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This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Gravy recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner for two, bringing together tender, juicy chicken with a rich and flavorful gravy. It requires minimal hands-on time so you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. The combination of simple pantry spices and a homemade gravy makes this an easy but impressive meal any night of the week.
I made this during a busy week and loved that it required so little effort but delivered maximum comfort. This recipe quickly became a goto in my kitchen when I want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- Bonein chicken thighs: quality skinon thighs offer more flavor and moisture for the slow cooker
- Salt pepper garlic powder onion powder paprika Italian seasoning: a balanced spice blend that elevates the chicken
- Olive oil: for searing helps develop a golden crust and deeper flavor
- Unsalted chicken stock: provides a savory base for the gravy without extra salt
- Chicken gravy mix: an easy shortcut to make rich gravy but you can swap with homemade if preferred
- Butter: cut into slices adds richness and velvety texture to the finished gravy
- Cornstarch and water: mixed as a slurry to thicken the gravy for a perfect consistency
Instructions
- Season the Chicken Thighs:
- Coat both sides of the chicken thighs evenly with salt garlic powder onion powder paprika Italian seasoning and pepper. This seasoning blend layers in great flavor so take your time seasoning well.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown about 5 to 7 minutes then flip and brown the other side 3 to 5 minutes. The goal is a beautifully crisp skin that locks in juices not to cook through.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Place the seared chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl whisk together the unsalted chicken stock and chicken gravy mix until smooth.
- Add Gravy Mixture and Butter:
- Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken thighs then arrange the slices of butter on top. This will melt and enrich the gravy while cooking.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the internal temperature to reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and tenderness.
- Make the Slurry:
- Remove the chicken temporarily and stir together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. This slurry is essential for thickening the gravy without lumps.
- Thicken the Gravy:
- Whisk the slurry constantly into the slow cooker and return the chicken to coat it well in the gravy. Increase the heat to high and cook another 30 minutes until the gravy has thickened nicely.
- Serve Immediately:
- Spoon the luscious gravy over the chicken and enjoy it hot with your favorite sides.
My favorite part of this recipe is the searing step I learned the hard way that skipping this means losing all that amazing golden crust and flavor. One winter evening I made this during a snowstorm and the warm aroma in the house felt like a cozy hug for the whole family.
Storage Tips
Cool leftovers completely then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly in the slow cooker or oven to keep the chicken moist. For longer storage this freezes beautifully for up to three months. I like to portion the chicken and gravy so I can thaw just what I need.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have bonein chicken thighs boneless skinless are fine but the dish will lose some richness. You can also swap the chicken gravy mix for a homemade gravy made from your favorite broth and thickening agent. Butter can be swapped for olive oil but it will change the gravy’s texture and richness slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and gravy is perfect over steamed white rice mashed potatoes buttered egg noodles or even creamy polenta. Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans carrots or Brussels sprouts make a simple balanced plate. Don’t forget to spoon lots of gravy over whatever side you choose.
Spoon the luscious gravy over the chicken and enjoy it hot with your favorite sides. This slow cooker recipe is comforting and easy to make on busy weeknights.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can boneless chicken thighs be used instead?
Boneless, skinless thighs can be used, but bone-in thighs provide more flavor and moisture during slow cooking.
- → What side dishes complement the chicken and gravy?
Rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables are great options to soak up the rich gravy.
- → Is searing the chicken thighs necessary?
Searing adds a deeper flavor and crisp texture to the skin, enhancing the overall dish significantly.
- → How long should leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
- → What is the best method to reheat the dish?
Reheat gently in a slow cooker or oven to maintain juiciness and evenly warm the gravy.
- → Can the gravy be thickened without cornstarch?
Cornstarch works best for a smooth, glossy gravy, but flour can be an alternative though it might alter the texture.