Slow cooker meals are indeed a fantastic solution for those days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you with minimal effort. This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe exemplifies the ease and convenience of slow cooking, transforming simple pantry staples into a comforting and savory meal. With just a few minutes of morning prep, you can enjoy a hearty dinner that feels like it took hours to make. Serve this mouthwatering chicken and gravy with rice and your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 7 hrs
Total Time: 7 hrs, 5 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
2 packets chicken gravy mix
1 10-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can of water (use the empty cream of chicken soup can for measurement)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Directions:
Prepare the Soup Base: In your slow cooker, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add one can of water and whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Add Gravy Mix: Stir in the chicken gravy mix packets until fully incorporated and smooth.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the soup mixture. Feel free to season the chicken breasts with a little extra salt and pepper before adding them if desired.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done.
Shred and Serve: Use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken back into the gravy until well combined. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
This chicken and gravy is delicious on its own but truly shines when served alongside a bed of fluffy rice and simple roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The rice soaks up the rich gravy, making each bite a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Tips:
Variation: For a creamier gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make it Healthier: Substitute the condensed cream of chicken soup with a homemade low-sodium version to reduce the dish’s salt and preservative content.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
This slow cooker chicken and gravy is a testament to the magic of slow cooking, where a handful of ingredients can be transformed into a meal that’s both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Enjoy the blend of tender chicken and savory gravy that’s sure to become a cherished addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.