Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a delightful dish that brings comfort to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this recipe combines tender chicken with a savory gravy that pairs beautifully with rice or mashed potatoes. The flavors meld together as the chicken simmers, making it an easy yet impressive meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just toss the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful Gravy: The combination of ranch dressing mix and brown gravy creates a rich flavor that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta for a delicious twist.
• Family-Friendly Meal: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Freezer-Friendly: Leftovers can be easily stored in the freezer for quick future meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of our recipe; it allows for hands-off cooking that results in tender, flavorful chicken.
• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl makes it easy to combine ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that your dry mixes dissolve completely into the broth, creating a smooth gravy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Gravy

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Approximately 1.5 lbs)
• 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
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• chopped parsley (For garnish)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

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

Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure that each piece of chicken is well coated.

Step 4: Cook It Low and Slow

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

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked:
1. Shred the chicken in the gravy using two forks until fully combined.

Step 6: Add Creaminess

Stir in the sour cream and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Serve the chicken and gravy over rice or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley for an extra touch.

Step 8: Optional Flavor Boost

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or garlic to the crockpot during cooking.

Step 9: Store Leftovers

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

Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Chicken and Gravy!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and gravy over fluffy white rice for a comforting meal. The rice absorbs the rich gravy, making each bite flavorful.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty dish. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the shredded chicken beautifully.

On a Bed of Vegetables

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken and gravy on a bed of steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

In a Sandwich

• Use the chicken and gravy as a filling for sandwiches. Toast some bread, add the mixture, and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal.

As a Bowl Meal

• Create a bowl meal by layering rice or quinoa at the bottom, topped with chicken and gravy, and garnished with fresh parsley and avocado slices.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up every bit of the delicious gravy. This is perfect for those who love dipping!

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

To achieve the best results with your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken gives better flavor and texture compared to frozen. Always try to use high-quality ingredients.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your gravy before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.

• Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding chopped onions or garlic to enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.

• Cook on Low: Cooking on low heat allows flavors to meld nicely. It also prevents the chicken from drying out.

• Shred Generously: Shredding the chicken well allows it to soak in more gravy, maximizing flavor in each bite.

• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Just reheat it gently when ready to serve for busy nights.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy can elevate your meal even further. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the gravy.

2. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots pair well with savory flavors, providing both taste and texture contrast.

3. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up gravy, making it an enjoyable addition to any plate.

4. Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw brings crunch and brightness, balancing out the creamy elements of the main dish.

5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers a nutty flavor that complements the rich sauce while adding healthy grains to your meal.

6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds freshness and sweetness; it’s great for summer meals alongside this comfort food classic.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Baked sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness that pairs delightfully with savory chicken and gravy.

8. Crispy Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans offer delightful crunchiness while being simple yet elegant as a side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Crockpot Chicken And Gravy experience even better. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning properly can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper before serving.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the suggested cooking time and check for doneness.
• Using low-quality broth: A weak broth can dilute the flavor. Choose a high-quality chicken broth for a richer gravy.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: Leaving large pieces of chicken can affect texture. Shred it well to ensure it absorbs the gravy nicely.
• Neglecting garnishing: Skipping garnishes like chopped parsley can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken And Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Chicken And Gravy.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low heat.

What can I serve with Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles for a hearty meal.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

To make it lighter, consider using low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium broth while still enjoying great flavor.

Can I add vegetables to my Crockpot Chicken And Gravy?

Absolutely! Chopped carrots, celery, or peas can be added during cooking for extra nutrition and taste.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Give this comforting recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!