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Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a comforting, slow-cooked dish featuring tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy made from natural juices, fresh herbs, and pantry staples. Perfect for busy cooks seeking effortless meals, this soulful recipe delivers deep, savory flavors with minimal prep and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (about 3 to 4 pounds)

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Fats

  • 2 to 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces (or olive oil for dairy-free version)

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or rosemary/sage as variation)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Gather chicken pieces and pat dry to ensure better browning. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to enhance layering of flavors.
  2. Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat a bit of oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, locking in juices and adding rich color to the dish.
  3. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place browned (or raw) chicken in the slow cooker. Add chopped onions and minced garlic on top. Pour chicken broth over everything and season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and parsley. Dot with butter pieces to enrich the gravy.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and flavors have fully melded.
  5. Thicken the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crockpot and cook uncovered to allow the gravy to thicken to your preferred consistency.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Stir the gravy one last time, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve chicken pieces coated generously in the luscious gravy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Notes

  • Brown for Flavor: Searing chicken before slow cooking adds depth and richer color to the gravy.
  • Use Bone-In Chicken: They impart more flavor and stay juicier throughout the slow cooking process.
  • Don’t Skip the Thickener: Thickening the gravy at the end ensures the perfect silky texture without thinning out.
  • Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding herbs fresh toward the end brightens flavors and prevents overpowering the dish.
  • Watch Salt Levels: Chicken broth can be salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken, chicken and gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooked chicken, crockpot recipe