Crockpot Chicken and Gravy Over Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- Pepper, to taste
- A few dashes of ranch seasoning
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the chicken gravy mix, pepper, and ranch seasoning over the top.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the Chicken:
- After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot.
- Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the gravy.
Homemade Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust to desired creaminess)
- 1/4 cup butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup sour cream for extra creaminess
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water.
- Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).
- Mash:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the milk, butter, salt, pepper, and optional sour cream.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.
Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the Velveeta cheese and milk.
- Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- Serve the Dish:
- Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate.
- Top with a portion of the shredded chicken and gravy.
- Serve with a side of Velveeta mac and cheese.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your hearty meal of crockpot chicken and gravy over homemade mashed potatoes, with a side of creamy Velveeta mac and cheese.
20 Popular Questions and Their Answers:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, chicken thighs can be used and may provide a richer flavor.
- Can I use a different cheese for the mac and cheese?
- Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Can I make this meal ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare each component ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- How can I make the mashed potatoes creamier?
- Add more milk or butter, or even a bit of cream cheese or sour cream.
- Can I use instant mashed potatoes?
- Yes, instant mashed potatoes can be a quicker alternative.
- Can I add vegetables to the crockpot chicken?
- Yes, adding vegetables like carrots or peas can enhance the dish.
- What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
- You can omit it or use Italian seasoning as a substitute.
- Can I use gluten-free pasta for the mac and cheese?
- Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used.
- What other sides go well with this meal?
- Steamed vegetables, salad, or rolls make great sides.
- How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
- You can mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the gravy to thicken.
- Can I use homemade gravy instead of a packet?
- Yes, homemade gravy can be used for a more personalized flavor.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the chicken and gravy?
- Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Can I use broth instead of milk in the mac and cheese?
- Milk provides creaminess, but broth can be used for a lighter version.
- How can I make the meal healthier?
- Use low-fat dairy products and add more vegetables.
- Can I cook the chicken on high for a shorter time?
- Yes, cook on high for about 3-4 hours.
- Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac and cheese?
- Yes, any short pasta like penne or rotini will work.
- What type of potatoes are best for mashing?
- Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for mashing.
- Can I use water instead of broth for the chicken?
- Broth adds more flavor, but water can be used in a pinch.
- How do I make the chicken gravy spicier?
- Add a dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes to the gravy.
30 Secrets to Master the Recipe:
- Season Each Layer: Season the chicken and potatoes separately for more depth of flavor.
- Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken finely for a more even distribution in the gravy.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic in the mashed potatoes enhances the flavor.
- Slow Cooker Liner: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Low and Slow: Cooking the chicken on low ensures it stays tender.
- Use Warm Milk: Warm the milk before adding to the mashed potatoes to keep them hot.
- Extra Cheese: Add extra cheese to the mac and cheese for more creaminess.
- Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Gravy Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the gravy by simmering it longer or adding more broth.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for added freshness.
- Sear Chicken: Sear the chicken before adding to the crockpot for added flavor.
- Pasta Water: Save some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the mac and cheese.
- Butter Amount: Increase or decrease butter in mashed potatoes based on your preference.
- Creamier Gravy: Add a splash of cream to the gravy for a richer texture.
- Crispy Bacon: Top the mashed potatoes with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
- Garlic Butter: Use garlic butter in the mashed potatoes for added flavor.
- Velveeta Alternatives: Use a blend of cheeses in the mac and cheese for a more complex flavor.
- Oven Finish: Finish the mac and cheese under the broiler for a crispy top.
- Marinate Chicken: Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Caramelized Onions: Add caramelized onions to the mashed potatoes for a sweet-savory twist.
- Cheese Variety: Mix in different types of cheese for a unique mac and cheese.
- Gravy Enhancer: Add a splash of soy sauce to the gravy for umami.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and ingredients whenever possible.
- Pressure Cooker: Use a pressure cooker for faster preparation of chicken and gravy.
- Baking Dish: Use a high-quality baking dish for even cooking.
- Consistent Size: Cut the chicken and potatoes into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Stirring Technique: Stir the mac and cheese gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Rest Time: Let the chicken rest after shredding for juicier meat.
- Family Feedback: Adjust the recipe based on family preferences and feedback for a personalized touch.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal of crockpot chicken and gravy over homemade mashed potatoes with Velveeta mac and cheese!