Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: Tender, Juicy & Full of Flavor!

### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken and Gravy**

1. **Prepare the Chicken**:
– Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the Crockpot. If you prefer, you can lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper, but the gravy will be flavorful enough on its own.

2. **Mix the Gravy Ingredients**:
– In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Whisk everything together until smooth. If you like your gravy a bit richer, add in the butter at this stage as well.

3. **Pour the Gravy Over the Chicken**:
– Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the Crockpot, ensuring the chicken is fully covered. This will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors as it cooks.

4. **Slow Cook the Chicken**:
– Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking process will make the chicken incredibly tender and allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

5. **Shred the Chicken (Optional)**:
– Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can shred it right in the Crockpot using two forks. The chicken will be so tender that it will fall apart easily. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken breasts whole if you prefer a more traditional presentation.

6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Once the chicken is shredded or served whole, stir the gravy to combine it with the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

### **Why Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a Winner**

– **Hands-Off Cooking:** The beauty of this recipe lies in how little time it takes to prepare. Once the chicken and gravy mixture are in the Crockpot, you can go about your day, knowing that dinner is taken care of.
– **Incredibly Tender Chicken:** The slow cooking process makes the chicken super tender, which means it will practically melt in your mouth. The combination of the broth, soup, and seasonings infuses the chicken with rich flavor throughout.
– **Versatile:** This recipe can be served with almost anything! Pair it with mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food meal, or go with rice for a lighter option. You can also serve it with a simple side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.

### **Tips and Variations**

– **Creamy Texture:** If you like your gravy extra creamy, consider adding a bit of heavy cream or sour cream toward the end of cooking. Stir it in and let it warm through for a luxurious texture.
– **Swap the Chicken:** While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a common choice for this recipe, you can easily substitute bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a more flavorful option.
– **Spice It Up:** For a little extra heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy mixture before cooking.
– **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to throw in some chopped carrots, potatoes, or celery with the chicken to make it a more hearty one-pot meal.

### **Perfect for Meal Prep or Family Dinners**

One of the best things about Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is that it’s ideal for meal prepping or feeding a large family. You can make a big batch and have leftovers for the next day, or freeze portions for later use. This dish is just as delicious when reheated, so it’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick, but still want a home-cooked meal.

### **Conclusion**

If you’re looking for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, **Crockpot Chicken and Gravy** is a winner. The combination of tender chicken, creamy gravy, and simple ingredients is a recipe that everyone will love. Plus, with the convenience of the slow cooker, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing it for a family gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy! 🍗🥣