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## **Step-by-Step Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Season the Chicken**: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts (or thighs) with **salt**, **pepper**, and any additional seasonings you like (such as **garlic powder** and **onion powder**).
2. **Place in Slow Cooker**: Lay the chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s okay if they’re overlapping a little; they’ll cook down as the slow cooker works its magic.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Gravy**
1. **Gravy Mix Method**: If you’re using the **chicken gravy mix** and **cream of chicken soup**:
– In a bowl, combine the **gravy mix**, **cream of chicken soup**, and **chicken broth** (or water). Stir well until smooth.
– Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is evenly covered with the gravy.
2. **Homemade Gravy Method**: If you prefer a homemade gravy, follow these steps:
– In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the **butter**.
– Stir in the **flour** and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
– Gradually add the **chicken broth**, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.
– Once the gravy has thickened slightly (about 5-7 minutes), pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.
### **Step 3: Cook the Chicken**
1. **Set the Slow Cooker**: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on **low** for 6-7 hours or on **high** for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook down and become incredibly tender, with the gravy thickening up as it simmers.
2. **Check for Doneness**: After the cooking time is complete, check the chicken for doneness. The chicken should be easily shred with a fork, and the gravy should be rich and flavorful.
### **Step 4: Shred the Chicken (Optional)**
For an even more comforting meal, **shred the chicken** right in the slow cooker. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart, mixing it into the gravy to create a delicious, pulled-chicken texture. This is especially great if you want to serve the dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
This **Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy** is perfect when paired with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:
– **Mashed potatoes**: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate companion for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
– **Rice**: Fluffy white rice or brown rice will pair wonderfully with the savory chicken and gravy.
– **Roasted vegetables**: Roasted carrots, green beans, or broccoli provide a healthy and flavorful contrast to the rich chicken and gravy.
– **Biscuits or crusty bread**: Serve with soft, fluffy biscuits or a loaf of crusty bread for a comforting and hearty meal.
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## **Tips for the Best Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy**
1. **Use Bone-In Chicken**: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for convenience, bone-in chicken can offer even more flavor. You can try using **bone-in chicken thighs** or **drumsticks** for a richer taste.
2. **Add Extra Flavor**: For extra flavor, add **fresh herbs** like thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker. You can also sauté some onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker for a deeper, more aromatic base.
3. **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little kick, add some **crushed red pepper flakes** or a few dashes of **hot sauce** to the gravy mixture.
4. **Leftovers**: Leftover chicken and gravy are great for making chicken sandwiches, adding to soups, or serving over baked potatoes.
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## **Final Thoughts**
**Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy** is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a **simple**, **delicious**, and **comforting** meal. With minimal effort and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this dish provides all the cozy, rich flavors of a homemade meal without requiring hours of prep. It’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or anyone who loves classic comfort food.
Give it a try, and you’ll soon find that this dish becomes a staple in your weekly dinner rotation!
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Would you like to know how to make variations or add more ingredients to this dish? Let me know!
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