and savory flavor: The combination of ranch and brown gravy mix creates a deliciously unique taste.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even noodles.
• Family-friendly meal: A comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Great for leftovers: This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy requires minimal tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make your cooking experience smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking while developing deep flavors over hours.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the crockpot.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture when blending the ranch dressing mix with other liquids.
• Forks: Important for shredding the chicken easily once it’s cooked.

Ingredients

For this comforting Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Approximately 1.5 lbs)

For the Gravy Mixture

• 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

Seasoning

• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Garnish

• chopped parsley (For garnish)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the Gravy 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 Ingredients in Crockpot

Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure all pieces are coated well.

Step 4: Cook

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

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Use two forks to shred the chicken into the gravy.
2. Stir in sour cream until blended well.

Step 6: Season

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes, garnished with chopped parsley.

Optional Step: Add Extra Flavor

For added taste, consider including chopped onions or garlic in your crockpot before cooking.

Storage Tip

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

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a comforting dish that soaks up all the flavors.

Mashed Potatoes

• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes to create a hearty meal. The gravy enhances the potato’s richness.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition, balancing the richness of the gravy.

In a Sandwich

• Use shredded chicken and gravy as a filling for sandwiches. Top with your favorite veggies for extra crunch.

With Biscuits

• Serve alongside warm, flaky biscuits. They are perfect for soaking up any leftover gravy on your plate.

As a Casserole

• Combine with cooked pasta and bake it into a casserole for a delicious twist. Add cheese on top for extra flavor!

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Achieving the best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy involves a few simple tricks. Follow these tips for an even more delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts will provide better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.

• Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or carrots to enhance the flavor profile during cooking.

• Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.

• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.

• Store Properly: If you have leftovers, cool them fully before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can enhance the meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Green Beans
   A simple yet elegant addition that adds crunch and color to your plate.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These caramelized sprouts bring an earthy flavor that complements the rich gravy well.

3. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for sopping up every bit of gravy, garlic bread adds a delightful aroma and taste.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A light option that provides protein; toss quinoa with fresh vegetables and lemon dressing for freshness.

5. Coleslaw
   This crunchy, tangy salad offers contrast to the warm, creamy chicken dish.

6. Cornbread Muffins
   Sweet cornbread muffins are wonderfully paired with savory dishes like chicken and gravy.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   Their natural sweetness balances the savory flavors of the chicken while providing extra fiber.

8. Cauliflower Rice
   A low-carb alternative that offers a neutral base allowing the chicken’s flavors to shine through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking in a crockpot is simple, but there are mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using frozen chicken: Always use thawed chicken for even cooking. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven texture and longer cooking times.
• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season the chicken can result in bland flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Overcrowding the crockpot: Packing too much food into the pot can hinder cooking. Stick to the recommended serving sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Skipping the browning step: While optional, browning the chicken before adding it to the crockpot enhances flavor. Take a few minutes to sear it in a pan first.
• Ignoring liquid levels: Not adding enough liquid can cause the chicken to dry out. Always ensure there’s sufficient broth or soup for moisture.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Shredding helps distribute flavors throughout the dish. Use two forks to shred until you have bite-sized pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crockpot Chicken And Gravy in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken and gravy in a casserole dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions of chicken and gravy into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is a simple dish where chicken is cooked slowly in a flavorful gravy mixture, resulting in tender meat that’s perfect over rice or mashed potatoes.

How long does it take to cook Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

It typically takes about 6 hours on low heat for the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.

Can I customize Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

Yes! You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for added nutrition. You may also experiment with different seasonings based on your taste preferences.

What sides go well with Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or biscuits. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I store leftovers of Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them for longer storage of up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is not just an easy meal; it’s comforting and versatile too. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices, making this recipe your own!