Crockpot Chicken & Gravy

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the crockpot. You can choose either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Thighs tend to be a little more flavorful and stay juicier, but either option works well for this dish.

#### 2. **Make the Gravy:**
In a separate bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, brown gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup. Add the chicken broth (or water) and whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth. The gravy will be thick and flavorful, with hints of ranch seasoning that complement the chicken perfectly.

#### 3. **Pour the Gravy Over the Chicken:**
Pour the prepared gravy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. If you’d like an even richer flavor, you can also add a tablespoon of butter on top of the chicken for extra creaminess. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.

#### 4. **Slow Cook the Chicken:**
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on **low** for 6-7 hours or on **high** for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook slowly in the gravy, becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The gravy will thicken as it simmers, creating a velvety sauce that will perfectly coat your chicken.

#### 5. **Shred the Chicken (Optional):**
Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can either serve it whole or shred it using two forks. Shredded chicken will absorb even more of the flavorful gravy, making each bite extra delicious.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve your Crockpot Chicken & Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or biscuits. The rich, savory gravy makes a perfect topping for any of these sides. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired for a pop of color and extra flavor.

### Why This Recipe Works:

– **Slow Cooking for Tenderness:** The slow cooker does the work of tenderizing the chicken, allowing it to absorb all the flavors of the gravy. The result is juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that falls apart with a fork.
– **Savory Gravy:** The combination of ranch seasoning, brown gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup creates a rich, flavorful gravy that perfectly complements the chicken. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and savory.
– **Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor:** With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers maximum flavor without much effort. It’s the ideal solution for busy nights when you want something hearty but don’t have time to cook a complicated meal.

### Tips for Success:

– **Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts:** While both chicken breasts and thighs work in this recipe, chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy when slow-cooked. If you’re using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
– **Add More Veggies:** For an extra boost of flavor and nutrition, feel free to add vegetables to the crockpot, such as carrots, potatoes, or peas. Add them at the beginning with the chicken to let them cook alongside the meat.
– **Make it Spicy:** If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, some crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the gravy mixture.
– **Adjust the Gravy:** If the gravy is too thick, you can always add a little more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

### Serving Suggestions:

– **With Mashed Potatoes:** The creamy gravy is perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, creating a comforting, filling meal.
– **With Rice:** Serve the chicken and gravy over white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice for a simple but hearty dinner.
– **With Biscuits:** For a true Southern-inspired meal, serve this dish with warm, flaky biscuits to soak up all the savory gravy.
– **With Steamed Vegetables:** For a lighter option, pair the chicken and gravy with steamed veggies, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.

### Final Thoughts:

**Crockpot Chicken & Gravy** is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, savory, and unbelievably easy to make, making it the perfect go-to dinner for busy families, lazy weekends, or anyone craving a warm, satisfying meal. With minimal prep and a short list of ingredients, this dish proves that you don’t need a lot of time or effort to create something delicious and comforting. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the tender chicken, the creamy gravy, and the satisfaction of a slow-cooked meal done right!