Returning home to the inviting aroma of a meal simmering in a slow cooker is a comforting experience. Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food – tender, succulent chicken breasts bathed in a rich, creamy gravy. This recipe is reminiscent of cozy family dinners, where warmth and nourishment were always on the table. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it an effortless yet deeply satisfying dish, perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone who loves hearty, delicious food.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups water
2 packets chicken gravy mix
1 1/4 cups condensed chicken soup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Season the Chicken Breasts:
Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, coarse ground black pepper, and kosher salt.
This initial seasoning enhances the flavor of the chicken throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Make the Gravy Mixture
Prepare the Gravy Base:
In your slow cooker, whisk together the water, chicken gravy mix packets, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper.
Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Combine Chicken with Gravy:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Turn the chicken around in the gravy mixture to ensure they are fully coated.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
Cook on the low setting for 4-5 hours until the chicken is extremely tender and has absorbed the flavors of the gravy.
Step 5: Complete the Gravy
Remove and Prepare Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. They will be very tender, so handle gently to avoid breaking them apart.
Slice or shred the chicken as preferred.
Enhance the Gravy:
Whisk in the sour cream into the gravy in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy.
The sour cream adds a rich, tangy flavor to the gravy.
Step 6: Serve
Presentation:
Serve the shredded or sliced chicken with the creamy gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
The gravy is perfect for soaking into these sides, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Herb Variants:
Add fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the gravy for extra flavor.
Spicy Option:
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicier version.
Lighter Choices:
Use non-fat condensed chicken soup and fat-free sour cream, or substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to reduce the calorie content.
Incorporate Vegetables:
Add chopped vegetables like celery, carrots, and potatoes to the slow cooker. They will cook alongside the chicken, absorbing the delicious gravy flavors.
Alternative Proteins:
Substitute chicken breasts with turkey breast or pork chops for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is a straightforward, delicious dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. The slow cooking process ensures tender, juicy chicken every time, while the creamy gravy adds an irresistible depth of flavor. Its simplicity makes it perfect for busy weekdays, and its adaptability means you can tailor it to your own tastes. Whether you’re making dinner for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker, try this recipe, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of home-cooked goodness!
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 1 1/4 cups condensed chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 pound
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together water, chicken gravy mix, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper until smooth.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker, turning to coat them fully with the gravy mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with the gravy flavors.
- Remove the chicken breasts gently. Slice or shred as desired. Whisk in the sour cream to the gravy in the slow cooker until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
