Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen only to end up with a mediocre meal? What if I told you that you could create a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dinner with just 5 ingredients and minimal effort? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner game with our insanely easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. This isn’t just any slow cooker meal; it’s a flavor explosion that’ll have your family begging for seconds. So, dust off that crockpot and let’s dive into the world of effortless, delicious cooking that’s about to make you the hero of dinnertime!
Ingredients
To begin, gather these five simple ingredients to make the best Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup butter, cut into small cubes
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Crockpot
First, lightly grease your crockpot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking before you start cooking Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.
- Add the Chicken
Next, place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Create the Gravy Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, dry onion soup mix, and chicken broth until well combined to prepare the gravy for the Crockpot Chicken and Gravy.
- Assemble the Dish
Subsequently, pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Then, dot the top with the cubed butter.
- Set and Forget
Finally, cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You have two options:
- Low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours
- High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours
Serving Suggestions
Once the cooking time is up, your chicken and gravy is ready to serve. Enjoy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy in these delicious ways:
- Over mashed potatoes
- With steamed rice
- Alongside egg noodles
- With a side of roasted vegetables
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Gravy
- For extra tender chicken, choose the low and slow cooking method if time permits.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy for your Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- To add more flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. However, this step is optional and not necessary for a delicious result.
Variations and Additions
Feel free to customize this dish to your liking. Here are some ideas for elevating Crockpot Chicken and Gravy:
- Add sliced mushrooms or baby carrots for extra vegetables.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an even creamier gravy.
- Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley on top before serving.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers of this Crockpot Chicken and Gravy, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or gently warm the dish on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the gravy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this 5-ingredient Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe is a true lifesaver for busy cooks who don’t want to compromise on flavor. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Why not give it a try for your next family dinner?
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Add the chicken and onion to the crockpot: Add the chicken and sliced onion to the crockpot.
- Add the garlic, broth, water, flour, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika: Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, water, flour, salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours: Cook the chicken and gravy mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Add the butter: About 30 minutes before serving, add the butter to the crockpot and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and gravy hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
- Use a different type of chicken: Use a different type of chicken, such as bone-in chicken or chicken wings, for a unique flavor and texture.
- Add some mushrooms: Add some sliced mushrooms to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different type of broth: Use a different type of broth, such as beef broth or vegetable broth, for a unique flavor.
- Add some cream: Add some heavy cream or half-and-half to the crockpot for a richer and creamier gravy.
- Spicy Chicken and Gravy: Add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the crockpot for an extra kick of heat.
- Italian-Style Chicken and Gravy: Add some diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the crockpot for a unique flavor.
- Veggie Chicken and Gravy: Add some sliced bell peppers and onions to the crockpot for added flavor and nutrition.