Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty dish that requires minimal effort, Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is the perfect recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts or thighs, savory gravy, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker. The result is a warm, comforting meal that is ideal for busy nights, meal prepping, or family dinners. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
This easy-to-make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy requires just a few simple ingredients. Here’s how you can prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (frozen or thawed)
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet of brown gravy mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth together until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can also cook it on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the gravy mixture in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Optional Creaminess: For an even creamier texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the mixture and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, if desired.
Advanced Techniques
While the basic recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is simple, here are some advanced techniques to take it to the next level:
1. Use Different Chicken Cuts
While chicken breasts are commonly used in this dish, you can also use chicken thighs, which are slightly richer in flavor and remain tender when cooked for long periods. Bone-in chicken can also be used but will need a longer cooking time.
2. Make It Homemade Gravy
For a homemade touch, make your own gravy base by cooking flour and butter together in a pan and whisking in chicken broth. This will give your dish a richer, more homemade flavor.
3. Add Vegetables
You can easily incorporate vegetables into the dish by adding carrots, potatoes, or onions to the slow cooker. Simply chop them up and add them in with the chicken. They’ll cook along with the chicken and absorb the flavorful gravy.
4. Spicy Twist
For a little extra heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture. This will give the dish a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the flavor.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is not only easy to make, but it’s also a great recipe for leftovers. Here’s how to store and maintain it:
Storage
Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. Let the dish cool down to room temperature before placing it in the fridge to ensure it stays fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, place the chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the creamy chicken and gravy on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy can be adapted for different dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are some options:
Low-Carb/Keto
To make this dish keto-friendly, you can swap out the ranch seasoning mix (which contains sugar) with a homemade keto-friendly seasoning mix. Use a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum instead of the cream of chicken soup or gravy mix to keep the dish low in carbs.
Dairy-Free
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or another dairy-free cream substitute in place of the heavy cream. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or make your own from scratch.
Gluten-Free
To make this dish gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free versions of the ranch seasoning mix and brown gravy mix. Additionally, opt for gluten-free chicken broth or make your own.
Vegetarian
To make this dish vegetarian, use a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh in place of the chicken. Make sure to use vegetarian versions of the ranch seasoning and gravy mix, or make them from scratch using vegetable broth.
FAQs About The Recipe
1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Just make sure they are fully cooked before shredding. Cooking time may be slightly longer for frozen chicken, but it’s a convenient option.
2. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the heavy cream. The dish will still be creamy due to the other ingredients, particularly the cream of chicken soup.
3. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours instead of low for 4-6 hours. Just be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the gravy mixture. This will give the dish a spicy kick while complementing the rich flavors.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, creamy gravy, and minimal prep, it’s the perfect dish to prepare on a busy day. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, flavorful meal.
With plenty of opportunities to customize the recipe based on your preferences, you can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes. Best of all, it stores and reheats well, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers.
Happy cooking, and enjoy this creamy, savory dish!