Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Looking for a comforting, hands-off meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a hearty, savory dish that’s perfect for busy days or cozy dinners!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Mix the Gravy:

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken broth, milk, flour, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth and combined.

Pour Over the Chicken:

3. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well covered with the gravy.

Cook:

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Shred and Serve:

5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy in the slow cooker, stirring to combine.

Serve:

6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings (1/4 of the recipe per serving)

Variations

• Vegetable Addition: Add vegetables like carrots or peas to the slow cooker for a complete meal in one pot.
• Creamy Gravy: For extra creamy gravy, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with additional herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will need to cook for the full 7 hours on low.
2. Can I make this recipe without flour?
   Yes, you can omit the flour, but the gravy will be thinner. You can thicken it with cornstarch as noted in the recipe.
3. Can I use a different type of soup?
   Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
4. What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
   You can use Italian seasoning or a combination of dried herbs like dill and parsley as a substitute.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.
6. How can I make the gravy thicker?
   Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
   Yes, cook on medium heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work well and will add extra flavor and moisture.
9. How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
   Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. What can I serve with this dish?
    Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a perfect solution for a hassle-free, comforting meal. With its rich, savory gravy and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking with this delicious recipe that delivers on both flavor and convenience.

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