Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy: A Comforting Classic for Busy Days

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a hearty and satisfying meal can be a source of comfort and joy. Enter Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy – a timeless classic that promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. With simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy tender chicken smothered in rich, savory gravy with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or simply seeking a delicious meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 packets chicken gravy mix
• 1 10-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Gravy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken gravy mix, condensed cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, paprika, and a can of water. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the Gravy Mixture: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that they are fully covered.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook the chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the Chicken (Optional): Once the chicken is cooked, you can use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker for a more pulled chicken texture.
6. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or paprika to suit your preferences.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for an extra touch of flavor.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Creamy Variation: For an even creamier gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the gravy mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with additional herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the gravy. Thyme, rosemary, or poultry seasoning can add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Vegetable Addition: To make this dish a complete meal, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions to the slow cooker along with the chicken. They will cook alongside the chicken and absorb the delicious flavors of the gravy.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, replace the condensed cream of chicken soup with a homemade low-carb alternative made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and a thickener such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder.
• You can also omit the gravy mix packets and instead make a keto-friendly gravy using chicken broth, butter, and almond flour as a thickener.

Conclusion: Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy – a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With the convenience of a slow cooker and simple ingredients, you can enjoy tender chicken bathed in rich, savory gravy any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your table. So dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   • Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe. Just be aware that chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time in the slow cooker due to their higher fat content.
2. Can I use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix packets?
   • Absolutely! If you prefer homemade gravy, you can substitute the gravy mix packets with an equal amount of homemade gravy made from chicken broth, flour, and seasonings. Simply whisk together the ingredients and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Can I add additional vegetables to the slow cooker?
   • Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions to the slow cooker along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as vegetables may require longer cooking times than the chicken.
4. How should I store leftovers?
   • Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.
5. Can I freeze the cooked chicken and gravy?
   • Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken and gravy for later use. Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy?
   • This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. Choose your favorite side to complement the comforting flavors of the chicken and gravy.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free gravy mix packets or making a homemade gluten-free gravy using a gluten-free thickener such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
8. Is it necessary to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
   • Browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker can add extra flavor and texture to the dish, but it is not necessary. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, and the chicken will still turn out delicious.
9. Can I add wine to the gravy for extra flavor?
   • Yes, you can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the gravy mixture for added depth of flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of water accordingly to maintain the desired consistency.
10. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
    • While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe for ease of preparation, you can certainly use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook in the slow cooker.