Discover the Best Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe Today!

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, it’s hard to beat Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy. This easy-to-prepare dish delivers tender, shredded chicken smothered in a rich, creamy gravy – the perfect combination for a satisfying weeknight dinner or lazy weekend lunch. The best part? All you have to do is toss the ingredients into your trusty slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.

Table of Contents

Ingredient Breakdown: The Building Blocks of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

The key to this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is the simple, yet flavorful ingredient list. Let’s take a closer look at what goes into making this dish so irresistible:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! These lean cuts of chicken become incredibly tender and shred easily after slow cooking.
• Chicken Gravy Mix: The gravy mix packets add a rich, savory flavor to the dish and help thicken the sauce.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy soup creates a luxurious base for the gravy, adding body and creaminess.
• Water: Dilutes the gravy mix and soup to the perfect consistency.
• Sour Cream: Stirred in at the end, the sour cream adds a tangy richness that balances out the dish.
• Garlic Powder and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor.
• Salt: Added to taste, bringing all the flavors together.
• Sliced Green Onions (Optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a pop of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy couldn’t be easier. Just follow these straightforward steps:

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and a light sprinkle of salt. This simple seasoning will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
2. Mix the Gravy Base: In your slow cooker, whisk together the chicken gravy mix packets, cream of chicken soup, and water until the mixture is mostly smooth. This creates the flavorful gravy base for the dish.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they’re fully submerged in the gravy mixture.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
5. Shred and Finish: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the sour cream. Allow the dish to warm for about 15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh garnish, if desired.

Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some delicious serving options include:

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich, creamy gravy is simply divine when served over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice makes a great base for soaking up all that savory gravy.
• Egg Noodles: Toss the shredded chicken and gravy with egg noodles for a heartier, comforting meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy with your favorite steamed veggies, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy chicken and gravy.

Variations and Customizations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

While this recipe is already a delicious classic, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to try:

• Vegetable-Packed Version: Add diced carrots, potatoes, peas, or other vegetables to the slow cooker for a heartier, more nutritious meal.
• Different Gravy Mixes: Experiment with various gravy mix flavors, such as mushroom or brown gravy, to change up the taste profile.
• Spicy Chicken and Gravy: Kick things up a notch by adding a dash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning to the gravy mixture.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium chicken broth or gravy mix to reduce the sodium content of the dish.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap the traditional gravy mix for a gluten-free version to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

One serving of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy (about 1 cup) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Sodium: 890mg

Please note that the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Can I use other types of meat in this slow cooker recipe instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute other types of meat in this slow cooker recipe. Pork tenderloin or beef chuck roast can work well, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Pork typically cooks in about 6-8 hours on low, while beef may require a bit longer, around 8-10 hours. Ensure the meat is tender and easily shreds before serving. Adjust seasoning and gravy mixes according to your chosen protein for the best flavor.

How can I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin after cooking?

If the gravy is too thin after cooking, there are several ways to thicken it. One common method is to create a slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water (1-2 tablespoons each) and stirring it into the gravy while it’s still cooking. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, you can remove some of the liquid, mix it with a bit of flour or cornstarch, and then stir it back into the slow cooker.

What can I do if I forgot to thaw the chicken before cooking?

If you forgot to thaw the chicken, you can still cook it from frozen in the slow cooker, but it’s important to adjust your cooking time. Cooking frozen chicken typically requires an additional 1-2 hours on low heat. To ensure food safety, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C) before serving. However, it’s recommended to thaw chicken in the refrigerator beforehand for better texture and flavor.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy without using gravy mix?

Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy without using store-bought gravy mix by creating a homemade gravy base. Simply combine broth (chicken or vegetable), cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings (like onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper) in place of the gravy mix. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for additional flavor. This option allows for more control over ingredients and can cater to dietary preferences.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes
• Easy Crockpot Chicken Marsala
• Cozy Crockpot Cheddar Chili Mac
• Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken and rich, creamy gravy makes this dish a family-friendly favorite that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. So, go ahead, put your slow cooker to work and let the magic happen!

Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!

Print