Introduction
Welcome to our easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe! If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal that will leave your taste buds satisfied, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create tender and flavorful chicken smothered in a rich and savory gravy. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe. First and foremost, it requires minimal effort. Once you’ve prepped the ingredients and set everything in the slow cooker, you can go about your day while the magic happens. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy chicken.
Another great feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors to suit your preferences by adding herbs, spices, or even vegetables. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option that will please the entire family without breaking the bank.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy slow cooker chicken and gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional ingredient substitutions:
If you prefer a lighter version of this recipe, you can use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream. Additionally, you can replace the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- In a skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on both sides. This step adds extra flavor to the chicken.
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the sliced onion and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
- Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the gravy until smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it with the gravy.
- Let the chicken and gravy cook together for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the slow cooker chicken and gravy hot with your choice of side dishes.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your slow cooker chicken and gravy turns out perfectly:
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make sure to season the chicken breasts well before browning them. This helps to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also prepare this recipe in a Dutch oven or a large pot on the stovetop. Simply simmer the chicken and gravy over low heat for 1-2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Variations and Substitutions
This easy slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Add vegetables: You can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or mushrooms to the slow cooker to make it a complete one-pot meal.
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy.
- Dietary substitutions: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, if you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving Suggestions
This easy slow cooker chicken and gravy is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with some tasty side dishes to complete the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination.
- Pair it with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve it with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious gravy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken breasts will take longer to cook, so you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers for future meals. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a simple and delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe that will become a family favorite. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting and satisfying flavors of tender chicken smothered in rich gravy. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with us and happy slow cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Tender and flavorful chicken smothered in a rich and savory gravy, cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This easy and versatile recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without much effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Brown the chicken on both sides in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Sauté sliced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Add sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, and flour, then pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken and blend the gravy until smooth.
- Return chicken to the slow cooker and cook with the gravy for additional 15-20 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with side dishes of your choice.
