This 4-ingredient slow cooker chicken dinner is the kind of budget-friendly meal that saves the day when the fridge looks bare and the schedule is packed. Using raw sliced chicken breast, a few pantry staples, and the crock pot, you can turn very simple ingredients into a warm, family-style July dinner with hardly any hands-on work. It has that practical, comforting feel I always come back to on busy weeknights when I want something hearty without spending a lot.
Serve this saucy chicken over hot rice, buttered egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to stretch it even further. For an easy summer plate, add steamed green beans, corn on the cob, a simple cucumber salad, or sliced watermelon on the side. A basket of dinner rolls also works well for soaking up the extra sauce.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Man's July Family Dinner
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw chicken breast, sliced into strips
1 packet brown gravy mix, about 0.87 ounce
1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces
1 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired, then spread the sliced raw chicken breast evenly across the bottom.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir once near the end if you can.
5. Give the chicken and sauce a final stir, then serve hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Variations & Tips
Add vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, sliced mushrooms, or chopped onions during the last hour of cooking if you want to make it feel a little more complete without adding much cost.
Make it richer: For a thicker, creamier sauce, use slightly less broth or let the cooked chicken sit uncovered on warm for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can tighten up.
Use what you have: Cream of mushroom soup can stand in for cream of chicken if that is what is in the pantry, and chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breast for an even more economical version.
Meal prep tip: This reheats well for lunch the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge and spoon them over fresh rice or toast for a quick, filling meal during a busy workweek.