Introduction to Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the heartwarming goodness of Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy. Imagine tender chicken slowly cooked to perfection, enveloped in a rich, savory gravy that’s bursting with flavor. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just five minutes of prep time, you can have a cozy, satisfying meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day.
Why Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Comfort food is all about simplicity and satisfaction, and Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy checks both boxes. The magic lies in the slow cooking process. As the chicken simmers away, it absorbs the flavors of the gravy, creating a deeply satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or even noodles.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile — whether you're cooking for a busy family, prepping meals for the week, or looking for an easy dinner solution, this dish is your go-to. It's perfect for anyone overwhelmed with life’s demands but still craving home-cooked comfort.
Need a quick meal during the week? This is it! For more tips on easy meal prepping, check out this article on meal prep basics. Get ready to cozy up with this delightful dish!
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
When you're ready to whip up some comforting Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy, let’s talk about what you’ll need. This is a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Ready to check off your grocery list?
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
- 2 - 2.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preferred cut; both work wonderfully.
- 2 packets (0.87 oz each) McCormick chicken gravy mix: This will bring all the delicious flavors to your gravy without any hassle.
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) condensed cream of chicken soup: Opt for a lower sodium variety to keep the dish healthier.
- ¾ cup water: This helps create that silky gravy we all love.
- Ground black pepper, to taste: A pinch adds a nice kick.
Optional Garnishes and Sides
To elevate your meal, consider garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or other herbs. For sides, serve your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles—the possibilities are endless! You can also explore easy vegetable sides such as steamed broccoli or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Remember, you can always adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, which is part of the fun!
Step-by-Step Preparation for Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Preparing a delicious Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy is like giving yourself a warm hug on a busy day. With just a few simple steps, you'll create a hearty dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. Let's dive in!
Prepare Your Crock Pot
Start by ensuring your Crock Pot is clean and ready for use. Spray the inner pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This small step can save you a lot of scrubbing later on! Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the pot, allowing them to cozy up at the bottom—these will be the stars of the meal.
Combine Ingredients for the Gravy
In a separate bowl, it’s time to create the magic of the gravy. Whisk together two packets of McCormick chicken gravy mix with two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup and ¾ cup of water. Add a bit of ground black pepper to taste for that extra kick. The goal here is to create a smooth mixture that will envelop the chicken in rich, savory flavor. If you want to delve deeper into making homemade gravy, you might explore resources like TheKitchn.
Cook the Chicken
Once the gravy is ready, pour it over the chicken in the Crock Pot. This is where the slow cooking begins! Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. During this time, the chicken will absorb all those delicious flavors and become incredibly tender. You can use this time to relax or get some other tasks done—after all, that’s the beauty of slow cooking!
Shred and Mix the Chicken with Gravy
When the cooking time is up, it’s your moment to shine! Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot. See that? It’s effortlessly pulling apart! Stir the shredded chicken back into the gravy so every piece is coated in that creamy goodness. This is when you might want to taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more pepper if you prefer a punchier profile.
Final Touches and Serve
Now that your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy is ready, let’s think about serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles—the choice is yours! For a burst of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like parsley. Not only does it look beautiful, but it also adds a nice flavor contrast. Serve and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a comforting bowl of Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy that’s so easy to make, you might just have a new go-to recipe for your busy nights! Happy cooking!
Variations of Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Variation
For a delightful twist on your classic Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy, consider adding creamy mushrooms. Simply sauté a cup of sliced mushrooms until golden and stir them into the gravy mixture before pouring it over the chicken. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms complements the rich gravy beautifully, making for an irresistible dish. Pair it with pasta or rice for an extra comforting meal.
Spicy Herb Chicken Variation
If you’re looking to kick up the flavor, try the spicy herb chicken variation. Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and a mix of your favorite herbs, like thyme and rosemary, to the gravy. This gives your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy a zesty lift, making every bite exciting. Serve this spicy version alongside a fresh salad for a perfect balance!
For more variations, check out this recipe that dives deeper into flavors and spices!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Tips for Achieving Perfect Gravy Consistency
To get your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy just right, focus on the gravy’s texture. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash of milk or heavy cream at the end. On the flip side, if you find it too thin, create a cornstarch slurry: mix 2 tablespoons of cold water with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, add it to the gravy, and let it cook for another 10 minutes. This will help thicken it beautifully!
Storage and Freezing Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Want to meal prep? Place the raw chicken and gravy mix in a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and dump it in the Crock Pot! This is a fantastic way to have convenient meals ready to go. For more tips on meal prepping, check out this guide.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Recommended Side Dishes: Rice, Mashed Potatoes, or Noodles
When serving your delicious Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy, you want the side dishes to elevate the meal. Consider pairing it with:
- Fluffy White Rice: Absorbs the rich gravy perfectly.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that offers a comforting base.
- Tender Noodles: Especially egg noodles, which create a delightful combo.
These options not only complement the chicken but also make for a satisfying dinner ensemble.
Presentation Ideas to Impress Your Guests
Take your meal to the next level with thoughtful presentation. Serve your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy in a large, shallow serving dish to showcase the tender chicken and luscious gravy.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Upgrade Your Dinnerware: Use your favorite plates or garnish with sliced lemon or a colorful salad on the side for extra elegance.
Feeling fancy? Try adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the sides for a visual and flavorful touch!
For more great ideas, check out this article on dinner party planning.
Time Breakdown for Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Preparation Time
Start with just 5 minutes of hands-on prep. Simply gather your ingredients, toss the chicken in the slow cooker, and whip up the gravy mixture. It's quick and hassle-free!
Cooking Time
Let your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy work its magic for about 4 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH. Your patience will be rewarded with tender, flavorful chicken!
Total Time
From start to finish, expect a total time of 4 hours and 5 minutes. In less than half a day, you can enjoy a cozy, home-cooked meal without breaking a sweat!
For more delicious slow cooker recipes, consider checking out sites like AllRecipes or Taste of Home. They offer a variety of options that can fit into your busy lifestyle.
Nutritional Facts for Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Calories per Serving
Each serving of Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy contains approximately 250.3 calories. This makes it a satisfying yet light dinner option for busy weeknights.
Macronutrient Breakdown
- Protein: 36.3g
- Carbohydrates: 13.7g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
This meal is rich in protein, making it a great choice for muscle maintenance and satiety. If you're interested in more recipes with a balanced approach to nutrition, check out resources like Healthline for tips on maintaining a healthy diet while enjoying hearty meals.
FAQs about Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Can I substitute the chicken?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, feel free to use turkey, tofu, or even beef for a twist. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary depending on your choice, especially for beef. Adjust accordingly, and always double-check the internal temperature for safety.
How can I make the gravy healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up your Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy, consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup and replacing the gravy mix with homemade alternatives. You can mix cornstarch and broth as a thickener and control sodium levels by using unsalted chicken broth or making your own from scratch. Check out healthy cooking tips on Healthline.
What to do if the chicken is too dry?
If your chicken ends up a bit dry, don’t panic! Add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth or even milk to the gravy before shredding the chicken. This will help rehydrate the meat and blend the flavors beautifully. For tips on choosing the right chicken cuts, take a look at this USDA guide.
Conclusion on Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With just three ingredients and minimal prep, it yields a mouthwatering, comforting dish. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a satisfying meal that the entire family will love. Enjoy some cozy home cooking!
For more delicious crockpot recipes, check out EatingWell for inspiration or visit AllRecipes for meal ideas that suit every palate.
Crock Pot Chicken with Gravy
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 2-2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 packets McCormick chicken gravy mix (0.87 oz each)
- 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each, lower sodium recommended)
- ¾ cup water
- Ground black pepper to taste
- For serving rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles
- Optional garnish chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a slow cooker that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the gravy packets, condensed soups, water, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Shred the meat with two forks and stir it back into the gravy.
- Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and extra black pepper if you like.
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