Ingredients:
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cans water
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 2 packs chicken breast
- Mashed potatoes (prepared according to package instructions with butter)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Rolls (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- In a crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, water, and chicken gravy packets. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the crockpot, ensuring they are submerged in the gravy mixture.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 7-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it well with the gravy mixture.
- Serve the creamy chicken gravy over a generous serving of mashed potatoes.
- Optionally, serve with rolls on the side for a complete meal.
Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers for days to come!
Here are some tips to elevate your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes even more:
- Sear the Chicken: Before adding the chicken breasts to the crockpot, consider searing them in a hot skillet with a bit of oil. This will add extra flavor and help lock in moisture.
- Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the gravy by adding aromatics such as chopped onions, minced garlic, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the crockpot.
- Customize the Gravy: Experiment with different types of gravy mixes or add-ins to tailor the flavor to your preference. You could try mushroom gravy mix for a richer flavor, or add a splash of white wine or chicken broth for depth.
- Creamy Texture: If you prefer an even creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream towards the end of cooking. This will add richness and silkiness to the gravy.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness. Crumbled bacon or shredded cheese would also make tasty garnishes.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Instead of rolls, serve the dish with garlic bread or garlic knots on the side. The garlic flavor will complement the creamy gravy and mashed potatoes beautifully.
- Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to the crockpot along with the chicken for added flavor and nutrition. Just ensure they are chopped into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
By incorporating these tips, you can take your Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes to the next level of deliciousness!
Here are some secrets to achieving the perfect Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes:
- Low and Slow Cooking: Cooking the chicken and gravy mixture on low heat for a longer period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and chicken gravy mix. Using fresh herbs and aromatics will also enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Thicken the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. This will help thicken the gravy to your desired consistency.
- Shred the Chicken Properly: Take the time to shred the chicken breasts thoroughly using two forks. This ensures that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the gravy, providing delicious bites in every serving.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Let it Rest: Allow the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to further develop and ensures that the gravy has the perfect creamy consistency.
- Keep it Warm: If you’re serving the dish for a gathering or dinner party, keep it warm in the crockpot on the “keep warm” setting or transfer it to a serving dish and cover it with foil until ready to serve.
- Presentation: Serve the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for an elegant touch.
By following these secrets, you’ll be able to achieve a Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes dish that is absolutely perfect in flavor, texture, and presentation.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs will add a bit more flavor and tenderness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Can I use homemade gravy instead of gravy mix?
- Yes, you can use homemade gravy if you prefer. Simply substitute it for the gravy mix in the recipe. Make sure it’s a similar consistency to the mix or adjust accordingly.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- What can I serve as side dishes with this meal?
- Aside from mashed potatoes, you can serve steamed vegetables, roasted carrots, green beans, or a simple salad. Rolls or garlic bread also make great accompaniments.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and choose a vegetarian-friendly gravy mix.
- How can I make the gravy thicker?
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. Alternatively, you can let the gravy simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce and thicken.
- Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
- While searing the chicken adds extra flavor, it’s not necessary. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, and the dish will still turn out delicious.
These answers should address some common queries about making Creamy Crockpot Chicken Gravy over Mashed Potatoes.