Looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy recipe! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy tender and juicy chicken smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe in your slow cooker!
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 ¾ ounces) reduced-fat Cream of Chicken soup
- 2 packages of chicken gravy mix
- 2 cups water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons onion powder
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Sauce
- In the slow cooker, combine the reduced-fat Cream of Chicken soup, chicken gravy mix packets, and water.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Season and Layer the Chicken
- Sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the sauce mixture.
- Stir to incorporate the seasonings.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Cover and let the chicken cook until tender and fully cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chicken is cooked, serve it hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the delicious gravy.
- Optionally, add your choice of fresh or frozen vegetables during the last hour of cooking.
- If using fresh vegetables, monitor their doneness to prevent overcooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve and enjoy this hearty and comforting meal with your loved ones!
Nutrition:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4-8 hours, 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve the slow-cooked chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting meal.
- Pair with cooked rice or pasta to soak up the delicious gravy and create a hearty dinner option.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
- For a complete meal, serve alongside your favorite steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
- Enhance the flavor with a side of warm crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the savory gravy.
- Customize your dish by adding cooked bacon bits, sliced mushrooms, or caramelized onions to the gravy for extra depth of flavor.
- Present the meal family-style in the slow cooker itself or transfer the chicken and gravy to a serving dish for an elegant presentation.
- Accompany with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a well-rounded dining experience.
- Consider serving leftovers as a sandwich filling or wrap for a tasty lunch option the next day.
- Enjoy the meal with loved ones and savor the comforting flavors of this slow-cooked classic!
Storage Tips:
- Allow any leftover chicken and gravy to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and quality.
- To freeze leftovers, portion the chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- Label containers with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen chicken and gravy can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- When reheating, thaw frozen leftovers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
- Reheat chicken and gravy gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the gravy when reheating to maintain its consistency.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken when reheating to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Enjoy the delicious flavors of slow-cooked chicken and gravy whenever you crave a comforting and satisfying meal!
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of slow-cooked chicken and gravy while ensuring maximum freshness and convenience for your meals!
Variations :
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a rich and earthy flavor.
- Italian Herb Chicken: Season the chicken with Italian seasoning blend and add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped fresh basil to the gravy for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Honey Garlic Chicken: Mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger in the gravy for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the gravy for a bright and refreshing taste.
- Spicy Cajun Chicken: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and add diced bell peppers, onions, and celery to the gravy for a spicy kick.
- Coconut Curry Chicken: Mix coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, and ginger in the gravy for a creamy and aromatic curry dish.
- Barbecue Chicken: Substitute cream of chicken soup with barbecue sauce and add diced onions and garlic for a tangy and smoky flavor.
- Tuscan Chicken: Combine sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning in the gravy for a taste of Tuscany.
- Teriyaki Chicken: Mix teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the gravy for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired dish.
- Buffalo Chicken: Use buffalo sauce instead of cream of chicken soup and add crumbled blue cheese and diced celery for a spicy and tangy flavor.
- Greek Chicken: Season the chicken with oregano, lemon juice, and garlic, and add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to the gravy for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Tex-Mex Chicken: Season the chicken with taco seasoning and add diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded cheese to the gravy for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in the gravy for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Pesto Chicken: Add pesto sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts to the gravy for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
- Balsamic Chicken: Combine balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and rosemary in the gravy for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
FAQs:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require slightly longer cooking.
- Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions but cook on high pressure for about 8-10 minutes, then do a quick release of pressure.
- Can I use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix packets? Yes, you can substitute homemade gravy for the gravy mix packets. Adjust the consistency and seasoning as needed.
- Can I add vegetables directly to the slow cooker with the chicken? Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers directly to the slow cooker with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch of slow-cooked chicken and gravy. Use a larger slow cooker or adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours when using frozen chicken.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free gravy mix packets or make your own gluten-free gravy from scratch to ensure the recipe is gluten-free.
- Can I add wine to the gravy? Yes, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the gravy for added flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
With its tender chicken and rich gravy, this Slow Cooked Chicken and Gravy recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. So dust off your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a home-cooked meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
