Description
This Easy Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe offers a comforting and effortless meal featuring tender chicken cooked slowly in a savory, creamy gravy. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, it combines rich flavors and simple preparation, making it a family favorite that pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Base Ingredients
- 4 to 6 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening and Flavoring
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional fresh herbs: 1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme, chopped
Optional Variations
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dairy-free version instead of butter)
- 1/4 cup coconut cream or almond milk (for dairy-free gravy)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (for mushroom gravy)
- Pinch cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy kick)
- Additional fresh herbs like sage and thyme for herb-focused variations
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Roughly chop the onion and mince the garlic to infuse the gravy with deep, comforting flavors.
- Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken in the crockpot. Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Carefully pour in the chicken broth until it covers most of the chicken but does not wash away the seasoning.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and falling apart, fully soaking up the savory flavors.
- Make the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. In a small bowl, whisk the flour or cornstarch with a bit of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry and butter to the liquid remaining in the crockpot. Stir continuously to avoid lumps, allowing the gravy to thicken to a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded or whole chicken to the crockpot, stirring to coat it evenly with the thickened gravy. Add fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for deeper broth flavor.
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds caramelization and extra flavor but is optional.
- Add onions and garlic in stages to adjust flavor intensity.
- Mix flour or cornstarch with cold water before adding to prevent lumps in gravy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken thigh with gravy)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken, chicken gravy, slow cooker chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy gravy, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, family meal, budget-friendly
