Are you tired of busy weeknights and struggling to get a delicious meal on the table? Do you crave something comforting and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen? This Crockpot Chicken Breast recipe is about to become your new go-to! With a super easy list of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a creamy, tender chicken dish that everyone will love. This Crockpot Chicken Breast recipe is perfect for serving over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, and it’s so simple that even beginner cooks can master it.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Breast
Recipe
This isn’t just another crockpot chicken recipe. It has a special twist that takes it to the next level.
Tangy Dijon Twist: The addition of Dijon mustard elevates the flavor profile, adding a delightful tang that perfectly complements the richness of the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Plus, the acetic acid in the Dijon actually tenderizes the chicken as it cooks!
Quick and Easy: This recipe is truly dump-and-go. Just throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this creamy and flavorful chicken dish.
Budget-Friendly: You only need a handful of simple, inexpensive ingredients to create this satisfying meal.
Meal Prep: Crockpot chicken breast is perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week in various ways.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- garlic powder, salt, black pepper ((to taste))
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix
- 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- sliced green onions ((for topping))
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Chicken tenderloins will also work and may require a shorter cooking time. Reduce cook time by 1-2 hours if using tenderloins.
Cream of Chicken Soup: For a healthier option, choose a heart-healthy or low-sodium cream of chicken soup. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Sour Cream: If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute plain Greek yogurt. Softened cream cheese will add extra richness.
Gravy Mix: Use low-sodium or no-sodium gravy mix to control the salt levels. Keep in mind that different brands may have varying salt content, so adjust accordingly.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Breast
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring both sides of the 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts are evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
In your slow cooker, whisk together 2 packets chicken gravy mix, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup and 2 cups water until smooth and lump-free. Make sure the gravy is well combined.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Submerge the chicken breasts in the gravy, making sure they are fully coated. This ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. For optimal results, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This is important to ensure the chicken is safely cooked. You can read more about safe temperatures for cooking chicken at the USDA website.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, the chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. Break chicken up into chunks using a fork right in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Add Sour Cream
Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and rich sauce. The sour cream adds a wonderful tanginess and smoothness to the gravy.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness. The green onions add a nice visual appeal and a mild onion flavor.
Cooking Method Variations
Instant Pot Instructions
To adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot, use 1 cup of water and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. For added flavor, sear the chicken beforehand. This will create a richer, deeper flavor in the final dish.
Oven Instructions
You can also bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Pro Tips
- Use low-sodium gravy mix to control salt levels.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sear the chicken breasts before slow cooking for added flavor and texture, especially if cooking on the stovetop.
- Add frozen vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, peas) during the last hour of cooking for a complete meal.
- For a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Don’t skip the Dijon mustard! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-seasoning with salt due to the gravy mix already containing salt.
- Cooking the chicken for too long on high heat, which can result in dry, tough chicken.
- Not checking the internal temperature of the chicken, leading to undercooked or overcooked chicken.
- Adding the sour cream too early, which can cause it to curdle. Always add it at the end of the cooking process.
- Using frozen chicken breasts without adjusting the cooking time, which may result in dry chicken.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
- Serve over Butter Swim Biscuits.
- Serve over cornbread dressing.
- Serve over thick and fluffy waffles for a chicken and waffles meal.
- Serve with Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes.
- Add a bag of diced potatoes to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- To make ahead, prepare the recipe as directed and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken Breast recipe is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. The creamy texture, combined with the unique flavor twist from the Dijon mustard, makes it a standout dish. I encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different variations and serving suggestions. This recipe is foolproof, even for beginner cooks. Print this recipe or share it with your friends! And be sure to check out our other easy one-pot recipes.
FAQ
What do I serve with Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy?
This dish is fantastic served over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, biscuits, or even waffles. It also pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
What if I don’t like sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt or softened cream cheese for the sour cream. Greek yogurt will provide a similar tang, while cream cheese will add extra richness.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may also experience a thinner gravy. For a quick and easy meal with frozen ingredients, consider one-pot chicken Florentine!
Can I make this using a different cooking method (Instant Pot, oven)?
Absolutely! See our sections on Instant Pot and oven instructions above for detailed guidance on adapting this recipe to those cooking methods.
How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to thicken the gravy. For more information, here is an article about how to thicken gravy.
How to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
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Crockpot Chicken Breast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sprinkle generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring both sides of the 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts are evenly coated.
- In your slow cooker, whisk together 2 packets chicken gravy mix, 10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup and 2 cups water until smooth and lump-free. Make sure the gravy is well combined.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Submerge the chicken breasts in the gravy, making sure they are fully coated. This ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. For optimal results, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This is important to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- Once cooked, the chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. Break chicken up into chunks using a fork right in the slow cooker.
- Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and rich sauce. The sour cream adds a wonderful tanginess and smoothness to the gravy.
- Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, and garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness. The green onions add a nice visual appeal and a mild onion flavor.
Notes
Lia Monet is a food blogger, recipe developer, and the founder of EasyAsMeals, a food blog focused on easy recipes, quick dinners, and everyday home cooking. She creates tested, family-friendly recipes using simple ingredients to help busy families cook affordable and delicious meals at home.
