Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes with Velveeta Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Classic
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food experience, look no further than our Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes, paired with creamy Velveeta Mac and Cheese. This meal is a perfect combination of savory, creamy, and hearty flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or just treating yourself to a delicious feast, this recipe is sure to satisfy and impress.
Ingredients:
For the Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 packet (1 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Homemade Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Velveeta Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded Velveeta cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy:
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning mix, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the crock pot. Stir the shredded chicken into the gravy until well coated. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Homemade Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Keep Warm: Cover the pot and keep the mashed potatoes warm until ready to serve.
Velveeta Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and return the macaroni to the pot.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Add the Velveeta cheese, milk, and butter to the pot with the macaroni. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep Warm: Cover the pot and keep the mac and cheese warm until ready to serve.
Serving:
- Plate the Dish: To serve, place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate. Top the mashed potatoes with a portion of the shredded chicken and gravy.
- Add the Mac and Cheese: Serve a side of Velveeta mac and cheese alongside the chicken and mashed potatoes.
- Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, delicious meal with your family and friends!
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetables: Add some steamed vegetables like green beans or peas to balance the meal with some greens.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the chicken and gravy for extra flavor.
- Cheese: For a different twist on the mac and cheese, try adding some sharp cheddar or gouda along with the Velveeta.
This Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes with Velveeta Mac and Cheese is a surefire hit for any occasion. The slow-cooked chicken is incredibly tender, the mashed potatoes are rich and creamy, and the mac and cheese is the perfect cheesy delight. Prepare to indulge in a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes with Velveeta Mac and Cheese
1. Ultimate Comfort Food
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that feels like a warm hug, and this combination delivers just that. The creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy bring back memories of family dinners and cozy nights in, making it the ultimate comfort food experience.
2. Easy and Convenient
Using a crock pot to cook the chicken and gravy means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks or simply relax. The crock pot does all the heavy lifting, slowly cooking the chicken until it’s tender and flavorful, while you enjoy the aroma that fills your home.
3. Rich and Flavorful
The blend of ranch seasoning, chicken gravy mix, and cream of chicken soup creates a savory and delectable sauce that coats the shredded chicken perfectly. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
4. Creamy and Decadent
The homemade mashed potatoes are whipped to perfection with heavy cream and butter, creating a smooth and creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the gravy. Meanwhile, the Velveeta Mac and Cheese is luxuriously creamy and cheesy, providing a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this meal is versatile enough to fit any setting. It’s hearty and filling, making it an excellent choice for feeding a crowd, and it’s sure to impress guests with its home-cooked appeal.
6. Kid-Friendly
Kids love the familiar tastes of chicken, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese. This dish is a hit with picky eaters, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves happy and satisfied. The creamy, cheesy mac and cheese is particularly popular with the younger crowd.
7. Make-Ahead and Leftovers
This meal is not only great fresh but also reheats beautifully. You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers for an easy, delicious meal the next day. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making the leftovers arguably even better.
8. Customizable
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your tastes and dietary needs. You can easily swap out ingredients or add vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans to the crock pot for added nutrition. Additionally, you can adjust the seasonings to your preference, making the dish uniquely yours.
9. Affordable
All the ingredients used in this recipe are readily available and budget-friendly. Chicken breasts, potatoes, Velveeta cheese, and pantry staples like broth and seasonings come together to create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
10. Nostalgic Appeal
This dish has a nostalgic quality that reminds many of home-cooked meals and simpler times. It’s a comforting reminder of family traditions and beloved recipes passed down through generations, making it a timeless favorite.
11. Balanced Meal
With protein from the chicken, carbs from the potatoes and macaroni, and dairy from the cheese and cream, this meal offers a balanced mix of nutrients. It’s hearty and satisfying, providing the energy you need to get through your day.
