Crockpot Creamy Chicken with Gravy
Ingredients:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can also use thighs for extra flavor)
- 3 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup (feel free to use the low-fat or reduced-sodium version if preferred)
- 2 cups water (to thin the sauce a bit)
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix (this adds extra flavor and thickens the gravy)
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional, since the gravy mix has seasoning)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your crockpot. You don’t need to thaw them if they’re frozen; just toss them right in.
- Mix the Gravy:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and the chicken gravy mix. Whisk everything together until well mixed and smooth. You can also adjust the amount of water based on how thick or thin you want the gravy to be (use more water for a thinner sauce).
- Pour the Gravy Over Chicken:
- Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Spread it out so the chicken is mostly covered by the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours. If your chicken breasts are large or if you’re using chicken thighs, you might need to cook them a bit longer. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer—your chicken should reach 165°F to be fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken back into the gravy in the crockpot. Stir to combine, letting the chicken soak in the delicious gravy.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over rice or egg noodles. The sauce is so flavorful and rich, it’s perfect for soaking into the rice or coating the noodles.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it richer: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in some cream cheese or a bit of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
- Add veggies: Feel free to throw in some frozen peas or carrots in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra texture and flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Slow Cooker Time: If you need to cook it for a longer period, you can set the crockpot to low for up to 6 hours or high for about 3–4 hours. Just be sure to check that the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Double it for a crowd: This recipe can easily be doubled. Just be sure to adjust the liquid amounts accordingly and stir the gravy every so often to prevent it from sticking.
This recipe is a great go-to for busy days, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Enjoy the creamy, savory flavors over your favorite starch—whether rice or noodles, it’s a comforting meal everyone will devour!