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Ultimate Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken in Gravy – A Complete Guide
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Introduction: The Comfort of Slow Cooked Chicken
Slow cooker shredded chicken in gravy is a dish that combines tenderness, flavor, and simplicity. It’s beloved for its rich, savory taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This dish is a classic example of comfort food—perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or a cozy weekend meal.
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility. It can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even in sandwiches. It’s easy to make, high in protein, and deeply satisfying.
Let’s dive into the rich history, preparation, and everything you need to know about this beloved dish.
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History of Shredded Chicken in Gravy
The combination of slow-cooked meats and gravies has been a part of many cultures for centuries.
- In American cuisine, shredded meats in gravy became popular with the advent of the slow cooker in the 1970s. Families began using this new appliance for convenient, hands-free meals.
- Pulled meat traditions originated in barbecue-heavy regions like the southern United States, but slow-cooked chicken in a rich sauce spread nationwide as an easier, indoor alternative.
- Gravy-based chicken dishes can also trace their roots to European stews and roasts, where meats were slow-braised to tenderize tough cuts.
The dish is now popular worldwide, especially in homes where slow cookers or pressure cookers have become kitchen staples.
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Ingredients: Full List with Options
Here’s a big, detailed breakdown:
Core Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier texture)
- 1 packet (1 oz) of chicken gravy mix (or homemade chicken gravy if preferred)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (for a creamy, savory base)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium is best)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 small diced onion
- 1 cup mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
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Instructions: Step-by-Step
👉 Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
👉 Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika.
👉 Step 3: Add the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and butter (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
👉 Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily with a fork.
👉 Step 5: Shred the Chicken
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into the gravy.
👉 Step 6: Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Optionally, stir in fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Cooking Methods: Alternatives
1.
Slow Cooker (Best)
- Low and slow for tender, juicy chicken.
2.
Instant Pot / Pressure Cooker
- Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes with natural release.
3.
Stovetop Simmering
- Simmer on low heat in a large pot, covered, for 45-60 minutes.
4.
Oven Baked
- Cover tightly with foil and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 2.5 hours.
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Serving Ideas: Perfect Pairings
- Over mashed potatoes (classic)
- Over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
- Stuffed in sandwiches, sliders, wraps, or tacos
- Served with buttered noodles or egg noodles
- Paired with steamed vegetables (green beans, broccoli, carrots)
- Over buttermilk biscuits for a Southern-style dish
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~600mg (depending on broth and gravy mix used)
🔔 You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth, homemade gravy, or skipping the gravy packet.
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Benefits of Shredded Chicken in Gravy
- High Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.
- Comforting: Rich, savory flavor that’s satisfying and soothing.
- Versatile: Can be used in multiple dishes across several cuisines.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
- Easy on the Digestive System: Soft texture and simple ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
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Who Loves This Dish? (The Lovers)
- Busy parents: Easy set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Meal preppers: Perfect for bulk cooking.
- Fitness enthusiasts: Great high-protein option with control over fat and carbs.
- Comfort food seekers: Rich, creamy, and hearty.
- Children: Mild flavors and tender texture are kid-approved.
- Sandwich lovers: Excellent as a filling for sliders and rolls.
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Formation of the Dish (Cooking Science)
When chicken is cooked slowly in a moist environment:
- Collagen breaks down into gelatin, which makes the meat tender and the gravy silky.
- Seasonings infuse deeply into the meat over hours.
- The proteins denature gently, preventing the chicken from drying out.
This is why slow cooking is the preferred method for this type of dish—it’s all about low, slow, and steady heat transforming basic ingredients into something extraordinary.
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Conclusion
Slow cooker shredded chicken in gravy is more than just a dish—it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. It’s easy to prepare, hard to mess up, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, stuff it in a sandwich, or enjoy it with rice, this dish is a perfect family staple.
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Why You Should Love It:
- It’s nutritious, flexible, and packed with flavor.
- It’s suitable for large families, small households, or meal prepping.
- It requires minimal effort for maximum reward.
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The Lovers of This Dish: A Recap
- Families
- Meal preppers
- Slow cooker enthusiasts
- Comfort food lovers
- Kids
- Fitness-focused eaters
- Sandwich fans