This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is a warm, comforting dish that’s super easy to make! Just pop in your chicken, add some flavorful gravy, and let the slow cooker do all the magic.
I love how the chicken becomes so tender while cooking. Perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes—family always goes for seconds! Who can resist that delicious gravy? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe due to their tenderness. If you only have chicken breasts, those will work too! They can dry out a bit more, so watch the cooking time closely.
Onion and Garlic: A medium onion and fresh garlic really add flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead—just a teaspoon of each should do the trick!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This ingredient gives the dish a creamy texture. If you need a substitute, try a can of cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce to keep it creamy!
Chicken Broth: For more flavor, use low-sodium chicken broth. If you’re avoiding chicken, vegetable broth will work just fine. Remember to adjust the salt levels if you use regular broth!
Fresh Parsley: This is optional but brings a lovely color and freshness. You can skip it if you don’t have any on hand, or replace it with green onions for a different flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Gravy?
Making gravy from a slow cooker can seem tricky, but it’s quite straightforward! The key is creating a roux. Here’s a simple guide:
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove it and cover it to keep warm.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in the flour to form a roux.
- Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to avoid burning.
- Slowly add some of the flavorful cooking liquid from the slow cooker into the roux, whisking as you go until it thickens. You want it to coat the back of a spoon.
- If it’s too thick, add a bit more liquid. If it’s too thin, just let it cook a little longer!
- Pour your gravy back over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
With these tips, you’ll master that smooth, rich gravy everybody loves!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or use bone-in if preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and then allows for hands-off cooking! You’ll need 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH for the chicken to become wonderfully tender. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Slow Cooker:
Start by placing your chopped onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. This layer will add fantastic flavor to the dish!
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
Take your chicken thighs and season them generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This will help the chicken taste delicious and aromatic!
3. Layering in the Slow Cooker:
Now, place the seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the onion and garlic in the slow cooker. Make sure they’re arranged nicely.
4. Mixing the Gravy Base:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until it’s smooth and well-combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Cooking:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become perfectly tender, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
6. Making the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, carefully remove the chicken thighs and cover them with foil to keep warm. This is the time to make the gravy! In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it creates a roux.
7. Thickening the Gravy:
Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid from your slow cooker into the roux. Keep whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s looking too thick, add a bit more liquid.
8. Final Touches:
Pour the thickened gravy back over the chicken in the slow cooker or serve it right on top of the chicken on your plates.
9. Serving:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the chicken and gravy over a bed of cooked white rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your creamy, tender Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy! It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on LOW, as frozen chicken takes longer to reach the safe internal temperature. It’s best to ensure it’s completely cooked through.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade white sauce to achieve a creamy texture—just mix flour, butter, and milk with seasonings to taste!
What Can I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick! You can also try using pepper jack cheese sprinkled on top before serving for a creamy, spicy twist.
