Get ready to indulge in a hearty and comforting meal that will make your taste buds dance! Our Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, combining tender chicken with a rich, creamy gravy that’s simply irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. Imagine coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of chicken simmering in savory gravy, ready to be served over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe yields four generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Dive into this culinary delight and discover how easy it is to create a comforting dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasonings adhere better and prevents excess liquid.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Ensure an even coating for balanced flavor.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them thoroughly to infuse additional flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth until smooth and well combined. This creates a rich, creamy gravy base.
- Pour the soup and broth mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the meat or slice it into strips, depending on your preference.
- If the gravy seems too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it to desired consistency.
- Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the gravy and stir to coat evenly.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or mashed potatoes, spooning extra gravy on top for maximum flavor.
Tips
- Prep Your Chicken Right: Patting the chicken breasts dry before seasoning is crucial for maximizing flavor. It helps the spices stick better and reduces excess moisture in the dish.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A generous seasoning on both sides of the chicken ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Mix Your Gravy Well: When combining the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, whisk until smooth to avoid lumps in your gravy. This will create a velvety texture that enhances your dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer for even cooking. If your slow cooker is too crowded, the chicken may not cook properly.
- Thicken Your Gravy: If you find the gravy too thin after cooking, simply whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. This will help achieve that perfect, creamy consistency.
- Serve with Style: For an extra touch, serve your chicken and gravy over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, and don’t forget to spoon some extra gravy on top for that mouthwatering finish!
- Leftovers are Gold: This dish reheats beautifully! Make extra for delicious leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
