Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Discover the ease of preparing flavorful chicken thighs with a rich gravy in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family meals.
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy is a go-to recipe for those busy days when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with flavor and creating a delicious gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or rice.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken that falls off the bone
- Rich and savory gravy that enhances every bite
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
A Comforting Family Meal
Nothing beats the comfort of a home-cooked meal, especially on a busy weeknight. This recipe for Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy is designed to bring families together around the dining table. The tender chicken, infused with savory flavors, pairs beautifully with the rich gravy, making it a perfect choice for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Using a slow cooker means that you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks gently. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the chicken thighs become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone. This dish will not only fill your stomach but also warm your heart.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the flavors to suit your family's preferences. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of paprika for a bit of heat. You can also throw in some vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a complete one-pot meal.
If you're looking for a healthier option, consider using skinless chicken thighs or even boneless chicken breasts. The gravy can also be made lighter by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing the amount of flour. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can easily make a large batch, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week. The flavors deepen and improve as the dish sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Just store the chicken and gravy in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and you'll have quick meals ready to go.
To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy. This meal prep strategy not only saves time but also ensures that you have nutritious options available when life gets busy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix the ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add to Slow Cooker
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the chicken.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Make the Gravy
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker juices and cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
Serve
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coat with the gravy, and serve hot.
Enjoy your meal with a side of mashed potatoes or your favorite vegetables!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker alongside the chicken.
Cooking Tips for Success
For the best results, choose high-quality chicken thighs. Bone-in, skin-on thighs tend to retain moisture better during cooking, resulting in a juicier final dish. If you prefer boneless, just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than bone-in options.
Another tip is to sear the chicken thighs in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This adds an extra layer of flavor and color to the dish. However, if you're short on time, you can skip this step and still achieve delicious results.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your slow cooker chicken thighs with gravy, consider pairing them with sides that complement the rich flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice, as they absorb the gravy beautifully. Alternatively, fluffy rice or buttered noodles also make excellent companions.
For a fresh element, a simple side salad or steamed vegetables can add a nice contrast to the meal. A light vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the gravy, making your dinner balanced and satisfying.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers from this dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chicken and gravy are in an airtight container to maintain freshness. If you want to extend the life of your meal, you can also freeze the chicken thighs with gravy for up to three months.
When it comes time to reheat, make sure to do so gently. If using a microwave, stir occasionally to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, reheat over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to loosen the gravy. Enjoy your comforting meal again, just like the first time!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Store the chicken and gravy in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
→ Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes to the slow cooker for a complete meal.
Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy
Discover the ease of preparing flavorful chicken thighs with a rich gravy in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family meals.
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Gravy
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker juices and cook on high for 15 minutes until thickened.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coat with the gravy, and serve hot.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the slow cooker alongside the chicken.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 30g