Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Is there anything more comforting than tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy? Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of a home-cooked meal, ready to be devoured with minimal effort. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, and it’s all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker!

Chicken and gravy, in its various forms, has been a staple in kitchens across the globe for generations. It represents resourcefulness and the ability to create a satisfying meal from simple ingredients. While the exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of slow-cooking meat in a flavorful sauce dates back centuries, evolving with regional variations and culinary traditions.

What makes crockpot chicken and gravy so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the gravy is rich, creamy, and bursting with savory goodness. But beyond the taste, it’s the sheer convenience that makes this dish a winner. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot, set it, and forget it! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a delicious, fuss-free meal. So, let’s get started and create a truly unforgettable crockpot chicken and gravy experience!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 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
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste (optional, depending on the sodium content of your soup mix)
• Cooked mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, for serving
• Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken and Gravy

1. First, let’s get the chicken ready. You can use the chicken breasts as they are, or if they are very thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly in the crockpot. I usually prefer to slice mine if they are over an inch thick.
2. Now, if you want to add a little extra flavor, you can lightly sear the chicken breasts before putting them in the crockpot. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. To do this, heat the butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the crockpot.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are in a single layer if possible. If they overlap a little, that’s okay.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the base of our delicious gravy.
5. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the mixture.
6. Sprinkle the dried thyme over the chicken and soup mixture. This adds a lovely herbaceous note to the dish.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).

Making the Gravy

1. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep it warm.
2. Now, it’s time to make the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and cold water until you have a smooth slurry. This is called a “slurry” and it will help thicken the gravy without creating lumps.
3. Turn the crockpot to high heat. Pour the flour slurry into the crockpot with the remaining liquid. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Continue to cook the gravy, whisking occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s not thick enough, you can whisk in another small amount of flour slurry (1 teaspoon flour mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water).
5. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little salt and pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder. Remember that the onion soup mix can be quite salty, so taste before adding any extra salt.

Shredding the Chicken (Optional)

1. At this point, you have a couple of options for serving the chicken. You can either serve the chicken breasts whole, or you can shred them. I personally prefer to shred the chicken, as it makes it easier to eat and allows the gravy to coat every piece.
2. To shred the chicken, use two forks to pull the chicken breasts apart into smaller pieces. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
3. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot with the gravy. Stir to combine and make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the gravy.

Serving the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

1. Serve the crockpot chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. I think it’s especially delicious with creamy mashed potatoes!
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Enjoy your delicious and easy crockpot chicken and gravy! This is a perfect comfort food meal for a busy weeknight.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Some good options include carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Add them to the crockpot at the same time as the chicken.
• Use Different Soup: You can experiment with different types of condensed soup. Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup would also work well.
• Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier gravy.
• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during the long cooking time.
• Add Wine: For a richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the crockpot along with the chicken broth.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and soup mixture in the crockpot the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Then, in the morning, simply turn on the crockpot and let it cook.
• Freezing Instructions: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. I know, I know, there are a million chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The sheer simplicity combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes it an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!), and you’ll be happy to oblige because it requires minimal effort on your part.

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the way the chicken becomes unbelievably tender, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork. And the gravy? Oh, the gravy! It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with savory goodness, thanks to the slow cooking process that allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Forget those bland, watery gravies you might have had in the past; this is the real deal.

But the best part is how versatile it is! Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience. Or, for a lighter option, try spooning it over steamed rice or quinoa. You could even shred the chicken and use it to make delicious sandwiches or wraps. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

• Mashed Potatoes: The quintessential pairing! Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to your mashed potatoes for extra richness.
• Rice or Quinoa: A healthier alternative that still soaks up all that delicious gravy.
• Noodles: Egg noodles or wide pasta ribbons are perfect for twirling in the creamy sauce.
• Biscuits: Serve the chicken and gravy over warm, flaky biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal.
• Sandwiches or Wraps: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, adding your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
• Vegetable Boost: Add some chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions to the crockpot for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a little kick to the gravy.
• Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end of the cooking time for an even richer and creamier gravy.

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this recipe. I truly believe it will become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine. It’s the perfect solution for those days when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good, making it a great option for meal prepping.

So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let your crockpot work its magic. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And when you do try it, please, please, please come back and share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much your family enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy success!