Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Perfect for family dinners or cozy get-togethers, this dish requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful Gravy: The creamy gravy is rich and savory, enhancing the taste of the chicken.
• Versatile Meal: Pairs beautifully with various sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for make-ahead meals; simply store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here are a few must-haves for this recipe:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe! It ensures even cooking and makes the chicken tender without constant supervision.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the gravy ingredients smoothly before pouring them over the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent flavors every time you make this dish.

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Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy, you will need:

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

For the Gravy

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 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)

Optional Creaminess

• ½ cup sour cream (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

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

Step 2: Add Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.

Step 3: Mix Gravy Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together:
• The chicken broth,
• Cream of chicken soup,
• Garlic powder,
• Onion powder,
• Paprika,
• Black pepper,
• Salt,
• Dried parsley.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Gravy

• Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts ensuring they are 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 enough to shred.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

• Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. If desired, stir in sour cream at this stage for added creaminess.

Step 7: Serve

• Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delightful ways. Whether you prefer a classic comfort dish or want to explore new flavor combinations, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base for this dish, soaking up the rich gravy and enhancing the overall flavor experience.

With Rice

• Serve the chicken and gravy over fluffy white or brown rice. The rice will absorb the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying.

On Egg Noodles

• Egg noodles provide a tender, chewy texture that complements the shredded chicken and creamy gravy beautifully. It’s a classic pairing!

In a Sandwich

• Use crusty bread or soft rolls to create a comforting sandwich filled with shredded chicken and gravy. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner.

As a Casserole

• Combine with cooked pasta, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a hearty casserole. This transforms your meal into a delightful baked dish.

With Steamed Vegetables

• For a lighter option, serve alongside steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots. The vegetables add color and balance to this hearty meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is absolutely delicious every time, consider these tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance flavor significantly. Always opt for fresh when possible.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving! Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference for the best flavor.

• Add Extra Creaminess: For an indulgent touch, stir in sour cream just before serving to make the dish even creamier.

• Shred Chicken Properly: Use two forks to shred the chicken while it’s still warm. This ensures even shredding and better integration with the gravy.

• Control Cooking Time: Check on your chicken towards the end of cooking. Overcooking can lead to dry meat; it should be tender but not falling apart completely.

• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your finished dish—don’t skip it!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Pairing your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy with complementary side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up gravy; simply toast some bread with garlic butter until golden brown.

2. Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch complements the creamy texture of the chicken; prepare it with vinegar dressing for brightness.

3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a lovely touch of sweetness; grill or boil until tender for an easy side.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted sprouts provide great texture contrast; toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.

5. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with savory chicken; bake until soft and drizzle with honey if desired.

6. Green Salad: A simple garden salad offers freshness; mix greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.

7. Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa adds protein; combine it with diced vegetables and lemon juice for a healthy side.

8. Stuffing: A savory stuffing made from bread cubes complements the dish well; add herbs for extra flavor!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy even better.

• Skipping the grease: Not greasing the slow cooker can lead to sticking. Always use cooking spray or butter for easy cleanup.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high for perfect tenderness.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season can result in bland gravy. Adjust salt and spices to enhance flavor.
• Not shredding properly: Leaving large chunks of chicken can affect texture. Shred well with two forks for a creamy consistency.
• Forgetting garnishes: Missing out on garnishing with parsley can make your dish look incomplete. A simple sprinkle adds a fresh touch.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until warm, usually around 2-4 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring regularly until hot, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just add an extra hour of cooking time on low.

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

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Substitute sour cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt.

Can I adjust the spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more garlic powder or paprika according to your taste preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and is perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy offers warmth and comfort with little effort. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices. Try this recipe and discover how satisfying it is!