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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their tender texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, thighs work well too! They add extra flavor and won’t dry out as quickly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the base for the gravy. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream of chicken soup. For a homemade version, you can combine chicken broth with cornstarch and seasonings.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This adds a punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can mix together equal parts of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives, or use Italian seasoning as an alternative.
Chicken Broth: Using homemade broth is ideal if you can. But store-bought broth works just as well. If you’re watching your sodium, opt for low-sodium versions.
Gravy: For a richer flavor, you can use store-bought gravy or make your own with the chicken drippings. If you skip it, the dish will still be delicious!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s all about the right technique. After cooking, the chicken should be tender enough to easily fall apart. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs. Let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Using two forks, hold the chicken in place with one fork and use the other to pull apart the meat.
- Continue this until the chicken is shredded to your liking. This should be quick if the chicken is cooked properly!
For extra flavor, toss the shredded chicken back in the gravy to ensure it’s well-coated before serving. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 cup gravy (optional, for serving)
- Chopped fresh thyme (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and cooks in the slow cooker for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can easily set it and forget it for a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This is where the magic will happen!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing mix, chicken broth, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until you have a smooth mixture. This will be the tasty sauce that makes the chicken flavorful!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender when it’s done.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the chicken is ready, take it out of the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—it should fall apart easily!
6. Combine and Heat:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy. Let it warm up for a few minutes—this will make it even more delicious!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the creamy chicken and gravy over a bed of cooked rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh thyme on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time. For best results, cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version by mixing 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons of flour, and then thickening it on the stove until smooth. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chicken and gravy for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I Use Different Seasonings or Add Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding veggies like carrots, potatoes, or green beans is a great way to enhance this dish. Just make sure to chop them uniformly and add them to the slow cooker at the beginning to ensure they cook through properly.
