Simple Crock Pot Chicken
I made this for my husband when he had to eat his food soft and not too spicy. He loved this! This is a good starting point recipe, so feel free to add vegetables if you like. You may also use any chicken part for this recipe.
I made this for my husband when he had to eat his food soft and not too spicy. He loved this! This is a good starting point recipe, so feel free to add vegetables if you like. You may also use any chicken part for this recipe.
- Carbohydrate 0.19845 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.240975 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.76545 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 (142g)
- Sodium 579.7575 mg
- Sugar 0.19845 g
- Trans Fat 0.240975 g
- Calories 6 calories
Step-by-step
- Place chicken breasts (you may remove bones if you like) in crock pot.
- Pour in chicken broth. If it doesn't cover the chicken, you may add a little bit of water.
- Cook on low 8 hours, or high 4-5 hours.
- Check for tenderness. When it falls off the bone when pulled with a fork, remove from crock pot.
- Remove bones.
- In a saucepan, pour 2 cups of broth from crock pot.
- Add 2 packages gravy mix and stir until it thickens, about 2 minutes.
- If you like you can make gravy from scratch, using the crock pot broth.
- Serve gravy over chicken.
- I always serve this with mashed potatoes, but noodles would be good too.
- You may season to taste at this point, but the gravy mix and the chicken broth are pretty salty, so taste first.
- Enjoy!
- Note: I served this to my husband, only using 1 cup broth and 1 gravy package. I refrigerated the rest of the chicken and broth, making it again the next day with the other gravy package.
Simple Crock Pot Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy, delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Simple Crock Pot Chicken recipe has become a staple in our household, particularly when my husband was recovering from a bout of illness and needed something gentle on his stomach. It’s incredibly versatile, adaptable to different tastes, and best of all, practically cooks itself!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no fancy ingredients – just tender, juicy chicken, simmered to perfection in a savory broth. The result is incredibly comforting and flavorful. The crock pot does all the hard work, leaving you free to tend to other tasks while dinner practically makes itself. It's perfect for a busy weeknight when you need a hearty, healthy, and stress-free meal.
I initially created this recipe for my husband when he needed a soft, easily digestible meal. He absolutely loved it! The tender chicken, paired with the rich, homemade gravy, is a match made in heaven. I started with simple chicken breasts, but you can easily experiment with other cuts – thighs, drumsticks, even a whole chicken would work beautifully. The longer cooking time in the slow cooker ensures the meat is incredibly tender, falling right off the bone. This makes it perfect for young children or anyone with difficulty chewing.
Beyond its simplicity, this recipe is remarkably adaptable. While I’ve kept the base recipe simple, feel free to personalize it to your liking. Adding your favorite vegetables – carrots, celery, potatoes, or even some hearty greens – can transform this into a complete one-pot meal. The possibilities are endless! For a spicier kick, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Or, for a richer flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf during the cooking process. The beauty of this crock pot recipe is in its flexibility.
The gravy is another star of this show. I typically use a store-bought gravy mix for convenience, but making your own gravy from scratch is equally delicious and rewarding. Simply use the flavorful chicken broth from the crock pot as a base, and thicken it with a roux or cornstarch. You can experiment with herbs and spices to tailor the gravy to your exact preferences. Homemade gravy adds a touch of culinary magic to an already simple dish.
Serving suggestions are plentiful. We often enjoy this dish with creamy mashed potatoes, but it pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even crusty bread for soaking up the delicious gravy. You can also elevate this simple dish by adding roasted vegetables on the side. The tender chicken provides a blank canvas for a variety of flavor pairings.
This Simple Crock Pot Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. It’s a recipe born out of necessity and transformed into a family favorite. It's a perfect example of how even the simplest dishes can bring joy and comfort to your dinner table. So, give it a try, and let me know how you customize it to your liking!
Tips and Variations:
- Bone-in vs. boneless: Both work wonderfully! Bone-in chicken will yield a richer flavor, while boneless chicken is quicker and easier to serve.
- Vegetable additions: Get creative! Carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, and green beans are all excellent additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb infusion: Enhance the flavor with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf.
- Homemade gravy: Take it up a notch by making your own gravy from scratch using the crock pot broth.
- Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The leftover chicken can be used in salads, sandwiches, or tacos.
This Simple Crock Pot Chicken is a true weeknight lifesaver. It’s a recipe that proves you don't need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a delicious and satisfying meal. So, next time you’re short on time but craving a comforting dinner, reach for this recipe – you won’t be disappointed!
