The moment you step into a kitchen filled with the aroma of slow-cooked chicken and gravy, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Imagine tender chicken smothered in velvety gravy, all simmering away in your trusty slow cooker while you go about your day. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, making your taste buds dance with joy.
Now, let me take you back to family gatherings where this slow cooker chicken and gravy made its grand entrance. Picture my Aunt Martha, the unofficial queen of comfort food, unveiling this masterpiece at Sunday dinner. The table would erupt with laughter as everyone eagerly scooped up heaping servings. It’s a dish that beckons you to gather around, share stories, and create memories that linger long after the last bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This slow cooker chicken and gravy is effortless to prepare, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones
- Its rich flavors create a delightful culinary experience every time
- The elegant presentation makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings
- Versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes—each bite is pure bliss!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends. Their delighted reactions were priceless; I think they might have proposed marriage to my slow cooker!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor impact; they’ll make your sauce sing!
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth; it helps control saltiness while ensuring rich flavor.
Onion Soup Mix: This ingredient adds depth; be generous as it infuses the chicken with savory goodness.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile; don’t skip it!
For the Sauce:
Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream for a luxurious texture—because who doesn’t want creamy gravy?
Poultry Seasoning: This blend brings out the best in your chicken; it’s like a warm hug in spice form.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preparation Phase: Start by prepping your ingredients to ensure everything flows smoothly during cooking. Chop garlic finely and measure out your spices beforehand.
Gather Your Chicken: Place 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Ensure they’re evenly spaced so they cook uniformly.
Add Flavor Punch!: Sprinkle onion soup mix over the chicken and pour in low-sodium chicken broth until just covered. The broth should bubble invitingly around the edges.
Season Generously: Crack fresh black pepper generously over everything. Smell that? That’s your future mouthwatering dinner calling!
Set It & Forget It!: Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Resist peeking! Allow those flavors to meld beautifully.
Create Your Gravy: When ready to serve, remove the chicken and whisk heavy cream into the juices left in the pot until smooth and creamy.
Now that you’ve successfully created this culinary delight, let’s talk about serving suggestions! Pairing this delicious dish with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice elevates dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. And remember—the leftovers (if there are any) make an amazing sandwich filling or can be tossed into a salad for lunch!
So there you have it—your ultimate guide to crafting slow cooker chicken and gravy that’s bound to impress family and friends alike! With every spoonful of tender meat enveloped in creamy goodness, you’re not just serving dinner; you’re dishing out love on a plate. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Slow cooker chicken and gravy is a cozy dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas
- The tender chicken paired with savory gravy makes it a go-to meal for family dinners or lazy weekends
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on other things while it cooks
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken for extra flavor, then layer in your veggies before adding broth. This sequence ensures maximum taste and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Customize it to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through to preserve flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect slow cooker chicken and gravy, start with high-quality chicken breasts
- Avoid overcooking by checking doneness early, and always let the dish rest before serving for richer flavors
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone savored every bite, often asking for seconds. Those moments remind me why I love cooking!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for slow cooker chicken and gravy?
Yes, but ensure you increase the cooking time by a couple of hours.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Skinless chicken breasts work well, but thighs add extra richness and flavor.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free broth and thicken with cornstarch instead of flour.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners. Tender chicken breasts are bathed in rich, velvety gravy, creating an unforgettable dish that warms both heart and home. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe allows you to enjoy quality moments with loved ones while your slow cooker does all the work.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5–2 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp poultry seasoning
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle garlic and onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth until just covered.
- Season with black pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove chicken and whisk heavy cream into the remaining juices to create gravy.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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