Chicken and Gravy Crock Pot: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Chicken and gravy crock pot: the ultimate comfort food, simplified! Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender, juicy chicken simmering in a rich, savory gravy. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl, and the best part? It practically cooks itself. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a stress-free solution to weeknight dinners that the whole family will adore.

Gravy, in its various forms, has been a staple in cuisines around the world for centuries, a way to elevate simple ingredients and create a satisfying sauce. This particular combination, chicken and gravy crock pot style, takes that tradition and makes it incredibly accessible. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a gravy that’s far more complex and delicious than you might expect from such an easy recipe.

People love this dish for so many reasons. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with a fork. The gravy is rich and flavorful, perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or even biscuits. And, let’s be honest, the sheer convenience of a crock pot meal is a major draw. Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it. What’s not to love?

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 3-4 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 (10.75 oz) cans
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (low sodium preferred)
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, unsalted
• All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Optional: 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream (for extra richness in the gravy)
• Optional: 1 bay leaf
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown a bit better, even in the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This is our simple but flavorful spice rub.
3. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken pieces. Make sure they’re well coated.
4. Now, let’s prep the onion and garlic. Chop the onion into medium-sized pieces. Mince the garlic – you can use a garlic press or finely chop it with a knife.

Layering in the Crock-Pot:

1. Place the chopped onion in the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a bed for the chicken and prevents it from sticking.
2. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the onions.
3. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the onion and garlic. Try to distribute them evenly in a single layer. If you’re using a smaller slow cooker, you might need to overlap them slightly.
4. If you’re using a bay leaf, tuck it in among the chicken pieces. It will add a subtle depth of flavor to the gravy.

Creating the Gravy Base:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the two cans of cream of chicken soup and the chicken broth until smooth. This will be the base of our delicious gravy.
2. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid.

Slow Cooking Process:

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s very tender and easily pulls away from the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Important: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time.

Making the Gravy:

1. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep it warm.
2. Now, it’s time to make the gravy even richer. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This is called a roux, and it will help thicken the gravy.
4. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the liquid from the slow cooker into the roux. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Continue to whisk and cook the gravy until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
6. If you want an even smoother gravy, you can use an immersion blender to blend the gravy directly in the slow cooker. Be careful not to splash! Alternatively, you can transfer the gravy to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
7. If you’re adding heavy cream or sour cream, stir it into the gravy now. This will make it extra creamy and delicious.
8. Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or thyme.
9. If you used a bay leaf, remove it from the gravy before serving.

Serving:

1. Shred the chicken with two forks, removing the bones and skin (if desired).
2. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the gravy.
3. Serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or biscuits.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Browning the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. Just sear the chicken on all sides in a little oil until golden brown.
• Adding Vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the onions and garlic. Carrots, celery, and potatoes are all great additions.
• Using Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder are all good choices.
• Making it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a little heat.
• Thickening the Gravy Without Flour: If you’re gluten-free, you can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the gravy. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the gravy and cook until thickened.
• Leftovers: Leftover chicken and gravy can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the chicken and gravy for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Using Chicken Breasts: While bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are recommended for the best flavor and moisture, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Reduce the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
• Adding Wine: For a richer, more complex flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of dry white wine to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth.
• Using Different Cream Soups: You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup.

Enjoy your delicious and easy slow cooker chicken and gravy!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend meals. I know, I know, there are a million chicken recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes it an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and you’ll be happy to oblige because it requires minimal effort on your part.

Why is it a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The chicken becomes unbelievably tender and juicy as it simmers in the rich, savory gravy. The gravy itself is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of herbs, spices, and chicken broth. It’s a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Secondly, it’s incredibly convenient. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. You can go about your day knowing that a delicious and hearty meal will be waiting for you when you’re ready to eat. And thirdly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your own tastes and preferences.

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations. My personal favorite way to serve this chicken and gravy is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy soaks into the potatoes, creating a truly decadent and comforting experience. But you can also serve it over rice, noodles, or even biscuits. For a healthier option, try serving it with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.

If you’re looking to add a little extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or onions to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. A splash of dry sherry or white wine can also add a nice depth of flavor to the gravy. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Thyme, rosemary, and sage all work beautifully with chicken and gravy.

Another variation is to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This will result in an even richer and more flavorful gravy. Just be sure to remove the skin before serving, if desired. You could also add a can of cream of mushroom soup for an extra creamy and decadent gravy.

I truly believe that this slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and versatile, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker and give it a try!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. Once you’ve made it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought of the recipe, what variations you tried, and how you served it. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Happy cooking!