Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy Recipe

This recipe for slow cooker chicken breast with gravy is an easy, satisfying way to turn a simple chicken breast into a crowd-pleasing meal. The savory gravy is made right in the slow cooker, enveloping the chicken in a rich, hearty sauce that's perfect for serving over mashed potatoes or rice. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any day of the week.

Photos of Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are quite straightforward, and you're likely to have most of them in your pantry. However, it's important to note the chicken gravy mix and condensed chicken soup. These can usually be found in the soup or gravy aisles of most supermarkets, but if you don't regularly cook with them, you might want to add them to your shopping list.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy

Water: Water is used as the base for the gravy. It combines with the chicken soup and gravy mix to create a flavorful sauce.

Chicken gravy mix: This will thicken the sauce and amplify the chicken flavor.

Condensed chicken soup: This adds a creamy, rich flavor to the gravy.

Garlic powder: Garlic powder is used to season the chicken and the gravy, adding depth of flavor.

Kosher salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Paprika: Paprika lends a subtle sweetness and a hint of spiciness to the dish.

Black pepper: This is used to season the chicken and the gravy, balancing the savory elements.

Chicken breasts: Chicken breast is the star of this dish. It cooks to tender perfection in the slow cooker.

Sour cream: Sour cream is whisked into the gravy at the end of cooking, giving it a tangy, creamy finish.

One reader, Beverly Massey says:

This slow cooker chicken breast with gravy recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. It's so easy to make, and the whole family loves it. It's become a regular in our dinner rotation. Highly recommend trying it out!

Beverly Massey

Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy Recipe

Seasoning the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to add flavor before cooking.

Whisking the gravy mixture: Combine the water, gravy packets, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper in the slow cooker and whisk until smooth to create the flavorful gravy base.

Adding the chicken to the slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker and ensure they are coated well with the gravy mixture for even flavor distribution.

Shredding or cutting the chicken: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or cut it as desired for serving.

Incorporating the sour cream: Whisk the sour cream into the slow cooker mixture until smooth to create a creamy and rich gravy to serve over the chicken.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy

Prepare an effortless yet impressive dinner with this slow cooker chicken. It’s cooked in condensed chicken soup then finished with sour cream.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½cupswater
2packetschicken gravy mix
1¼cupscondensed chicken soup
1tspgarlic powder
½tspkosher salt
½tsppaprika
¼tspcoarse ground black pepper
1lbchicken breasts,(3 whole), boneless, skinless
½cupsour cream

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
In a slow cooker, whisk together the water, gravy packets, condensed chicken soup, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and pepper until smooth
Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and flip on both sides to coat well.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
When done, carefully remove the chicken, then shred or cut as desired.
Whisk the sour cream into the slow cooker until smooth and serve over chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 1257.02kcal
Fat: 85.98g
Saturated Fat: 25.95g
Trans Fat: 0.56g
Monounsaturated Fat: 34.94g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 17.62g
Carbohydrates: 3.43g
Fiber: 0.17g
Sugar: 1.65g
Protein: 110.33g
Cholesterol: 431.82mg
Sodium: 681.30mg
Calcium: 93.65mg
Potassium: 1216.42mg
Iron: 5.25mg
Vitamin A: 265.35µg
Vitamin C: 8.02mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

To ensure your chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it's crucial to avoid overcooking them. Overcooked chicken can become tough and lose its flavor. To prevent this, start checking the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer after 4 hours of cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If it's not yet at this temperature, continue cooking and check again every 15-20 minutes. This will help you achieve tender and juicy chicken every time.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and season the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-made gravy: If you're short on time, you can use pre-made chicken gravy instead of making it from scratch.

Set it and forget it: Utilize a slow cooker to cook the chicken while you attend to other tasks, saving time and effort in the kitchen.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for future quick and easy meals.

Invest in a good slow cooker: A reliable slow cooker can save time and effort in the kitchen, making it a worthwhile investment for busy cooks.

One-pot meal: This recipe creates a complete meal in one pot, saving time on cleanup and simplifying the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy Recipe

water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth will add more flavor to the dish compared to water.
chicken gravy mix - Substitute with homemade gravy: Homemade gravy will have a richer and more authentic flavor compared to the packaged mix.
condensed chicken soup - Substitute with cream of mushroom soup: Cream of mushroom soup will add a creamy texture and depth of flavor to the dish.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic will provide a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt will provide a similar level of saltiness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika will add a deeper, smokier flavor to the dish.
coarse ground black pepper - Substitute with cracked black pepper: Cracked black pepper will provide a more robust and aromatic flavor compared to coarse ground black pepper.
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs will be more tender and flavorful when slow-cooked compared to chicken breasts.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the dish.

Presenting Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

Elevate the plating: Arrange the shredded or sliced chicken breast in a visually appealing manner on the plate, ensuring it is the focal point of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley or chives over the chicken to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a small spoon to carefully drizzle the gravy and sour cream mixture in an artistic swirl around the chicken, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element, such as toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried shallots, to provide contrast and depth to the dish.
Pair with complementary sides: Serve the slow cooker chicken breast with gravy alongside a vibrant medley of roasted vegetables or a delicate wild rice pilaf to enhance the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant dinnerware: Select sophisticated, high-quality dinnerware to showcase the dish, elevating the visual appeal and creating a luxurious dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop electrical cooking appliance that allows for long, slow cooking at low temperatures. It's perfect for making tender and flavorful dishes like slow cooker chicken breast with gravy.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and stirring ingredients together. It's essential for ensuring the gravy mixture is smooth and well combined.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for preparing and cutting the chicken breasts before seasoning them.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting and preparing the chicken breasts.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measuring water, gravy mix, condensed chicken soup, and other ingredients is crucial for the recipe's success.
Tongs: Tongs are helpful for flipping and removing the chicken breasts from the slow cooker once they are cooked.
Serving platter: A serving platter is useful for presenting the slow cooker chicken breast with gravy when it's ready to be served.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

Let the chicken breast cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to soggy or freezer-burned chicken.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled chicken and gravy to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option:
- Place the cooled chicken and gravy in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- If using a container, make sure to leave some headspace for the gravy to expand as it freezes.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
To reheat, thaw the chicken and gravy overnight in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the contents to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish.
- Heat over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- If the gravy appears too thick after thawing, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out while reheating.
Avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the chicken and gravy, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dish.

How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

Stovetop method: transfer the leftover chicken and gravy to a saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the gravy is bubbly. This method allows you to control the temperature and ensure even heating, preventing the chicken from drying out.
Microwave method: place the leftover chicken and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chicken is heated through and the gravy is hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become tough and rubbery.
Oven method: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chicken and gravy to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the gravy is bubbly. This method is ideal if you have a large amount of leftovers or if you want to reheat other side dishes alongside the chicken.
Slow cooker method: if you have a small amount of leftover chicken and gravy, you can reheat it in your slow cooker. Simply transfer the leftovers to the slow cooker, cover, and cook on low heat for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is heated through and the gravy is hot. This method is convenient if you're not in a rush and want to keep the chicken moist.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to reheat the chicken and gravy until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken before serving.

Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

Chicken breast with gravy is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Is Making Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy Cost-Effective?

This slow cooker chicken breast with gravy recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of chicken breasts and pantry staples keeps the cost low. The dish provides a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $12-$15. The convenience of using a slow cooker also saves time and energy. Overall Verdict: 9.

Is This Slow Cooker Chicken Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker chicken breast with gravy recipe, while comforting and flavorful, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sodium content from the gravy mix, condensed chicken soup, and added salt
Processed ingredients like the gravy mix and condensed soup, which may contain additives and preservatives
Relatively high fat content from the sour cream and condensed soup
Lack of vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the gravy mix and condensed soup with a homemade, low-sodium chicken stock or broth thickened with a mixture of cornstarch and water
Use low-fat or non-fat sour cream to reduce the overall fat content
Add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions to the slow cooker for added nutrients and fiber
Serve the chicken and gravy over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta for a more balanced meal
Reduce the amount of added salt and rely on herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and garlic for flavor instead
Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content further, and trim any visible fat before cooking

By making these adjustments, you can transform this recipe into a more nutritious and well-rounded meal without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipe

This slow cooker chicken breast with gravy recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish. The combination of chicken gravy mix, condensed chicken soup, and seasonings creates a rich and savory gravy that perfectly complements the tender chicken breasts. The addition of sour cream at the end adds a creamy and tangy finish to the dish. This recipe is convenient and perfect for busy days, as it can be prepared in the morning and enjoyed for dinner. It's a classic comfort food that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables, drizzled with balsamic glaze and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Garlic Bread: Warm and toasty garlic bread, brushed with herb-infused olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan cheese.

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic, perfect as a side dish for any meal.

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Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: Juicy and flavorful roasted chicken with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade, a delicious and easy main dish for any day of the week.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Gravy

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these elegant Caprese skewers, featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy flavors of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious strawberry compote and a drizzle of sweetened sour cream for a delightful treat.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast with Gravy Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delicious and comforting meal with chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a flavorful gravy. The combination of chicken gravy mix and condensed chicken soup creates a rich and savory sauce. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in tender and juicy chicken that's full of aroma and taste. The addition of sour cream at the end adds a creamy and tangy element, elevating the dish to a whole new level. Trust this recipe for a satisfying and comforting meal that's sure to impress.

Share your thoughts on this slow cooker chicken breast with gravy recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you've tried!

FAQ:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.

Can I substitute the condensed chicken soup with something else?

If you prefer not to use condensed chicken soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe without a slow cooker. Simply cook the seasoned chicken breasts in a covered baking dish at 325°F for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, prepare the gravy on the stovetop and combine with the cooked chicken.

Can I freeze the leftovers of this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this dish. Store the cooled chicken and gravy in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will provide a similar creamy tanginess to the dish.