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Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, ideal served over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Broth and Aromatics

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Thickening and Richness

  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch (use gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken and Aromatics: Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, and thyme. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to prepare the base flavors for the gravy.
  2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped onions and minced garlic over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly covered to ensure even cooking.
  3. Slow Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors from the broth and aromatics to fully develop.
  4. Make the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, transfer some of the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Whisk in the flour or cornstarch mixed with butter and a little milk or cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sauce thickens into a smooth, luscious gravy.
  5. Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared gravy back over the chicken in the slow cooker or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your meal.

Notes

  • Brown the chicken first by searing in a hot skillet to add extra flavor and better texture before slow cooking.
  • Use thighs for juicier chicken, but breasts are a leaner alternative.
  • Reserve the cooking liquid from the slow cooker to make the gravy; it’s full of flavor and ideal for thickening.
  • If gravy is too thin, mix additional cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the sauce over low heat until desired thickness is reached.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil and use coconut or almond milk instead of cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, chicken and gravy, comfort food, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, gluten free chicken gravy