Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food. With tender, shredded chicken simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy, it’s an easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Whether served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, this dish stands out for its simplicity and heartwarming flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken soup and spices creates a deliciously creamy gravy that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles—perfect for any side dish lover.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Comforting Dish: Ideal for chilly days or when you need a little extra warmth in your life.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make this recipe a success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Whisk
• Medium mixing bowl
• Forks (for shredding)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring your chicken becomes tender without constant supervision.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly to create that rich gravy base.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect flavor balance every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

For the Gravy

• 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)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

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 in the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring that it’s 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 and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

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

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting meal!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Serving Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is a delight, as this dish pairs well with a variety of sides. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the gravy make it versatile, perfect for many meal occasions.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the gravy beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty plate.

Over Rice

• Serve this dish over fluffy white or brown rice to absorb all the delicious gravy.

With Egg Noodles

• Tender egg noodles provide a delightful base, complementing the chicken and gravy nicely.

Inside a Wrap

• A warm tortilla filled with shredded chicken and gravy makes for a satisfying wrap for lunch or dinner.

On a Bed of Greens

• For a lighter option, serve the chicken over mixed greens for a fresh take on this comforting dish.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair it with crusty bread to scoop up the chicken and gravy, adding an enjoyable crunch to each bite.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy can elevate your dish to new heights. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality broth enhance the flavors significantly.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust salt or pepper according to your preference.
• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced carrots or peas in the last hour of cooking.
• Control Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking by checking when the chicken is tender; every slow cooker varies.
• Enhance Creaminess: Adding sour cream at the end boosts richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
• Garnish for Appeal: A sprinkle of parsley not only adds color but also freshness to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Fluffy potatoes whipped with garlic and butter create a perfect pairing with gravy.

2. Steamed Broccoli
   This bright green vegetable adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the dish.

3. Buttered Corn
   Sweet corn complements savory flavors well; serve it simply steamed or sautéed with butter.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Crispy edges and tender centers make these sprouts an excellent side that contrasts nicely with creamy dishes.

5. Rice Pilaf
   Flavorful rice cooked with herbs or broth provides an aromatic base that absorbs gravy perfectly.

6. Coleslaw
   A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to creamy chicken, bringing texture and brightness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can result in bland chicken. Always taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Placing too much chicken can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recipe’s portions for even cooking.
• Not shredding chicken properly: Failing to shred the chicken thoroughly can lead to uneven texture. Use two forks to ensure it’s well-shredded and mixed into the gravy.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Follow recommended times closely for best results.
• Neglecting to add creaminess: Skipping sour cream can diminish richness. If desired, stir in sour cream at the end for extra creaminess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe container, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken, but be sure to increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on low.

How do I make this dish more flavorful?

Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or include sautéed onions and garlic for added depth of flavor.

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

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Feel free to customize based on your preferences!

Can I substitute chicken with turkey?

Yes! Turkey works well as a substitute and will provide a similar taste and texture in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Gravy is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. This comforting dish can be paired with various sides, allowing you to cater it to your taste. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch!