SLOW COOKER CHICKEN BREASTS WITH GRAVY

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts into the base of your slow cooker. You don’t need to worry about browning the chicken beforehand—just add them straight into the slow cooker. Season them with a little bit of salt and pepper to taste.

2. Mix the Gravy and Soup

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and gravy mix (if you’re using a packet). Stir to combine the ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Add the ranch dressing mix (or homemade seasoning) and stir again. This mixture will form the rich, flavorful gravy that will cook over the chicken breasts, infusing them with incredible flavor.

3. Pour the Gravy Over the Chicken

Once your gravy mixture is ready, pour it evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. You want to make sure that the chicken is well-coated with the gravy so it can soak up all that delicious flavor as it cooks.

4. Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours. The chicken breasts should be fully cooked and tender by the end of the cooking time, easily shredding with a fork when done.

5. Shred the Chicken (Optional)

If you prefer shredded chicken, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. The gravy will become even more flavorful as it mixes with the chicken.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken breasts with the rich gravy over your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. If you want to make it even more luxurious, add a dollop of butter to the gravy for extra creaminess. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a burst of freshness.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy

• Don’t Overcook: While the slow cooker is forgiving, it’s important to avoid overcooking the chicken breasts. Once they are fully cooked and tender, it’s best to stop the cooking process. Overcooking can cause the chicken to dry out.
• Chicken Thighs Option: If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They will stay moist and tender during the slow cooking process.
• Customize the Gravy: Feel free to customize the gravy to your taste. You can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream for a richer flavor. For extra depth, sauté some onions, garlic, or mushrooms and stir them into the gravy mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• Add Veggies: If you want to make the meal even heartier, you can add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the slow cooker. These will cook in the gravy and become tender and flavorful.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy

The beauty of this dish is that it pairs well with so many different sides. Here are some great options to serve alongside:

• Mashed Potatoes: The rich gravy is perfect for pouring over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes.
• Rice: Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of white, brown, or even wild rice for a simple, hearty meal.
• Pasta: Buttered pasta or egg noodles work beautifully with the savory chicken and gravy.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans provide a great contrast to the creamy gravy and chicken.
• Bread: Don’t forget a loaf of fresh bread or dinner rolls to sop up the extra gravy!

Why This Recipe Works

• Minimal Prep: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook but still want something delicious.
• Tender Chicken: The slow cooker ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors from the gravy as it cooks.
• Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the definition of comfort food. The savory, creamy gravy pairs beautifully with the chicken, creating a satisfying and filling meal.

Conclusion: A Family-Friendly, Flavorful Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that takes little effort but delivers big results. The slow cooking method ensures juicy, tender chicken, while the creamy gravy ties everything together in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a meal that’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or even as a make-ahead meal for the week. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!