Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious and hassle-free crock pot chicken and gravy recipe! If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a comforting home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Not only is it easy to prepare, but the result is tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich and savory gravy. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this crock pot chicken and gravy recipe. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious meal ready to go in no time. Secondly, the flavors in this recipe are phenomenal. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow in the crock pot, and the gravy is rich and savory, perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes or rice. Lastly, this recipe is versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want to add extra herbs and spices or switch up the type of meat, the possibilities are endless!

Ingredients

For this crock pot chicken and gravy recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet of dry onion soup mix
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional ingredient substitutions:

• If you prefer a homemade substitute for the cream of chicken soup, you can use a mixture of chicken broth, milk, and flour.
• Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a darker and more flavorful meat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect crock pot chicken and gravy:

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.
2. In a bowl, mix together the dry onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
4. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set it aside.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream and a ladleful of the gravy from the crock pot until smooth.
7. Pour the sour cream mixture back into the crock pot and stir well to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Return the chicken to the crock pot and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low heat, until heated through.
10. Serve the chicken and gravy hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Pro tip: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Expert Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure that your crock pot chicken and gravy turns out absolutely delicious:

• For the best flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes on each side before placing them in the crock pot.
• If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, you can add some thinly sliced onions on top of the chicken breasts before pouring the sauce over.
• Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, to customize the flavors of the dish.
• Remember that slow cooking is key to achieving tender and juicy chicken. Avoid cooking on high heat for too long, as it may result in dry chicken.
• Don’t skip the step of whisking the sour cream with the gravy before adding it back to the crock pot. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This crock pot chicken and gravy recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

• If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead for a different flavor profile.
• Add some chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes, to the crock pot along with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.
• For a spicy twist, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
• If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the sour cream with coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious crock pot chicken and gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve the chicken and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Pair it with steamed rice and roasted vegetables for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
• Serve it alongside warm buttered biscuits or dinner rolls for a delicious Southern-inspired feast.
• For a lighter option, serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about crock pot chicken and gravy:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they will take longer to cook. Increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours.

Q: Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Follow the same instructions, but cook the chicken on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, then do a quick release.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan or microwave.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this fantastic crock pot chicken and gravy recipe in your arsenal, you’ll never have to worry about dinner being a chore again. This dish is not only incredibly flavorful and tender, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe will never disappoint. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!