I first encountered this dish during a particularly hectic week when I was juggling work, family commitments, and a million other responsibilities. On one of those days when it felt like there just wasn’t enough time to cook a proper dinner, I came across this simple Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy recipe. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, it was a lifesaver. The result was tender, flavorful chicken with a rich, savory gravy that made my family’s dinner both satisfying and memorable. This recipe quickly became a staple in our home, and now it’s a dish I look forward to making, especially on days when I need a bit of culinary comfort.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14 ½ oz can chicken broth
2 packets of chicken gravy mix
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crock Pot
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your crock pot. These will be the base of your dish, cooking slowly to become tender and juicy.
Next, pour the entire can of chicken broth over the chicken breasts. The broth will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks, and the liquid will also be used later to make the gravy.
2. Cook the Chicken
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on high for approximately 3 to 4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your crock pot and the size of the chicken breasts. You’ll know the chicken is done when it easily pulls apart with a fork, indicating that it’s tender and fully cooked.
During the cooking time, the chicken will release its juices into the broth, creating a flavorful base for your gravy.
3. Prepare the Gravy
Once the chicken is cooked and tender, it’s time to make the gravy. Begin by carefully removing the chicken breasts from the crock pot and setting them aside. You’ll use the remaining broth to make the gravy.
Pour about 2 cups of the chicken broth and juices from the crock pot into a saucepan. Discard any remaining liquid in the crock pot.
Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Open the packets of chicken gravy mix and add them to the saucepan. Whisk the gravy mix into the broth until it’s fully dissolved.
Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
4. Shred the Chicken
While the gravy is simmering, return to the chicken breasts. Using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken into larger pieces. The chicken should be tender and easy to pull apart after its time in the crock pot.
Once shredded, you can either mix the chicken back into the crock pot with the remaining juices or serve it directly onto plates with the gravy poured over the top.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is now ready to serve! Spoon the shredded chicken onto plates and ladle the rich, savory gravy over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Variations and Substitutions
Chicken Cuts: While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or a mix of both. Thighs are slightly more flavorful and can add a different texture to the dish.
Low-Sodium Option: For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and opt for a lower-sodium gravy mix.
Creamier Gravy: If you prefer a creamier gravy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a couple of tablespoons of sour cream to the gravy at the end of cooking.
Vegetable Additions: To add more depth and nutrition to the dish, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, or onions to the crock pot with the chicken. These will cook along with the chicken and add extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gravy mix to make this dish gluten-free. Ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. It’s simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort, yet it delivers a rich and satisfying meal. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, while the gravy adds a savory, flavorful finishing touch that ties everything together.
This recipe is not only practical for busy days but also versatile enough to adapt to various dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself, Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy promises a comforting, delicious experience that’s sure to become a cherished part of your meal rotation. Enjoy the warm, hearty flavors and the ease of preparation that make this dish a true winner in the kitchen.
