How to Make Chicken Gravy in a Crockpot: A Delicious and Simple Recipe
Imagine you’re tired after a long day and don’t want to cook a hard dinner. But, what if you could make a tasty, comforting meal easily? The easy crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup is a family favorite that’s been loved for over 30 years.
This slow-cooked dish mixes tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tasty flavors. It’s perfect for any busy weeknight, whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics of Slow Cooker Chicken
Using a crockpot for chicken dishes is a game-changer. It turns simple ingredients into a delicious, tender meal. It’s perfect for busy parents, new cooks, or anyone who loves easy cooking.
Benefits of Using a Crockpot
- Time-saving: Prepare your ingredients in the morning and let the crockpot do the work while you go about your day.
- Tender and juicy results: The low, slow cooking method ensures your chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Enhanced flavor: The long cooking time allows the spices, herbs, and other ingredients to infuse the chicken with delicious taste.
- Versatility: Crockpot chicken can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to casseroles and sandwiches.
Essential Equipment Needed
To start with crockpot chicken, you’ll need a few things:
- A 7-quart slow cooker: This size provides ample room for chicken and other ingredients.
- A meat thermometer: Ensure your chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cooking utensils: Spoons, tongs, and a cutting board will help you easily prep and serve your dish.
Best Types of Chicken to Use
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a top choice for crockpot cooking. They’re lean and cook evenly. But, try other cuts like thighs or drumsticks for more flavor and tenderness.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Creamy Chicken
To make a delicious creamy chicken dish, you need a few key ingredients. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are at the core, offering tender and juicy protein. The creamy sauce is made by mixing a can of cream of chicken soup with a packet of ranch dressing mix.
This mix creates a rich, flavorful base that perfectly coats the chicken. To get the creamy texture right, you’ll add milk or cream to the soup-ranch mixture. A bit of salt and pepper seasoning brings all the flavors together.
With these ingredients, you can turn simple chicken into a creamy, comforting dish. This recipe is easy to make and delivers amazing results. Let’s explore how to make this cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, and creamy chicken dish.
“The key to a perfect creamy chicken dish is finding the right balance of flavors and textures. This recipe does just that, delivering a rich, velvety sauce that complements the tender chicken perfectly.”
Preparing Your Ingredients: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting ready for your crockpot chicken and cream sauce is easy. We’ll go through the main steps for a tasty and easy meal.
Proper Chicken Preparation
Begin by picking 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse the chicken under cold water and dry it with paper towels. If there’s extra fat, trim it off. This makes the chicken cook better and soak up flavors.
Making the Cream Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 2 packets of dry chicken gravy mix, and 1 3/4 cups of water or chicken stock. Stir until it’s smooth and well mixed. This sauce will make your dish rich and flavorful.
Vegetable Preparation Tips
- Peel and chop 2-3 medium potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Peel and slice 2-3 carrots into rounds or half-moons.
- Wash and slice any other desired vegetables, such as onions or celery, into bite-sized pieces.
Next, put the chicken, cream sauce, and veggies in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is covered in the sauce. This keeps it moist. With these simple steps, you’re ready for a tasty crockpot chicken and cream sauce dinner!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 lbs |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can |
| Dry Chicken Gravy Mix | 2 packets |
| Water or Chicken Stock | 1 3/4 cups |
| Potatoes | 2-3 medium |
| Carrots | 2-3 |
Chicken Gravy Crockpot Cooking Method
For a delicious and easy slow cooker chicken dish, use the crockpot method. This way, the chicken cooks in a rich, creamy sauce. It becomes tender and juicy. Let’s explore how to make this tasty dish.
- Start by placing your chicken, whether chicken thighs or chicken breasts, in the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange the pieces in a single layer for even cooking.
- Next, pour the cream of chicken soup over the top of the chicken. Gently spread it around to ensure the chicken is fully coated.
- Sprinkle in your desired seasonings, such as parsley, sage, oregano, onion powder, pepper, and bay leaves. This will infuse the slow cooker chicken gravy with mouthwatering flavors.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged.
- For the finishing touch, add cubes of cream cheese on top of the chicken. As the dish cooks, the cream cheese will melt into a luxuriously creamy sauce.
The key to perfecting this crockpot chicken method is to resist the temptation to lift the lid during the cooking process. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for the chicken to become deliciously tender and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs or Breasts | 2 pounds |
| Chicken Broth | 2 cups |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 14.5 Oz can |
| Gravy Mix Packets | 2 |
| Seasonings (parsley, sage, oregano, onion powder, pepper, bay leaves) | To Taste |
| Cream Cheese | Cubed |
By following this simple crockpot chicken method, you’ll end up with a delectable slow cooker chicken gravy dish. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and aromatic seasonings is sure to delight your taste buds.
Perfect Timing and Temperature Settings
To get your crockpot chicken just right, timing and temperature are key. Knowing how to use low and high heat ensures your chicken is always delicious.
Low Heat Cooking Guidelines
For tender, slow-cooked chicken, use low heat. This method lets flavors blend and chicken become tender. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, until it hits 165°F.
High Heat Cooking Options
Need it faster? High heat is your friend. It cooks chicken in 3-4 hours, great for quick dinners. But watch the temperature, as breasts can dry out fast.
| Chicken Cut | High Heat Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 2-3 hours |
| Chicken Thighs | 3-4 hours |
Whether you’re using low or high heat, always check with a meat thermometer. This ensures your chicken is safe and tender at 165°F.
Adding Vegetables and Extra Ingredients
This easy crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup recipe is super versatile. You can add different vegetables and ingredients to make it taste better and be healthier. Here are some tasty ideas to try:
- Potatoes: Cut up russet or Yukon Gold potatoes and toss them in the crockpot. They’ll soak up all the creamy chicken flavors.
- Carrots: Baby carrots or sliced regular carrots add color and nutrients to the dish.
- Onions: Chopped onions, whether yellow, white, or red, give the chicken a savory depth.
- Garlic: Mix in a few cloves of minced garlic for an aromatic boost.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, like cremini or button, pair well with the creamy chicken.
- Frozen Vegetables: Add a cup of frozen peas, corn, or green beans for a quick veggie boost.
For more flavor, sprinkle in dried herbs and spices like Italian seasoning, rosemary, or paprika. You can customize this crockpot chicken recipe to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs | 2.5-3 lbs |
| Chicken gravy mix packets | 2 packets, 0.87 oz each |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Frozen vegetables | 1 cup |
| Sliced mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Bacon pieces | 1/2 cup |
“This crockpot chicken recipe is endlessly customizable. I love adding roasted potatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs to make it my own.”
Looking to add more veggies, boost flavor, or try new ingredients? This easy crockpot chicken dish is perfect for your creativity. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with your personal touch.
Creating the Perfect Creamy Sauce Consistency
Getting the right creamy sauce consistency is key for a great slow cooker chicken dish. There are a few important techniques to learn.
Thickening Techniques
One way to thicken the sauce is by adding cream cheese. Just put a few ounces of cream cheese in the crockpot near the end. It will melt into the sauce, making it smooth and creamy.
Another method is using a cornstarch slurry. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water, then add it to the sauce. This thickens the sauce without adding extra fat or calories.
Seasoning Adjustments
While adjusting the sauce’s consistency, remember to tweak the seasonings too. A little salt, pepper, and Italian herbs can greatly improve the flavor. Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning until it’s just right.
To get the creamy sauce consistency just right, shred the chicken and mix it back in. This spreads the flavors and makes the sauce smooth and velvety.
“The key to achieving a luscious, creamy sauce consistency is all about finding the right balance of thickening techniques and seasoning adjustments.”
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
There are endless ways to serve your crockpot chicken with creamy gravy. It goes well with many sides, making every meal satisfying and balanced.
Try serving it over fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles. The creamy sauce and simple starch make a comforting dish. Add shredded cheddar cheese or fresh parsley for extra flavor.
For a complete meal, add a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. These fresh textures contrast nicely with the tender chicken and gravy.
For a heartier meal, pair it with mashed potatoes or garlic bread. The creamy gravy is a perfect match for these comforting sides.
However you serve it, the crockpot chicken with cream of chicken soup will please everyone. Try different sides to find your family’s favorite way to enjoy this slow cooker meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Learning how to store and reheat your slow cooker meals and crockpot chicken is key. It lets you enjoy this dish for days. Just follow a few easy steps to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your slow cooker meals fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container. Do this for up to 5 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 4 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
Ready to enjoy your crockpot chicken again? You have a few reheating options. For the best taste, reheat it in your slow cooker or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s hot.
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or heavy cream. Don’t reheat in the microwave. It can make the sauce separate and lose its appeal. Slow and careful reheating keeps your slow cooker meals and crockpot chicken delicious and creamy.
“Proper storage and reheating are the keys to enjoying your slow cooker meals and crockpot chicken to the fullest. With a little care, you can savor the flavors for days to come.”
Conclusion
This easy crockpot chicken recipe with cream of chicken soup is a breeze to make. It’s perfect for busy families because it’s so simple. Just throw in a few ingredients and let the crockpot do the rest.
The result is creamy, tender chicken that everyone will love. You can also try different variations to make it your own. This recipe is great because you can change it up to suit your taste.
Looking for easy crockpot recipes or a new creamy chicken dinner? This one is a winner. Try it out and enjoy the delicious flavors and convenience of slow-cooked meals in your kitchen.
