Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Delight

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 packet of onion soup mix - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste The main star of this dish is the chicken. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tender texture. They cook beautifully in the crockpot. The gravy is rich and flavorful, thanks to the cream of chicken soup and onion soup mix. The garlic powder and dried thyme add depth to the flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the taste, but you can adjust them to your liking. - 2 cups cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes - Fresh parsley, chopped I love serving this dish over cooked egg noodles. They soak up the gravy perfectly. Mashed potatoes are another great choice. They make this meal feel cozy and warm. Don't forget the fresh parsley! It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. This simple touch makes your meal look and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} Positioning in the Crockpot Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat at the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they do not overlap. This helps them cook evenly. Ensuring Proper Coating It is key to coat the chicken well. This ensures each piece absorbs the flavors from the gravy. Mixing Ingredients In a medium bowl, combine the onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well mixed. Importance of Even Coating Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure to cover each piece completely. This gives the chicken a rich flavor as it cooks. Setting the Crockpot Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking makes the chicken very tender. Low vs High Cooking Environment Cooking on low is best for this dish. If you are short on time, you can set it to high for about 3 to 4 hours. But the low setting gives better results in flavor and texture. - Additional Herbs and Spices: To boost flavor, try adding rosemary or sage. A pinch of paprika adds warmth. A dash of lemon juice brightens the dish. - Recommended Sides: Serve with cooked egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes. Steamed veggies, like green beans or carrots, add color and nutrition. - Signs of Proper Cooking: Your chicken is ready when it shreds easily. If it looks white and no pink shows, it’s done. - Shredding Techniques: For easy shredding, use two forks. Hold one fork steady and pull the chicken apart with the other. This gives you nice, even pieces. - Serving Suggestions: Serve in deep bowls. Ladle the chicken and gravy over the noodles or potatoes for a hearty meal. - Garnishing Ideas: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You could also add a twist of black pepper for some extra zing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh thyme or parsley can elevate the flavor profile of your dish, providing a fresh burst of taste. Adjust Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, you can thin it out with additional chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later. Perfect Pairings: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced and nutritious meal. {{image_2}} Different Types of Chicken You can use different kinds of chicken for this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs work well too. Thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. You can also use a whole chicken, just adjust the cooking time. Substituting Soups If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use other soups. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery can replace it. You can also make a homemade sauce using flour, butter, and broth if you want. This gives you control over what goes in your dish. Creamy vs. Savory Options This meal can be creamy or more savory. To make it creamier, add more cream of chicken soup. For a savory touch, try adding soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. You can also mix in a bit of sour cream for a tangy twist. Adding Vegetables You can make this dish more nutritious by adding vegetables. Carrots, peas, or green beans work well. Just toss them in the crockpot with the chicken and gravy. They will cook perfectly and add color to your meal. Gluten-Free Options To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free soup or broth. You can also use cornstarch to thicken the gravy instead of flour. Always check labels for hidden gluten in seasonings. Low-Calorie Alternatives If you want a lower-calorie meal, use chicken breast and low-fat soup. You can also swap out egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These options save calories and add more veggies to your plate. Store leftover crockpot chicken and gravy in a cool place. Use airtight containers to keep it fresh. Make sure to cool it first before sealing. This helps prevent bacteria growth. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to help heat evenly. On the stovetop, use low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. This helps avoid dryness and keeps the meal tasty. To freeze, place the chicken and gravy in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. For thawing, place the bag in the fridge overnight. This method keeps it safe and maintains flavor. It takes about 6 to 8 hours to cook Crockpot chicken and gravy on low. The chicken should reach 165°F before it is safe to eat. Several factors can change this time. The size of the chicken breasts matters a lot. Larger pieces may need more time. If your crockpot runs hot, check the chicken sooner. Always ensure the chicken is tender and easy to shred. Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just know that it will take longer to cook. I recommend adding an extra 1 to 2 hours to the cooking time. The chicken should still reach 165°F. Ensure the crockpot is set on low to cook the chicken evenly. If you use frozen chicken, do not thaw it first. It cooks best straight from the freezer. You can serve this dish with cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Both options soak up the tasty gravy well. Steamed vegetables also pair nicely. They add color and nutrition to your meal. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This dish's savory flavors go well with mild sides like rice or bread. Choose sides that balance the rich taste of the chicken and gravy. In this blog post, we covered making a delicious crockpot chicken and gravy. You learned about key ingredients, from chicken to seasonings, and how to prepare everything step by step. We shared tips to enhance flavors and how to store leftovers effectively. Finally, we explored variations and answered common questions. Crockpot meals are easy and tasty. With these tips, you can create your own version. Enjoy cooking!$

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Delight

A comforting dish of chicken breasts cooked in a savory gravy, perfect for serving over noodles or mashed potatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 10

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 packet onion soup mix
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
2 cups cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes
to taste fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they lay flat.
In a medium bowl, mix together the onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, stirring it into the gravy to combine.
Ladle the chicken and gravy mixture over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of parsley on top for color. Consider adding a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keyword chicken, comfort food, crockpot, gravy