Crockpot Chicken & Gravy is a comforting and convenient dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. This recipe involves slow-cooking chicken with a savory gravy, creating a flavorful and tender meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the flavors together and ensuring the chicken remains juicy and succulent. You can use various cuts of chicken, like breasts or thighs, and the gravy typically combines ingredients like cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and seasonings. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.
Crockpot Chicken & Gravy
Ingredients:
• 4 skinless chicken breasts
• 1 ounce dry ranch salad dressing and seasoning mix
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can of cream of condensed chicken soup
• 1 cup water or chicken broth
Instructions
• Grease the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
• Place the chicken into the bottom of the Crock Pot.
• Top with the chicken soup.
• Sprinkle the ranch seasoning on top and pour the water over the seasoning.
• Replace the lid and cook on low for seven hours.
• Once it is done cooking, shred chicken with a fork, and serve over mashed potatoes.
Certainly! Here are some variations and tips to help you customize and perfect your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy:
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins:
- Root Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, and parsnips for a heartier meal.
- Green Vegetables: Toss in peas, green beans, or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Flavor Enhancements:
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can enhance the flavor.
- Spices: Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for extra depth.
- Creamy Version: For a richer gravy, mix in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream towards the end of cooking.
- Different Sauces:
- Mushroom Gravy: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Herbed Gravy: Add a packet of onion soup mix or ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken Variations:
- Boneless Skinless Thighs: They tend to be more flavorful and stay moist better than breasts.
- Bone-in Chicken: For added flavor, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, though you may need to remove the bones before serving.
- Low and Slow vs. High and Fast:
- Low Setting: Cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender, fall-apart chicken.
- High Setting: Cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
Tips
- Avoid Overcooking:
- Chicken can become dry if left in the slow cooker for too long. Stick to recommended cooking times and check for doneness.
- Thickening the Gravy:
- If the gravy turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water and stirring it into the crockpot. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
- Seasoning:
- Season the chicken and gravy to taste. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Adding Dairy:
- If you’re adding dairy like sour cream or heavy cream, do it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent curdling.
- Storage and Reheating:
- This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the chicken and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. You can also pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
These tips and variations can help you tailor the recipe to your tastes and needs, making Crockpot Chicken & Gravy a versatile and easy dish for any occasion!
Storing Crockpot Chicken & Gravy properly is key to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how you can do it:
Refrigeration
- Cool Down: Allow the chicken and gravy to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent condensation and keeps your fridge from warming up.
- Transfer to Containers: Place the cooled chicken and gravy in airtight containers. Divide into smaller portions if you plan to use it for multiple meals.
- Label and Date: Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored.
- Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and gravy should be good for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Cool Completely: As with refrigeration, let the chicken and gravy cool to room temperature before freezing.
- Use Freezer-Safe Containers: Transfer the chicken and gravy to freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave a bit of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as it freezes.
- Label and Date: Clearly label the bags or containers with the date of freezing.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. For best quality, use within 1-2 months.
Reheating
- Thawing: If frozen, thaw the chicken and gravy in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat Thoroughly: Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
- Check Consistency: If the gravy has thickened after freezing, you can stir in a bit of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy safely and at its best, whether you’re planning a quick meal or saving it for later.
The nutritional information for Crockpot Chicken & Gravy can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe. However, I can provide a general estimate for a basic version using common ingredients. This estimate is based on a typical recipe using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and a basic gravy mix.
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings per recipe):
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300-400 kcal
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Total Fat: 15-25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5-10 g
- Cholesterol: 70-100 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sugars: 2-5 g
- Sodium: 600-900 mg
Key Points:
- Calories: The calorie content can vary depending on whether you use light or regular cream of chicken soup and how much gravy is served with each portion.
- Fat: The fat content largely depends on the cut of chicken used (breasts vs. thighs) and whether you use a lower-fat version of the cream soup.
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of protein, which contributes significantly to the overall nutritional value.
- Sodium: Using pre-packaged soups or gravy mixes can increase the sodium content, so consider opting for low-sodium versions if you’re monitoring your intake.
- Carbohydrates and Fiber: The gravy itself is low in fiber, but if you serve the dish over rice, potatoes, or noodles, the total carbohydrates and fiber content will increase based on the side dish.
For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, you can input the specific ingredients and quantities you use into a nutritional calculator or app. This allows you to tailor the information to your recipe and serving sizes.