Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Cook Time: 240 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was created for 6 servings. The quantities below will automatically adjust for different yields, but cooking times and steps should remain consistent. Keep in mind that not all recipes scale perfectly.

• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 2 packets chicken gravy mix
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 to 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Directions

1. In a 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, chicken broth, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
4. Carefully remove the chicken and shred it using a hand mixer or two forks directly in the slow cooker, stirring it back into the sauce to combine thoroughly.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 6g (8% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (9% DV)
• Cholesterol: 56mg (19% DV)
• Sodium: 1077mg (47% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 9g (3% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% DV)
• Protein: 21g (42% DV)
• Calcium: 29mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (8% DV)
• Potassium: 208mg (4% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual daily values may vary depending on personal calorie needs. Nutrient data is based on available information. If you follow a medically restrictive diet, consult a healthcare professional before preparing this recipe.

The Story and Cultural Significance of Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a modern comfort food that reflects the evolution of American home cooking. Its origins are deeply tied to the rise of convenience cooking in the mid-20th century, when canned soups and pre-made gravy mixes became widely available. Housewives and working families embraced slow cookers, also known as crockpots, as a way to prepare hearty meals with minimal effort. This dish, combining tender chicken with rich, savory gravy, quickly became a staple for weeknight dinners, embodying both ease and the comforting flavors of traditional Southern cooking.

Regional Variations

While Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is popular nationwide, it carries distinct regional touches. In the American South, it is often served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice, sometimes enhanced with local vegetables like green beans or corn. Northern adaptations might include a splash of white wine or mushrooms for depth, reflecting European influences. In each region, the dish adapts to available ingredients, yet the fundamental combination of chicken, gravy, and a starch remains consistent.

Distinguishing Features

This dish stands apart from other chicken recipes primarily through its cooking method and texture. Unlike roasted or fried chicken, the slow cooker method allows the meat to cook gently in its own juices and gravy, resulting in exceptionally moist, tender pieces. Compared to other creamy chicken dishes, such as chicken la king or chicken pot pie, this recipe is simpler and less labor-intensive, with fewer ingredients but equally satisfying flavor. The use of canned soup and gravy mix is a hallmark, contributing to its uniquely smooth, comforting consistency.

Typical Serving Contexts

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is commonly served in home settings as a casual family meal, particularly on busy weekdays or during colder months. It is also popular at potlucks and community gatherings, where its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd make it ideal. Restaurants with a focus on Southern comfort food occasionally feature variations of this dish, often paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Interesting Facts

• The invention of the slow cooker in the 1970s by Irving Naxon, originally called the "Naxon Beanery," revolutionized the preparation of slow-simmered meals like this one.
• Using a hand mixer to shred chicken directly in the gravy has become a popular technique to ensure even, tender pieces and to absorb the sauce fully.
• Despite its simplicity, this dish has inspired countless variations, from adding vegetables like peas or mushrooms to experimenting with different soup bases, including cream of mushroom or celery.
• The recipes versatility makes it suitable for both low-sodium diets and richer, indulgent versions depending on ingredient choices.
• Its comforting nature has made it a favorite for families with children, with many kids enjoying it over rice or mashed potatoes due to the creamy texture and mild flavors.

FAQ about Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe

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