Introduction
Prepare a delightful dish with this creamy garlic chicken recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to savor a rich, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Tender chicken bites mixed with a creamy sauce create a satisfying experience, ideal served over rice or pasta.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
– 1 packet (0.87 ounces) chicken gravy mix
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including prep)
Yield: Serves 4-6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and minced garlic. Mix until well blended.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Step 4: Add Butter
Distribute the butter pieces evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce mixture.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 6: Stir the Mixture
Once cooked, stir the mixture to combine the sauce and chicken thoroughly.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the creamy garlic chicken bites over rice, pasta, or with your preferred side. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs nicely with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Time
Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker, so check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow, resulting in a more succulent dish.
Mixing Ingredients
Combining the cream of chicken soup, chicken gravy mix, and garlic ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the dish.
Layering
Placing the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker creates a base for the other ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together as they cook.
Garnishing
Sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top before serving enhances the visual appeal and adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served over rice, pasta, or with your favorite side, providing versatility in meal presentation.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, make sure to increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade chicken gravy or a different creamy soup like cream of mushroom.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add spice, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or using a spicy gravy mix.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth in place of the chicken soup and gravy mix.
Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.
Conclusion
This creamy garlic chicken is an easy and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains tender and flavorful, while the combination of cream of chicken soup and gravy mix creates a rich sauce to complement any side. Enjoy this dish as a family favorite!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Combine the creamy garlic chicken over a bed of cooked rice, and bake in the oven with a sprinkle of cheese on top for a hearty casserole.
Garlic Chicken Pasta
Serve the creamy sauce and chicken over your favorite pasta, adding fresh vegetables like spinach or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Use the creamy sauce as a base for a stir-fry by adding mixed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas, served over quinoa or rice.
Creamy Chicken Quesadillas
Shred the cooked chicken and mix it with the sauce, then place it in tortillas along with cheese, and grill for delicious quesadillas.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mix the creamy chicken with cooked quinoa or rice and stuff it into halved bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender for a healthy meal.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Shred the chicken and sauce together after cooking, then serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa.
