Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory gravy? This **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** recipe brings all the warm, fuzzy feelings of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a lifesaver for those days when time is short. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooking process transforms the chicken into incredibly tender, shreddable perfection, while the gravy becomes deeply flavorful and irresistibly creamy. Plus, the aroma that fills your home while it’s cooking is simply divine!
Ready to experience the ultimate comfort food? Keep reading to discover the simple steps for making this amazing **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** recipe. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
For more delicious crockpot recipes, check out Allrecipes Slow Cooker Recipes. For tips on using a crockpot safely, visit FoodSafety.gov’s Slow Cooker Safety Tips.
Chicken and Gravy Crockpot
The easiest and most comforting chicken and gravy recipe you’ll ever make!
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Spread condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the onion soup mix.
- Pour chicken broth into the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine with the gravy.
- Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat with the gravy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Ingredient Spotlight
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** recipe:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish! They become incredibly tender and easy to shred in the slow cooker. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but be sure to trim any excess fat.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: This pantry staple adds a ton of flavor to the gravy with minimal effort. If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute with a mixture of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This provides the base for the creamy gravy. You can substitute with condensed cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the chicken flavor. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the gravy at the end of the cooking process. You can substitute with all-purpose flour, but be sure to whisk it with cold water to prevent lumps.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to your liking.
For best results, use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the final dish!
Why This Recipe Works
This **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly simple, requires minimal hands-on time, and consistently delivers flavorful and tender results. The combination of ingredients creates a savory and comforting gravy that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Slow Cooking Magic: The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and tenderizes the chicken to perfection. You simply can’t replicate this texture in a quicker cooking method.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using pantry staples like dry onion soup mix and condensed cream of chicken soup makes this recipe incredibly convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make this easy Chicken and Gravy Crockpot:
- Place Chicken in Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is the first step to your delicious Chicken and Gravy Crockpot.
- Add Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy; this adds crucial flavor!
- Spread Cream of Chicken Soup: Spread the condensed cream of chicken soup evenly over the onion soup mix. This creates the creamy base for the gravy.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot. This adds moisture and enhances the chicken flavor.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The long cooking time is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. It should be incredibly tender and easy to shred.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir well to combine with the gravy.
- Cook Until Thickened: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent lumps.
- Return Chicken to Gravy: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat it evenly with the gravy.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Enjoy your amazing Chicken and Gravy Crockpot!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to take your **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** to the next level:
Why it works: Searing adds a layer of flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
Why it works: Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the crockpot adds nutrients and enhances the flavor of the gravy.
Why it works: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will add even more richness and depth to the gravy. Just be sure to remove the bones and skin before shredding the chicken.
Variations and Adaptations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to try with this **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot**:
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Mushroom Chicken | Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup; add sliced mushrooms. | Follow the recipe as directed, adding the sliced mushrooms to the crockpot with the other ingredients. |
| Garlic Herb Chicken | Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. | Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the crockpot with the other ingredients. |
| Spicy Southwest Chicken | Add diced green chilies, chili powder, and cumin. | Add the diced green chilies, chili powder, and cumin to the crockpot with the other ingredients. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker?
Can I add gravy mix to a slow cooker?
Why does gravy go watery in a slow cooker?
Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Conclusion
With this effortless **Chicken and Gravy Crockpot** recipe, you’re just hours away from a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will adore. This recipe perfectly balances ease and flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends.
So, gather your ingredients, plug in your crockpot, and prepare to enjoy a truly satisfying and stress-free dinner. Don’t forget to share your creations and any fun variations you try!
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