This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm, comforting dish that makes dinner a breeze! Tender chicken simmers in a rich, tasty gravy all day, filling your home with amazing smells.
Honestly, who can resist chicken that practically falls apart with a fork? I love serving it over mashed potatoes or rice, and it’s a hit with everyone—perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless thighs are perfect here for flavor and tenderness. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too, but they’ll cook faster, so keep an eye on them!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the gravy. You can swap it for half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter option, but the flavor will change a bit.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are key for a great base flavor. Shallots can be used instead of onions if you’re looking for a milder taste.
Broth: Chicken broth is essential, but vegetable broth works for a lighter, vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavor!
Flour: Flour helps thicken the gravy. If you need it gluten-free, cornstarch mixed with a little water can be a good substitute, but add it towards the end of cooking.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Tender in the Slow Cooker?
Getting your chicken tender is all about cooking it low and slow. Here’s how to ensure it comes out perfectly:
- Sear the chicken first for extra flavor. The browning adds depth.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours rather than high. This gentler heat makes the chicken more tender.
- Check for doneness: it should easily shred with a fork when it’s ready.
- If using breasts, check them around the 3-hour mark on high heat to avoid drying out.
Following these tips, you’ll have beautifully tender chicken every time!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (or poultry seasoning)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time, with a slow cooking duration of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, overall, you can set it up in the morning and enjoy a delicious dinner by evening!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil or butter. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor, so don’t skip it! Once done, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
2. Cooking the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion. Cook until it’s softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
3. Making the Roux:
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic in the skillet. Stir to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. This will help thicken your gravy later!
4. Adding the Broth:
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. This is where the flavor builds!
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dried thyme, sage, and any additional salt and pepper as desired. Give it a little shake to ensure everything is well mixed!
6. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It should be tender and fully cooked when you check on it!
7. Finishing the Gravy:
About 15 minutes before serving, stir the heavy cream into the slow cooker, mixing it into the gravy. Taste your creamy concoction and adjust the seasoning if you’d like!
8. Serving Up!
Serve the chicken with generous spoonfuls of creamy gravy over prepared rice or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch!
Enjoy a delicious, comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any day of the week!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor, you can use chicken breasts or drumsticks instead. Just be mindful that cook times may vary slightly; breasts may take less time to cook.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk is a great alternative, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to the fridge for best storage practices.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken and gravy! Allow it to cool entirely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.