When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, savory goodness of Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and flavorful gravy, making it a delightful meal that meets all your cravings. Best of all, this dish requires minimal effort on your part, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the wonderful aroma filling your home.
Why We Love This Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Recipe
There are numerous reasons to fall in love with this Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can set it up in your crockpot and let it do all the work for you. You’ll appreciate that this recipe requires little in the way of kitchen skills or time. The versatility of the dish also stands out; whether you’re serving a cozy dinner for your family or hosting a gathering, this meal is always a hit. The comforting blend of chicken and creamy gravy envelops your taste buds in a warm embrace, making it an ideal choice any time of year. Plus, who doesn’t love a hearty meal that comes together with so little fuss?
Ingredients about Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Having these ingredients on hand means you’re just a few steps away from a satisfying meal. Each component plays a vital role in bringing out the flavors. The chicken serves as the canvas, while the cream of chicken soup and ranch mix create a luscious gravy that elevates the dish.
How to Make Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Directions
- Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced so they cook thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the ranch dressing mix. Add the chicken broth and stir this mixture until it’s well blended. This will create a creamy base for your dish.
- Once mixed, pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is sufficiently covered to soak up all those flavorful juices.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the ranch dressing mix already has some salt, so be mindful of how much additional seasoning you add.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting will work too—just cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken within the gravy. Do this gently until the chicken is well mixed with the gravy, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
- Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. The parsley adds a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Serving Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is as fun as making it! Consider pairing it with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. These options act like a sponge for the creamy gravy, ensuring you get every last drop. If you want to add some extra veggies, steamed broccoli or green beans can offer a nice contrast in both flavor and texture. The dish is also great for leftovers, making it a convenient option for lunch the next day.
You can also serve it in a bowl for a more casual setting or plate it elegantly for a dinner party. Don’t forget to garnish those bowls with fresh parsley—visual appeal can enhance the dining experience!
Expert Tips: Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
To take your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to the next level, here are some expert tips:
- Chicken Selection: Opt for high-quality chicken breasts. This small choice can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor. Frozen chicken will work, but you may need to adjust cooking times.
- Extra Flavor: If you want to add dimension to the flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or chopped onions into the crockpot. These ingredients can give a fragrant depth to your gravy.
- Thicker Gravy: If you prefer your gravy to be thicker, you could mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in before shredding the chicken. This will enhance the texture without compromising the taste.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce (cream of chicken soup and ranch mix) in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This can cut down on prep time on a busy day.
- Freezing Options: If you’re looking to make a double batch, it’s easy to freeze the leftovers for a quick meal later. Stack it in airtight containers, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go.
How to Store Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
To store your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy properly, follow these simple steps:
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer it to an airtight container. Be sure to include the gravy with the chicken to keep it moist.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it!
- When reheating, warm it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore its creamy texture.
Proper storage ensures that the dish retains its flavor and can be enjoyed multiple times without losing quality.
Variation of Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to tweak it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Vegetable Additions: You can throw in some frozen mixed vegetables or fresh veggies like carrots and peas directly into the crockpot. They will cook beautifully alongside the chicken and absorb the wonderful gravy flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding some chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the gravy mix. This can give the dish a nice spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Switching up the herbs can add a new flavor profile. Try adding dried thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: For an earthier taste, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup. This will add a nice umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, replace the cream of chicken soup with coconut milk and adjust the seasoning. The result will be a unique, tropical take on this comfort dish.
FAQ Section
What is the best way to season Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
When seasoning your Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, it’s important to use salt and pepper and to consider high-quality ranch dressing mix, as it adds amazing flavor.
How long can I keep leftovers of Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use frozen chicken for Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to extend your cooking time if you do so, fitting it into the same cooking time guidelines.
What can I serve with Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
Best paired with rice, potatoes, or noodles, this dish can also shine alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Is it safe to leave the crockpot on overnight for Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
It’s generally not recommended to leave a crockpot running overnight unless it has a programmable timer. Follow safety guidelines to ensure your food remains safe to eat.
By following these tips and incorporating your personal touches, you can make the Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy that suits your taste and lifestyle perfectly. Enjoy this comforting meal that is sure to warm you up!
Best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Opt for high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz) Add other seasonings cautiously.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- to taste none Salt and pepper Remember that ranch dressing mix already has salt.
- to taste none Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) Adds a pop of color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the ranch dressing mix and chicken broth, stirring until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is covered.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken within the gravy using two forks.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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