Description
This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe offers a warm, comforting meal that is easy to prepare with minimal effort. Slow-cooked tender chicken is enveloped in a rich, creamy homemade gravy, making it perfect for busy days and cozy family dinners. The dish features simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and is versatile for various dietary adaptations.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for flavor or boneless for ease of serving)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
Thickening and Fat
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free thickener like cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy-free option)
Seasonings and Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and your chosen herbs, ensuring the flavors penetrate during slow cooking.
- Brown the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown to enhance flavor and texture.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the chopped onions and garlic at the bottom of the crockpot, then add the seasoned chicken on top. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the herbs and additional seasoning.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Create the Gravy: Remove the chicken and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in the flour until bubbly and combined. Gradually add the crockpot juices and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the gravy and warm through for a few minutes to meld the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip browning the chicken for deeper flavor.
- Bone-in chicken enriches the broth and keeps meat juicy.
- Always thicken gravy outside the crockpot for better control.
- Whisk gravy continuously to avoid lumps.
- Use the crockpot’s warm setting to keep the dish ready if not serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg