Welcome to Comfort Food Heaven!
Hey there! If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and utterly delicious, you’ve found the right recipe. Today, I’m excited to share my ultimate Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe. It’s super easy to make and will fill your home with the most delicious scents while it cooks. Plus, the best part? You only need a handful of ingredients!
Nutritional Benefits of This Dish
Not only is this comforting meal a crowd-pleaser, but it also offers some great nutritional benefits! Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, helping to keep your muscles strong and your hunger at bay. Plus, when served over rice or mashed potatoes, you get some energy-boosting carbohydrates to keep you fueled throughout the day. And the creamy gravy? It brings all the flavors together, making each bite comforting and satisfying!
Fun Variations to Consider
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit or cater to specific dietary needs, here are some adaptions you can try:
- For a Healthier Twist: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier flavor, or opt for skinless, boneless turkey if that’s your preference.
- Make it a Veggie Delight: Toss in some frozen mixed vegetables about 30 minutes before serving for extra nutrition and color.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the brown gravy mix for gluten-free gravy and check that your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free as well.
- Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Your Recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes for serving
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, let’s prepare our crockpot! Spray the inside with a non-stick cooking spray or rub a bit of oil to keep things from sticking.
- Now, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the crockpot. It’s like giving them a comfy little bed to sit in!
- In a small bowl, mix together that ranch seasoning and brown gravy mix until they’re well combined. This mix is going to bring so much flavor to our chicken!
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure they’re all covered up—flavor galore!
- In another bowl, mix the chicken broth and water together and pour it over the chicken and seasoning in the crockpot.
- Now, cut your butter into small pieces and sprinkle them over the chicken. This step adds richness to the gravy—yummy!
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is super tender and cooked through.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Go ahead and shred it using two forks. It should come apart effortlessly!
- Return that shredded chicken back to the crockpot and mix it well with the delicious gravy that has formed.
- Now, taste that gravy! Do you think it needs a little salt and pepper? Adjust to your liking.
- Serve the chicken and gravy over a fluffy bed of cooked white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
- If you want to add that special touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley on top!
- Ready to enjoy your comforting dish of chicken and gravy? I know you’ll love it!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Don’t rush it! Let those flavors meld together by keeping the chicken on low heat for the full time.
- If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for later. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy!
- Looking for a mashed potato shortcut? Instant mashed potatoes are quick to prepare and pair wonderfully with this dish!
Equipment You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal:
- A trusty slow cooker (crockpot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A mixing bowl for your seasoning blends
- A cutting board and two forks for shredding the chicken
- A ladle or spoon for serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but they will take longer to cook. It’s best to use thawed chicken for optimal cooking times.
- How can I tell if the chicken is done? The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with forks. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Can I double the recipe easily? Absolutely! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold it all, and you may need to increase cooking time slightly.
- What can I serve it with besides rice or potatoes? This meal is also delicious over noodles or with a side of steamed veggies!
- Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free? Yes! You can skip the butter or use a dairy-free substitute, and check that your gravy mix is dairy-free.
Let’s Connect!
I really hope you enjoy this comforting recipe as much as I do! I’d love to hear how yours turned out, so feel free to drop a note in the comments or share your photos on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
