Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is a delightful blend of tender chicken and a rich, savory gravy that makes for a perfect meal on busy days. Its simplicity allows anyone to whip it up in no time, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The dish stands out with its creamy texture and comforting flavors, ensuring warm satisfaction with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of spices and creamy sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that will please everyone at the table.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles – the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for batch cooking, this dish can easily be stored and reheated for quick meals throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavors, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting this recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cooking spray or butter
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Two forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for low and slow cooking, resulting in tender chicken that falls apart easily.
• Whisk: A whisk helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring even distribution of flavors in your gravy.
• Two forks: These are essential for shredding the chicken effortlessly once it’s cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

For the Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)

For Creaminess

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Step 1: Grease the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. Chicken broth
2. Cream of chicken soup
3. Garlic powder
4. Onion powder
5. Paprika
6. Black pepper
7. Salt
8. Dried parsley

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Step 5: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker. If desired, stir in sour cream for added creaminess.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to satisfy different palates and occasions.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a fluffy base that absorbs all the rich gravy.

On Rice

• Fluffy white or brown rice complements the dish perfectly, soaking up the savory sauce.

With Egg Noodles

• Tender egg noodles are great for catching the creamy gravy, adding a comforting touch to your meal.

Inside a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create a hearty wrap filled with chicken and gravy for an easy-to-eat option.

In a Casserole

• Layer the chicken and gravy with vegetables and cheese for a delightful baked casserole.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Serve the shredded chicken on crusty bread for a warm, satisfying sandwich.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Achieving the best results with your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is simple with these tips.

• Use Quality Chicken: Fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs yield the best flavor and tenderness.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper to fit your preference.

• Add Veggies: Consider adding vegetables like carrots or peas during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the gravy towards the end of cooking.

• Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to maintain tenderness without drying out the chicken.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Pair your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy with these delightful side dishes for a complete meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread: A buttery garlic bread adds a crunchy element perfect for dipping into gravy.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the chicken.
3. Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it an ideal contrast to creamy dishes.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and squash add depth of flavor and texture.
5. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs beautifully with savory gravies, offering a delightful sweetness.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with veggies offers a healthy option that complements the dish well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be a delight, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the greasing step – Not greasing the slow cooker can lead to chicken sticking and make cleanup difficult. Always use cooking spray or butter for easy removal.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker – Adding too much chicken at once can prevent even cooking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
• Not checking the seasoning – Under-seasoning can result in bland flavors. Taste the gravy before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Ignoring cooking times – Cooking for too long or too short affects texture. Use a meat thermometer or check that chicken is tender before shredding.
• Forgetting optional ingredients – Ingredients like sour cream enhance creaminess. Don’t skip them if you want a richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop – Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy.

How do I make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs or spices like thyme or rosemary. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten it up.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy?

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You could also serve it with crusty bread.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker! Just increase your cooking time by an hour.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

To lighten it up, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and skip the sour cream. You may also add more vegetables for extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. With easy preparation and endless customization options, you can adjust flavors and sides as you wish. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!