This recipe provides instructions for making a comforting and easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy. This dish features boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a slow cooker with a creamy and flavorful gravy. The simplicity of this recipe lies in the hands-off cooking method, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with the rich flavors of the gravy. The gravy is typically made using a packet gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and sometimes chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency. The slow cooker gently simmers the chicken in the gravy, resulting in a moist and succulent main course. This dish is a classic comfort food, perfect for a weeknight meal, and is often served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles to soak up the delicious gravy. The image shows a close-up of a serving of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy in a gray bowl. Two pieces of cooked chicken breast are nestled in a thick, light-brown gravy. A generous portion of mashed potatoes is placed next to the chicken. The dish is garnished with chopped green herbs, likely parsley. Text below indicates “POLLO Y SALSA EN OLLA DE COCCIÓN LENTA” (Spanish for “Chicken and Gravy in Slow Cooker”) and lists “4 pechugas de pollo deshuesadas y sin piel” (4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts), “2 sobres de mezcla para salsa de pollo (aprox. 1 oz cada uno)” (2 packets of chicken gravy mix, approx. 1 oz each), and “1 lata (10,5 oz) de crema de sopa de pollo” (1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup) under “Ingredientes” (Ingredients).
The primary ingredient is boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chosen for their ease of cooking and lean protein content.
The gravy is a key component, providing flavor and moisture to the chicken. Packet chicken gravy mix offers a convenient way to create a flavorful base. Cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and body to the gravy. Chicken broth or water is used to adjust the consistency of the gravy to the desired thickness.
Seasonings beyond those in the gravy mix and soup are usually minimal, but salt and black pepper can be added to taste. Some recipes might include garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley or thyme can be used as a garnish for added freshness.
The preparation is incredibly simple, relying on the slow cooker to do most of the work. The chicken breasts are placed in the slow cooker. The gravy mix is typically whisked with the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth or water in a separate bowl to ensure it’s smooth before being poured over the chicken. The slow cooker is then set to cook on low or high heat for several hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Once cooked, the chicken can be shredded or sliced, and the gravy is ready to serve.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is best served hot, spooned over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, biscuits, or even toast, allowing the gravy to coat the starch.
The texture is tender, often easily shreddable chicken in a smooth and creamy gravy.
The flavor is savory and comforting, with the distinct taste of chicken gravy enhanced by the cream of chicken soup.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is an easy-to-make dish where chicken breasts are cooked in a slow cooker with a creamy gravy made from gravy mix and cream of chicken soup.
The preparation involves placing chicken in a slow cooker, mixing the gravy ingredients, pouring them over the chicken, and cooking until tender.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (aproximadamente 6-8 onzas cada una)
- 2 packets (aproximadamente 1 oz cada uno) chicken gravy mix (such as McCormick or store brand)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (or more, for desired gravy consistency)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Equipment:
- Slow cooker (crock pot)
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the two packets of chicken gravy mix and the can of cream of chicken soup until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth or water until you reach your desired gravy consistency. If you prefer a thicker gravy, use less liquid; for a thinner gravy, use more.
- Pour Gravy Over Chicken: Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Season (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the chicken and gravy with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder or onion powder. Remember that the gravy mix and cream of chicken soup already contain salt, so taste after cooking and add more if needed.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be easily shreddable with a fork when done.
- Shred or Slice Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked, you can remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, or slice it into pieces. Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.
- Serve: Ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, biscuits, or your preferred base. Garnish with chopped fresh or dried parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetables: You can add vegetables like sliced onions, carrots, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a more complete meal. Place the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken and gravy.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage for a different flavor profile in the gravy. Add dried herbs at the beginning of cooking or fresh herbs during the last hour.
- Browning Chicken (Optional): For a richer flavor and better texture, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with a little oil before placing them in the slow cooker. Brown each side for 2-3 minutes.
- Thickening Gravy: If your gravy is not as thick as you’d like at the end of cooking, you can thicken it by making a slurry of 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 2-4 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the gravy in the slow cooker, increase the heat to high, and cook for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
- Dairy Enrichment: For an even creamier gravy, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this simple and satisfying Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy!