**Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Over Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Velveeta Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Triad**
When it comes to comfort food, few meals can compete with **Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Velveeta Mac and Cheese**. This dish combines tender, flavorful chicken simmered in rich gravy with creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy macaroni, creating a warm and hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe brings together three beloved comfort foods in one satisfying dish.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Effortless Preparation**: The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to prepare the meal in just a few minutes and letting it cook while you go about your day.
2. **Ultimate Comfort**: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining savory chicken, creamy gravy, and cheesy pasta for a cozy, indulgent meal.
3. **Crowd-Pleaser**: With familiar flavors and textures, this meal is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or gatherings with friends.
4. **Customizable**: Feel free to adapt the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite vegetables or changing the cheese in the mac and cheese.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
#### For the Chicken and Gravy:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix (or seasoning of choice)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Homemade Mashed Potatoes:
– 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### For the Velveeta Mac and Cheese:
– 8 ounces elbow macaroni
– 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
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### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Prepare the Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy:
**1. Combine Ingredients**:
– In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
**2. Cook**:
– Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
**3. Shred the Chicken**:
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the gravy in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
#### Prepare the Homemade Mashed Potatoes:
**4. Boil the Potatoes**:
– Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
**5. Mash the Potatoes**:
– Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and heavy cream (or milk). Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
#### Prepare the Velveeta Mac and Cheese:
**6. Cook the Macaroni**:
– In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
**7. Make the Cheese Sauce**:
– Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, and butter to the cooked macaroni. Stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
### Serve Your Comfort Food Triad
**8. Plate the Dish**:
– To serve, create a base of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate. Top with a generous portion of shredded chicken and gravy. On the side, serve a scoop of Velveeta mac and cheese.
### Tips for Success
– **Adjust the Gravy**: If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
– **Add Vegetables**: For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like peas or green beans to the mac and cheese or alongside the chicken.
– **Make It Ahead**: This dish can be prepared in advance. Simply store the components separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
– **Leftovers**: This meal reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Just store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
### Conclusion
**Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy over Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Velveeta Mac and Cheese** is the ultimate comfort food meal, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household. So gather your loved ones, whip up this hearty triad, and enjoy a satisfying meal that warms the heart and fills the belly!
