Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich and velvety gravy, creating a meal that is both hearty and delicious. Perfect for busy weekdays, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Recipe
This recipe is adored for its simplicity and flavor. You can gather just a few ingredients, and in no time, you’ll have a delightful dish that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for families, gatherings, or a cozy dinner for two. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses it with the creamy, savory flavors of the gravy. Plus, it requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks!
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy Directions
Making Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is straightforward and doesn’t require elaborate cooking skills. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This will be your base, and it sets the stage for flavorful goodness.
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined. This mixture will serve as the flavorful sauce for your chicken, so ensure it’s thoroughly blended.
Next, pour this creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well covered. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors while it cooks.
After covering the chicken with the mixture, season it all with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the overall flavor of your dish, so don’t skip this step!
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low will yield a more tender chicken, while the higher setting is great for those days when you need dinner on the table a little quicker.
Once cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken. Using two forks, gently pull apart the chicken in the gravy until it’s shredded to your liking. This step not only makes it easier to serve, but it also allows the chicken to absorb even more of that rich gravy.
Now, it’s ready to serve! Spoon the creamy chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, steaming rice, or warm biscuits. The choice is yours, but whatever you pick will complement this dish perfectly!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
Serving Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is an enjoyable part of the meal experience. The creamy, savory chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
If you love the classic comfort food experience, serve this dish over a generous portion of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy seeps into the potatoes, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
For a lighter option, consider serving the chicken and gravy over steamed vegetables or brown rice. This adds a wholesome touch while still allowing you to savor the delicious gravy.
Biscuits are another fantastic accompaniment; the flaky layers are perfect for soaking up the rich gravy. Don’t forget to garnish your dish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It adds color and a hint of flavor, elevating your dish even further.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there’s enough space for steam and heat to circulate around the chicken. If you’re doubling the recipe, it might be better to use two slow cookers instead of cramming everything into one.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since there are only a few ingredients in this dish, using quality products will enhance the overall flavor. Opt for good-quality cream of chicken soup and fresh chicken breasts to get the best results.
- Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and even add other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder for an extra flavor kick.
- Save Leftovers for Later: If you have any leftovers, they taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- Thicken the Gravy if Desired: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How to Store Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
Storing any leftovers of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is easy and ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal another day. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it! Transfer the cooled chicken and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring excess air is removed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Variation of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
There are many delightful variations of Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy that can cater to different tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
- Vegetable Addition: Enhance your dish by adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes right into the slow cooker. They will absorb the flavors while cooking, making for a complete meal.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just toss in a couple of sprigs while it cooks for an aromatic twist.
- Creamy Mushroom Version: For mushroom lovers, consider adding sliced mushrooms into the mix with the chicken. This will add an extra layer of flavor and a hearty texture.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy spicy food, incorporating jalapeños or using a spicy ranch dressing mix can give your dish an exciting kick.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a non-dairy soup alternative paired with dairy-free ranch dressing.
FAQ
What is the best way to serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
You can serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits for a comforting meal that is easy to enjoy!
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers.
How long do I cook Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
Cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for best results.
Can I add vegetables to the Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots or peas can make your dish more nutritious and delicious.
Is there a way to make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy spicier?
Yes, you can add jalapeños or use spicy ranch dressing mix for a flavor boost.
Enjoy experimenting with this delicious and forgiving recipe. Your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy will not only satisfy your taste buds but also make mealtime an absolute delight!
This article aims to be informative, engaging, and tailored to those seeking to create a delicious meal at home. Enjoy cooking!
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- optional chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Finishing Touches
- Once cooking time is up, shred the chicken using two forks in the gravy.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
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