Immerse yourself in the comforting flavors of this slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe. A perfect blend of herbs and spices, brushed onto succulent chicken, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a rich, homemade gravy. This dish guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser, whether it's for a Sunday family dinner or a casual get-together.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, the recipe calls for a specific mix of herbs and spices for the seasoning, including paprika, seasoning salt, garlic powder, parsley, and thyme. These are usually available in the spice section in any supermarket. But to get the best flavor, try to source high-quality, fresh spices.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Chicken: The main protein of this recipe, slow-cooked until tender.
Onion: Adds a sweet depth of flavor to the chicken and gravy.
Olive oil: Used to brush onto the chicken before seasoning.
Cornstarch: Thickens the gravy to a perfect consistency.
Water: Combines with cornstarch for the gravy.
Chicken broth: Enhances the flavor of the gravy.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor to the chicken.
Seasoning salt: Adds a depth of flavor to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlic flavor without the harshness of fresh garlic.
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the chicken.
Thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the chicken.
One reader, Jerrine Huebner says:
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out so tender and flavorful, and the gravy is just divine. It's incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy days. My family absolutely loved it, and it's now a regular in our dinner rotation. Highly recommended!
Cooking Techniques for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
How to season the chicken: Combine the paprika, seasoning salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush the chicken with olive oil and rub the seasoning mix into the chicken.
How to create a slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will be used to thicken the gravy in the slow cooker.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
This quick and tasty slow cooker chicken and gravy will be your family’s next favorite dish! In one pot, you can taste the tender chicken and savory gravy!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4lbschicken,small
- 2onion slices
- 2tbspolive oil
- 4tbspcornstarch
- 4tbspwater
- chicken broth,optional
- salt and pepper,to taste
For Seasoning Mix:
- 1tsppaprika
- 1tsppaprika,smoked
- 1tspseasoning salt,or to taste
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tspblack pepper
- ½tspparsley
- ½tspthyme
Instructions
-
Combine all the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl.
-
Brush the chicken with olive oil and rub the seasoning into the chicken.
-
Roll up balls of foil and place in the bottom of the slow cooker with 2 thick slices of onion. Place the chicken on foil, breast side up, so it is slightly lifted off the bottom of the slow cooker. (Use onion and carrot chunks instead if you prefer).
-
Cover and cook on Low for 7 to 8 hours or on High (165 degrees F) for 4 to 5 hours.
-
Remove the chicken and place it on a small pan. Broil for 3 to 4 minutes to crisp skin (optional). Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Gravy:
-
Remove the foil and onion from the slow cooker and turn onto High. If required, add the broth to create about 2 cups of liquid.
-
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
-
Whisk about ⅔ of the cornstarch mixture into the drippings or broth and cook on High. Depending on the amount of liquid, you may need to add more of the cornstarch slurry to reach the desired consistency.
-
Let cook at least 5 minutes before serving.
-
Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Calories: 743.11kcal
- Fat: 50.99g
- Saturated Fat: 13.91g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.46g
- Carbohydrates: 9.27g
- Fiber: 0.78g
- Sugar: 1.44g
- Protein: 58.29g
- Cholesterol: 228.78mg
- Sodium: 924.94mg
- Calcium: 45.52mg
- Potassium: 689.56mg
- Iron: 3.25mg
- Vitamin A: 144.46µg
- Vitamin C: 5.74mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting This Slow Cooker Recipe
To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. This will ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, while still remaining juicy and tender. Additionally, broiling the chicken after slow cooking can give it a delightful crispy skin, adding another layer of texture to your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure out ingredients, and prepare the seasoning mix the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut chicken: Save time by using pre-cut chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken, which eliminates the need for additional prep work.
High setting: If you're short on time, cook the chicken on the high setting of the slow cooker for 4 to 5 hours instead of the low setting for 7 to 8 hours.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for future meals to save time on meal prep in the future.
Slow cooker liners: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup, saving time on washing the slow cooker after cooking.
Invest in a good slow cooker: A high-quality slow cooker with programmable settings can save time and ensure even cooking.
Use store-bought broth: Save time by using store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
Pre-slice the chicken: If using a whole chicken, pre-slice it before cooking to reduce the time needed for carving after cooking.
Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, use the time to prepare side dishes or other components of the meal to save time overall.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey is a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken, and it works well in slow cooker recipes. It will provide a similar texture and taste to the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil in this recipe. It has a neutral flavor and can withstand the heat of the slow cooker without burning.
cornstarch - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch. It will help create a smooth and silky gravy for the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth. It will add depth of flavor to the dish and work well with the other ingredients.
seasoning salt - Substitute with kosher salt and additional seasoning: Kosher salt can be used in place of seasoning salt, and additional herbs and spices can be added to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Presentation Tips for Serving Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker chicken and gravy, ensure that the chicken is the focal point of the dish. Arrange the sliced chicken in an artful manner, drizzle the gravy around the plate, and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme for a pop of color.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the dish by serving the slow cooker chicken and gravy alongside a creamy mashed potato or a fluffy biscuit. This will provide a contrast to the tender chicken and velvety gravy, elevating the overall dining experience.
Utilize elegant dinnerware: Opt for sophisticated dinnerware such as porcelain plates or earthenware platters to present the slow cooker chicken and gravy. The choice of dinnerware can enhance the visual appeal and create a refined dining atmosphere.
Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle a delicate arrangement of microgreens over the dish just before serving. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the microgreens will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the slow cooker chicken and gravy.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish with precision, focusing on symmetry and balance. This attention to detail will showcase the culinary expertise and create a visually stunning presentation.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to breathe visually. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the slow cooker chicken and gravy take center stage, surrounded by carefully placed elements.
Highlight the golden brown skin: If you opted to broil the chicken for a crispier skin, ensure that the golden brown exterior is prominently displayed. The contrast of the crispy skin against the luscious gravy will captivate the senses and elevate the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for slow cooking at low temperatures.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot, used for gripping and lifting items.
- Aluminum foil: Used for covering dishes, wrapping food, and lining pans for easy cleanup.
- Baking dish: A glass or metal dish used for baking casseroles, roasting meats, and more.
- Broiler pan: A two-piece pan used for broiling meats and other foods in the oven.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing small amounts of ingredients or creating spice blends.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Chicken and Gravy
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or ziplock bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- The gravy can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze the gravy, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat the frozen gravy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened too much.
- Pro tip: Portion the chicken and gravy into individual servings before freezing for easy reheating later on.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
The best way to reheat leftover slow cooker chicken is to place it in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the chicken.
For the gravy, reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. If the gravy has thickened too much, you can add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can reheat both the chicken and gravy in the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes per pound, or until it's heated through. For the gravy, microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, until it's hot.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to the reheated chicken, you can brush it with a little melted butter or olive oil before reheating it in the oven or microwave.
To prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating, you can also slice it and place it in the gravy before reheating. This will help the chicken absorb some of the moisture from the gravy and keep it tender and juicy.
Interesting Trivia About Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Slow cooker chicken and gravy is a classic comfort food that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. It's a convenient and delicious meal option for busy days.
Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
The slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, onions, and herbs, are affordable and readily available. The use of a slow cooker also reduces energy costs. The dish's versatility allows for leftovers, minimizing food waste. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Chicken and Gravy Recipe Healthy?
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken is a lean protein source that provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12, niacin, and selenium. The recipe also includes onions, which offer prebiotics, antioxidants, and potential heart health benefits. However, there are some concerns:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of salt (seasoning salt and added salt), which can contribute to high sodium intake.
- The gravy is thickened with cornstarch, a refined carbohydrate that adds calories without much nutritional value.
- Depending on the cut of chicken used (e.g., skin-on or skinless), the dish may be higher in saturated fat.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use skinless chicken breasts or thighs to reduce saturated fat content.
- Replace seasoning salt with herbs and spices like garlic, onion powder, and dried herbs to reduce sodium intake.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish by adding carrots, celery, or mushrooms to boost fiber and nutrient density.
- Thicken the gravy with a slurry made from whole wheat flour or pureed vegetables (like cooked carrots or cauliflower) instead of cornstarch.
- Serve the chicken and gravy with a side of steamed or roasted non-starchy vegetables and a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice to create a balanced meal.
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional profile of the dish while still enjoying the convenience and flavor of a slow cooker meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Chicken Dish
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. The combination of herbs and spices creates a delicious seasoning for the chicken, and the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The addition of the homemade gravy adds a rich and savory element to the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal. The recipe is easy to follow and yields tender, juicy chicken with a delicious gravy that is sure to impress. It's a wonderful option for a hassle-free, yet impressive dinner.
Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Dish
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy
Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy Recipe:
This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is a guaranteed winner for your dinner table. The chicken is seasoned to perfection with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and other aromatic spices, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and juicy, while the addition of onions and chicken broth infuses rich, savory notes into the dish. The gravy is made from the delicious drippings, thickened with a cornstarch slurry, resulting in a luscious and velvety texture. Trust this recipe to deliver a mouthwatering and satisfying meal every time.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Slow Cooker Chicken Breast With Creamy Mustard Leek Sauce Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Marsala Recipe
Karen’s Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Recipe
Sesame Chicken for Slow Cooker Recipe
Chicken Cacciatore in a Slow Cooker Recipe
Slow-Cooked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Slow Cooker Barbeque Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Recipe
