Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. This comforting meal features tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s versatile enough to serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or even as a filling for sandwiches. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors that make this dish a standout choice in any home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: With minimal prep time, simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work while you focus on other tasks.
• Deliciously Savory: The combination of cream of mushroom soup and beef broth creates a mouthwatering gravy that’s full of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a go-to for family meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles for a meal that fits any occasion.
• Comfort Food Classic: Ideal for chilly days or when you need a little extra comfort in your life.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is simple with the right tools at hand. Having these essential kitchen gadgets will streamline your cooking process and ensure consistent results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow Cooker
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring your chicken cooks to perfection while you attend to other things.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing ingredients thoroughly, especially when combining soups and broths to create a smooth gravy.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities, which is key to achieving the perfect flavor balance.

Ingredients

This crockpot chicken and gravy features tender, juicy chicken simmered slowly in a savory gravy.

For the Chicken

• 2 Large Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

For the Gravy

• 1 10-ounce Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 1 packet Brown Gravy Mix
• 1 packet Beef Onion Soup Mix

Spices and Vegetables

• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• Black Pepper to taste
• 1 Bell Pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup Yellow Onion (sliced)

How to Make Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In your slow cooker, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, brown gravy mix, and beef onion soup mix until well combined.

Step 2: Add Chicken

Place the 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts directly into the mixture. Ensure they are submerged in the sauce for optimum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Top the chicken with sliced bell pepper and yellow onion. This adds depth to the dish and enhances its overall taste.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred when done.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.

Step 6: Combine

Stir the shredded chicken back into the gravy mixture until everything is well incorporated.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes or rice for a truly comforting meal! Enjoy every bite of your delicious 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 prefer it over a starch or alongside fresh vegetables, there are plenty of options to elevate your meal.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes serve as the perfect base for the savory chicken and gravy, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

With Rice

• Serving over fluffy white or brown rice provides a hearty and filling option that complements the rich gravy.

In a Sandwich

• Shred the chicken and place it on a toasted bun for a comforting sandwich that’s easy to enjoy on-the-go.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing with steamed broccoli or green beans adds a nutritious touch while balancing the richness of the chicken and gravy.

On a Salad

• Use the shredded chicken as a topping for fresh greens, drizzled with some of the gravy for added flavor in your salad.

As a Casserole

• Combine with cooked pasta and cheese to create a comforting casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

To make your crockpot chicken and gravy even better, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the garlic powder and onion powder to match your taste preferences.
• Add Vegetables: Include additional veggies like carrots or peas for more nutrition and flavor.
• Thicken Gravy if Needed: If you prefer thicker gravy, mix in a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opting for low-sodium beef broth helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

When serving crockpot chicken and gravy, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up leftover gravy; simply toast slices with butter and garlic.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy salad adds freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the dish.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with savory dishes; try it warm from the oven.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a slightly bitter bite that balances out the creamy gravy.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers a nutritious side that’s both filling and refreshing.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory chicken beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making crockpot chicken and gravy, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not using enough seasoning can make your dish bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking for too long can lead to dry chicken. Stick to the recommended cooking times for tender results.
• Neglecting to shred the chicken: Leaving the chicken whole can prevent it from absorbing the gravy. Shred it before mixing it back into the sauce for more flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can affect the overall taste. Opt for high-quality beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Ignoring additional vegetables: Not adding extra veggies can limit nutrition and flavor. Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables for added texture and taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow cooling before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until fully heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crockpot chicken and gravy?

Crockpot chicken and gravy is a comforting dish made with tender chicken cooked slowly in a rich gravy, perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes.

How do I customize my crockpot chicken and gravy?

You can customize by adding different vegetables like carrots or peas, or by using different types of soup as a base.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase cooking time by about an hour when cooking on low.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender enough to shred easily.

Conclusion

This crockpot chicken and gravy recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. With its savory flavor and comforting texture, it’s perfect for family dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or sides to make it your own!