Articles, Recipes, Seafood

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

 

Here’s a delicious recipe for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with a creamy twist:

Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Ingredients:

  • 2 packets chicken gravy mix
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can of water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 3 whole chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about a pound)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Prepare Gravy Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the water, gravy packets, and cream of chicken soup until smooth.
  3. Cook: Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the chicken evenly.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Check at the 4-hour mark for doneness; cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.
  5. Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred or slice it as desired.
  6. Make Creamy Sauce: Whisk the sour cream into the remaining gravy mixture in the slow cooker until smooth. This will create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the shredded or sliced chicken with the creamy gravy sauce poured over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
  8. Pairing: This Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, stove-top stuffing, or egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Enjoy this creamy twist on a classic Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy even more delightful:

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Add a pop of freshness by sprinkling some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary over the chicken and gravy before serving. This will enhance the flavors and add a vibrant touch to your dish.
  2. Add Vegetables: Increase the nutritional value and flavor of your dish by adding vegetables to the slow cooker. Carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms are excellent options that pair well with the creamy gravy.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours or overnight before placing them in the slow cooker. This will infuse the chicken with more flavor and tenderness.
  4. Add Wine or Broth: For a richer flavor profile, consider adding a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the gravy mixture. This will add depth to the sauce and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  5. Finish with Butter: Just before serving, stir in a tablespoon of butter into the creamy gravy sauce. This will add a luxurious richness and silky texture to the sauce, making it even more decadent and flavorful.
  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and gravy during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a delicious creamy and cheesy flavor to the dish.
  7. Serve with Crusty Bread: Accompany your Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy with slices of crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the creamy sauce. The bread will soak up the flavors of the gravy and provide a satisfying texture contrast.
  8. Garnish with Crispy Bacon: For an indulgent twist, crisp up some bacon until golden and crispy, then crumble it over the top of the chicken and gravy before serving. The crispy bacon adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the dish, elevating it to the next level of deliciousness.

With these tips, you can take your Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to new heights of flavor and delight!

Achieving the perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy involves attention to detail and a few secrets to elevate the dish. Here are some secrets to help you achieve perfection:

  1. Sear the Chicken: Before placing the chicken in the slow cooker, sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil. This will create a golden brown crust on the chicken, locking in the juices and adding depth of flavor to the dish.
  2. Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: Opt for low-sodium chicken gravy mix and cream of chicken soup to control the saltiness of the dish. You can always add salt to taste later if needed, but it’s easier to adjust the seasoning than to fix an overly salty dish.
  3. Layer Flavors: Layering flavors is key to a delicious dish. Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper before adding it to the slow cooker. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
  4. Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the gravy by adding aromatics such as onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Sauté them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker to release their flavors.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the gravy mixture before pouring it over the chicken. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
  6. Avoid Overcooking: Be mindful not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry and tough. Check for doneness at the earlier end of the cooking time range specified in the recipe, and adjust accordingly based on your slow cooker’s settings.
  7. Stir in Sour Cream at the End: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, whisk it into the gravy mixture at the end of the cooking time, just before serving. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture without any separation.
  8. Let it Rest: Allow the Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy.

By incorporating these secrets into your cooking process, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy every time!

Here are some commonly asked questions about Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy along with their answers:

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
    • Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may cook faster than breasts.
  2. Can I make Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy dairy-free?
    • Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this dish by using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and coconut milk or a dairy-free yogurt alternative instead of sour cream. The result will still be creamy and delicious.
  3. Can I add other seasonings or herbs to the dish?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasonings and herbs to your taste preferences. You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage for extra flavor. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are also great additions.
  4. Can I use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix packets?
    • Yes, you can use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix packets. Simply prepare your favorite gravy recipe and use it in place of the gravy mix packets and water. This will add a homemade touch to the dish.
  5. How do I prevent the gravy from curdling?
    • To prevent the gravy from curdling, make sure to whisk the sour cream into the gravy mixture at the end of the cooking time, just before serving. Avoid adding the sour cream too early or cooking it at high temperatures, as this can cause it to curdle.
  6. Can I cook Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy on high instead of low?
    • While it’s recommended to cook this dish on low heat for tender and juicy chicken, you can cook it on high for a shorter period of time if you’re in a hurry. Just be sure to check for doneness earlier, as cooking on high may cause the chicken to cook faster.
  7. How do I store leftovers?
    • Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage, up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
  8. What are some serving suggestions for Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy?
    • This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with crusty bread or dinner rolls for dipping into the creamy gravy.