Is there anything better than the smell of tender, slow-cooked chicken wafting through your home? “Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken with Velvety Gravy” is the ultimate comfort food, blending juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken with a rich and creamy gravy that will have you reaching for seconds.
This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Whether you’re preparing a hearty family meal or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish delivers on flavor, aroma, and satisfaction.
A personal favorite, this dish reminds me of Sundays at my grandmother’s house, where the chicken would simmer for hours, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. The gravy, made from scratch with the cooking juices, adds a luscious layer of indulgence that ties everything together beautifully.
If you’re a fan of slow-cooker meals, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Beef Stew Recipe for another comforting classic!
Ingredients for Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken with Velvety Gravy
For the Chicken:
- 4-5 chicken thighs and drumsticks (skin-on for extra flavor)
- 1 large onion, sliced thinly
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Gravy:
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cooking juices from the slow cooker
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Substitutions and Tips:
- Swap chicken thighs and drumsticks for chicken breasts, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the gravy.
- Want a deeper flavor? Add a splash of white wine to the slow cooker.
For more ingredient tips, check out our guide: How to Choose the Best Chicken Cuts for Cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
3. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the sliced onions and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the seared chicken on top. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
4. Set and Forget
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
5. Make the Gravy
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and keep warm. Strain 1/2 cup of the cooking juices and set aside. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly add the reserved cooking juices and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
6. Combine and Serve
Pour the velvety gravy over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
Pro Tip: Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up every drop of that amazing gravy!
Looking for a side dish idea? Try our Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes to complete the meal.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Prep Ahead: Chop onions and garlic the night before to save time in the morning.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent the gravy from separating.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
- Substitutions: For a lighter gravy, use milk instead of cream or thicken with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs are an excellent choice, but reduce the cooking time by 30-40 minutes.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut cream, or even plain Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and gravy in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken the gravy. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
For more answers, check out our article: How to Adapt Recipes for Special Diets.
Closing
We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken with Velvety Gravy as much as we do. This recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or any occasion that calls for comfort food at its finest.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious plates.
Ready for more? Check out our collection of Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for more inspiration.
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Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken with Velvety Gravy: A Comforting Classic
Is there anything better than the smell of tender, slow-cooked chicken wafting through your home? “Succulent Slow Cooked Chicken with Velvety Gravy” is the ultimate comfort food, blending juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken with a rich and creamy gravy that will have you reaching for seconds.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
Add the Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix and chicken gravy mix over the chicken.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Make It Creamy: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the softened cream cheese into the slow cooker. Let it melt and combine with the gravy.
Shred & Serve: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat the chicken in the creamy gravy.
Garnish & Enjoy: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired!
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.Notes
Pro Tip: Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered rice to soak up every drop of that amazing gravy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low)
- Category: Dinner