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Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
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A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken cooked low and slow with rich homemade gravy. Perfect for busy days or simple family meals, this dish combines pantry staples and fresh herbs to create a warm, flavorful classic that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless

Liquids & Aromatics

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Thickening & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • Olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter (for dairy-free)
  • Arrowroot powder instead of flour (for gluten-free)
  • Sliced mushrooms, carrots, or peas for added veggies
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spice)
  • Herb swaps like sage, oregano, or tarragon
  • Apple cider vinegar mixed with water instead of white wine

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and pepper. For deeper flavor, optionally sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little oil until golden brown on both sides.
  2. Layer Aromatics: Place diced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker to build a savory foundation and infuse the dish with aroma during cooking.
  3. Add Liquids and Herbs: Pour chicken broth over the aromatics and add fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs. If using, add white wine or lemon juice now to brighten the gravy.
  4. Slow Cook: Place the seasoned chicken on top of the broth mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and juicy.
  5. Make the Gravy: Remove the chicken and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine flour or cornstarch with melted butter to form a smooth paste. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker liquid. Cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens.
  6. Serve: Return the chicken to the thickened gravy. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor and richness to the gravy.
  • Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but enhances color and depth of flavor.
  • Fresh herbs provide brightness and superior flavor compared to dried herbs in slow cooking.
  • Add thickener gradually to avoid lumps and achieve perfect gravy consistency.
  • Adjust salt and pepper after gravy thickens for balanced seasoning.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/slow-cooker-chicken-and-gravy/