If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious dinner that comes together with barely any fuss, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe. It’s all about taking just a few pantry staples and turning them into a warm, hearty meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The tender shredded chicken soaking up all that rich, savory gravy is simply irresistible, making it perfect for crazy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things brilliantly simple, focusing on just three core ingredients that bring tons of flavor and texture to the dish. Each one plays a crucial role, making sure the shredded chicken stays juicy and the gravy creamy and velvety without any complicated steps.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are best to ensure easy shredding and lean protein.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds rich, creamy texture along with that nostalgic homemade soup taste.
- Chicken gravy mix: Boosts the flavor with savory depth and thickens the sauce just right.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts in a slow cooker or a large pot with a little water or broth if you like. Cook over medium heat until the chicken is completely tender and easy to shred—usually about 40 to 45 minutes if simmering on the stove, or 3-4 hours on low in a slow cooker. The goal here is juicy chicken that pulls apart effortlessly without drying out.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and let them cool just enough to handle safely. Using two forks or your fingers, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. This shredding step is crucial because it helps the chicken absorb all the creamy gravy that’s coming next.
Step 3: Combine with Soup and Gravy Mix
In the same pot or slow cooker, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup and the chicken gravy mix over low heat until well blended and smooth. Then add the shredded chicken back in. Stir everything to coat the chicken evenly with that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Simmer to Meld Flavors
Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the gravy to thicken slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Your Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add fresh contrast, top your chicken and gravy with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme. A dash of black pepper or even a little paprika can add a pop of color and mild warmth, making the dish not only taste fantastic but look inviting.
Side Dishes
This shredded chicken and gravy work wonderfully with mashed potatoes, which soak up all that savory sauce perfectly. You can also serve it over buttered noodles, creamy rice, or even fluffy biscuits to create a cozy, complete meal everyone will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this dish a bit more special? Try serving the shredded chicken and gravy over a baked sweet potato or spoon it inside warm pita pockets for an easy handheld dinner. It even makes a fantastic filling for savory crepes or stuffed pastries, widening the ways to enjoy this simple recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shredded chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If the gravy thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor, making your shredded chicken even more tender. Just adjust your cooking time slightly if needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the brands of condensed soup and gravy mix you use. Look for specifically labeled gluten-free versions to ensure the dish meets your dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the chicken covered in a casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) until cooked through, then shred and mix with the soup and gravy. Just keep an eye on the moisture level so it doesn’t dry out.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to stir in cooked peas, carrots, or mushrooms towards the end of cooking to add some extra nutrition and color without changing the comforting flavor too much.
Is it possible to make the gravy from scratch?
Definitely! If you want to skip the canned soup and mix, a homemade cream sauce and gravy made with chicken broth, butter, flour, and seasonings will work beautifully as well for a fresher taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe is a true lifesaver for busy days when you want something hearty, delicious, and comforting with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll see just how simple good food can be, and it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites. Get ready to fall in love with this cozy crowd-pleaser!
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Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy 3-Ingredient Shredded Chicken and Gravy recipe is a simple, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. Using boneless skinless chicken breasts, condensed cream of chicken soup, and chicken gravy mix, you can have tender shredded chicken in rich homemade gravy cooked together with minimal prep and effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 ounce) packet chicken gravy mix
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Cook the chicken and gravy: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and the chicken gravy mix with about 1 cup of water to form a smooth sauce. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan, cover, and simmer gently for about 40-45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender inside.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pan and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy in the pan and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes over low heat.
- Serve warm: Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the shredded chicken and gravy over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for a hearty meal.
Notes
- You can use a slow cooker to prepare this dish by combining all ingredients and cooking on low for 4-5 hours.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
