Name: Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 420 min
Total time: 435 min
Ingredients: 4 bone-in or boneless chicken pieces (thighs, breasts, or mixed); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 small onion (sliced); 2 to 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 packet (about 1 ounce gravy mix OR 2 to 3 tablespoons flour or cornstarch for thickening); 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or oil; Optional: fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley for garnish)

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Slow Cooker Chicken with Gravy is the ultimate comfort food that makes dinner feel like a warm hug. Imagine tender, juicy chicken soaking in a flavorful, savory gravy that you can effortlessly prepare in your slow cooker. This hands-off meal is perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

The rich aroma of simmering onions, garlic, and herbs mingling with the succulent chicken pieces will fill your home with inviting warmth. Serve this dish over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery biscuits to make a hearty and delicious dinner that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless slow cooker method delivers tender, juicy chicken every time without hovering over the stove.
The savory homemade gravy is rich, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
Customizable with your choice of chicken cuts and optional fresh herbs for added freshness and aroma.

Ingredients

Chicken pieces (4 bone-in or boneless): Choose thighs, breasts, or a combination for moist, flavorful results that stay tender during slow cooking.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: To season the chicken and bring out natural flavors with balanced seasoning.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a deep, savory undertone complementing the fresh garlic and overall dish.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances sweetness and depth, working alongside the fresh onions for rich flavor layers.
Small onion (1, sliced): Provides natural sweetness and aromatic base for the gravy and slow cooker layer.
Garlic cloves (2–3, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with robust, warming flavor and irresistible aroma.
Chicken broth (1 cup): The flavorful liquid base that keeps the chicken moist and forms the gravy’s foundation.
Gravy mix (1 packet, about 28 g) or flour/cornstarch (2–3 tbsp): Used to thicken the cooking juices into a luscious, rich gravy.
Butter or oil (2–3 tbsp): Adds richness and helps develop flavor in the gravy and chicken juices.
Optional fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley): Garnishes the dish with fresh, earthy notes and a pop of color.

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Generously season all sides of the chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a flavorful crust and layers seasoning into the meat for a well-rounded taste.
Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place sliced onion and minced garlic evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker for an aromatic base. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top, ensuring they are spaced to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Add Broth and Gravy Mix: Pour the chicken broth gently around the chicken to keep the seasoning intact. If using dry gravy mix, sprinkle it evenly over the chicken now. If opting for flour or cornstarch, hold off until later to ensure thorough mixing for gravy thickening.
Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This slow cooking process breaks down connective tissues, resulting in tender, juicy chicken infused with the flavors of onion, garlic, and broth.
Prepare the Gravy: Carefully remove the chicken and keep it warm. Check the cooking juices and whisk in extra broth if necessary to reach the desired volume. Combine flour or cornstarch with cold water to form a smooth slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker juices. Cook on high for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens into a silky consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Spoon the luscious gravy generously over the chicken pieces. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch and an inviting presentation.

You Must Know

Adjust the amount of flour or cornstarch slurry when thickening the gravy to achieve your favorite consistency, whether thin or rich and velvety.
Enhance the flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or stir in a dollop of cream for a luxurious and deeper gravy.
Include chopped carrots and potatoes in the slow cooker at the start for an all-in-one meal with built-in sides.
Leftovers taste great reheated and the flavors deepen after sitting overnight.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to maintain the gravy’s smooth texture. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tender chicken with rich gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or warm buttery biscuits for a soul-warming meal. Add a side of sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad to complete the dinner.

Professional Tips

For extra flavor, brown the chicken pieces in butter or oil before adding to the slow cooker; this deepens the color and taste.
Use bone-in chicken for juicier results, as the slow cooker tenderizes the meat and adds richness from the bones.
Always mix flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry; adding it dry can cause lumps in the gravy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?: It’s best to use thawed chicken as cooking frozen pieces may lead to uneven cooking and can increase the risk of foodborne illness.
How do I make the gravy gluten-free?: Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour or gravy mix to keep the gravy thick and safe for gluten-free diets.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?: Yes! Add carrots, potatoes, or celery at the start of cooking to make a complete one-pot meal with hearty vegetables.
What if my gravy is too thin?: Make a slurry with additional flour or cornstarch and cold water, then simmer the gravy a few more minutes until it thickens.
Can I use this recipe for chicken breasts?: Absolutely. Adjust the cooking time to prevent drying out the breasts, and consider cooking on low for 4–5 hours instead of longer.
How do I store leftovers?: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage up to 3 months.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?: Yes, it reheats very well and can be portioned for convenient lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.