Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy is a fantastic dish that fills your home with warm aromas. It is a simple, hassle-free way to prepare dinner. Using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it. This recipe combines tender chicken with a delicious gravy that you can pour over rice or mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.
The ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth work together to create a flavorful gravy that makes this dish stand out. Moreover, you can prepare this meal in just a few minutes in the morning, and by the time you come home, a delightful dinner is ready for you.
Another reason to make this recipe is that it is budget-friendly. It uses basic ingredients you can often find in your pantry. Plus, it serves a family well, making it an excellent choice for dinner gatherings. The tender chicken and rich gravy will satisfy everyone’s taste buds and can make even the busiest days feel like a treat.
If you love comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. It is easy to make, and you will appreciate the hands-off cooking style of a slow cooker. Give it a try, and you might find it becomes a go-to meal in your household.
How to Make Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy
Making Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps for a delicious one-pot meal.
Ingredients
To make this tasty dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store, so you won’t have to hunt far and wide.
Directions
Place the Chicken: Start by taking the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and placing them in the slow cooker. You can layer them at the bottom of the cooker to allow the gravy to soak in as it cooks.
Prepare the Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth together. Stir well until everything is well combined. This mixture will serve as your savory gravy.
Pour the Mixture: Once your mixture is ready, pour it generously over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure that the chicken is well coated with the gravy mixture for maximum flavor.
Season It: Now, season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remember not to overdo it, as the ranch dressing mix might already have some salt in it.
Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours. The chicken should cook through and become tender during this time. When cooking on low, the slow cooker retains moisture, making the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Serve: After the cooking time is complete, the chicken should be tender and cooked through. Serve the chicken with the rich gravy poured over mashed potatoes or rice. If you want to add a touch of color, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for garnish.
This easy walkthrough will help ensure that no step is skipped, making your cooking experience as smooth as possible.
How to Serve Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy
Serving this delightful dish is quick and easy. The best way to present your Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy is on a plate with a hearty portion of mashed potatoes or rice. The creamy gravy adds a fantastic flavor to your carbs, making them even more delicious.
You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables to add a nutritious touch. Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are great choices. They add color to your plate and create a balanced meal.
If you are hosting a dinner, you can consider serving some crusty bread on the side. This will help soak up any remaining gravy on your plate.
Don’t forget to garnish with chopped parsley for that extra pop of color and freshness. It adds simple elegance and shows that you care about your meal presentation.
How to Store Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy
Storing your leftovers properly can help preserve their flavor and freshness. Once your Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy have cooled to room temperature, transfer them into an airtight container.
You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to avoid freezer burn.
When you are ready to eat the leftovers, simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the gravy is too thick after thawing, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
Storing this dish is easy and allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors multiple times.
Tips to Make Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness. If possible, choose organic chicken, as it often tastes better.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or onion powder to kick it up a notch.
- Cook on Low: Cooking on low for the full 6-7 hours will give the chicken time to absorb all the flavors. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 4 hours, but it may not be as tender.
- Check Doneness: It’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced carrots, potatoes, or celery to the slow cooker for a complete meal. They will cook along with the chicken and absorb the delicious flavors.
Variation
While this recipe is fantastic as-is, there are plenty of variations you can try. For a bit of spice, you can add some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy mixture. Alternatively, experiment using different cream soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, for a different flavor profile.
If you want to make it lighter, you can use low-fat versions of cream soup or ranch dressing. This dish remains delicious while being a bit healthier.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble all the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pour it into the slow cooker and set it to cook.
3. Can I substitute the ranch dressing mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix, you can use Italian dressing mix for a different flavor. You can also make a homemade ranch mix using dried herbs and spices, such as dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
This easy-to-follow recipe for Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy is not only comforting and delicious but also simple to prepare. It will quickly become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy your cooking!
Low Cooker Chicken Breasts and Gravy
Ingredients
Method
- Place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker, layering them at the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ranch dressing mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture generously over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper, considering the salt from the ranch dressing mix.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, serve the chicken with rich gravy over mashed potatoes or rice.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color.