This Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the ultimate comfort food! Chicken is cooked to perfection in a rich, tasty gravy that will make your mouth water. Super simple to make, too!
Honestly, it’s the kind of dish you want after a long day. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. I love serving it over rice or mashed potatoes—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skinless chicken thighs are great for this dish, as they stay juicy during cooking. If you prefer, boneless thighs or even chicken breasts can work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they cook faster.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onions and garlic add essential flavor. If you’re short on fresh ingredients, onion powder and garlic powder can be used instead, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a key ingredient for the gravy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade mushroom sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, butter, and stock.
Sour Cream or Heavy Cream: Serving this dish with sour cream gives a nice tangy flavor. If you’re watching fat intake, plain yogurt is a good low-fat substitute that still adds creaminess.
Herbs: Dried rosemary and thyme elevate the flavors. Fresh herbs will enhance the taste even more; just double the amounts since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How Do You Achieve the Best Gravy Thickness?
Thickening the gravy can sometimes be tricky, but making a slurry is an effective method. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking, carefully remove the chicken to avoid breaking it apart.
- Mix the flour in a bowl with a few tablespoons of the slow-cooked liquid until smooth, creating a slurry.
- Stir this slurry back into the slow cooker. This will help thicken the gravy without clumps. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes for best results!
Patience is key here; this will result in a creamy, delicious gravy that enhances the chicken beautifully. Enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite sides!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (can also use boneless if preferred)
For the Flavor Base:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker chicken and gravy takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. You’ll love how easy it is to just let your slow cooker do the work while you carry on with your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
Start by heating olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and lightly brown them on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step—it’s optional, but it adds extra flavor!
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, place the browned chicken thighs right on top.
3. Mix the Gravy Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream or heavy cream, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken inside the slow cooker, making sure all the chicken is nicely covered.
5. Let It Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check to see when the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
6. Thicken the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken pieces and set them aside to keep warm. In a small bowl, mix the flour with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid to create a slurry. Stir this slurry back into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy.
7. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking on high for the remaining 30 minutes until your gravy reaches the perfect thickness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the thickened gravy over it. Serve hot over your choice of cooked white rice or mashed potatoes. Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a delightful touch.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful slow cooker chicken and gravy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water if you’re short on time. Make sure to add about an hour to the cooking time if using frozen chicken.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and gravy mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking it in the slow cooker. When ready to cook, just pop it in the slow cooker as directed without needing further prep.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and gravy gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade sauce with sautéed mushrooms, butter, flour, and stock for a more personalized touch!