If you’re craving a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort, this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need for dinner tonight. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, resulting in tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, flavorful gravy that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe blends comfort and taste in the simplest way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Free Cooking: Just toss ingredients in the crock pot and let it work its magic while you focus on other things.
Rich and Comforting Flavor: The slow cooking process lets the gravy develop deep, savory notes paired perfectly with tender chicken.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Requires minimal prep time, making weeknight meals feel effortless and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: A classic crowd-pleaser that’s gentle on flavor buds but big on hearty goodness.
Versatile Meal: Easily pairs with a wide range of sides to suit any mood or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering meal. Each ingredient has a role, whether to enhance richness, add texture, or deliver that classic chicken-and-gravy comfort.

Chicken thighs: Preferably boneless, skinless, for juicy, tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the gravy base.
Garlic: Provides a fragrant, savory boost without overpowering.
Chicken broth: The foundational liquid that keeps the chicken moist and enriches the gravy.
Heavy cream or half-and-half: Gives the gravy its smooth, velvety texture.
Flour or cornstarch: Acts as a thickener to perfect that luscious gravy consistency.
Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every bite.
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley: Optional but recommended for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Variations for Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

One of the best parts about this Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to tweak it to suit what you have on hand or to fit dietary preferences, making your dinner uniquely your own.

Use chicken breasts: Swap thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat without sacrificing flavor.
Add mushrooms: Toss in sliced mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.
Make it gluten-free: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for a safe alternative.
Include veggies: Add carrots, celery, or peas for a full one-pot meal with more nutrients.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.

Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe to Try Tonight

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by dicing the onion and mincing garlic cloves. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs to keep the dish light but flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Optional but recommended: quickly brown the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with butter. This creates a golden crust that locks in moisture and adds depth to the gravy’s flavor.

Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add onions and garlic on top, then pour chicken broth over everything to keep it beautifully moist during cooking.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and chicken to become irresistibly tender.

Step 5: Make the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in a mixture of flour and heavy cream to the crock pot liquid. Continue to cook uncovered to thicken the gravy to a creamy consistency.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Finish the dish with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Give everything a gentle stir and serve warm over your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Brown the chicken first: This step enhances flavor and gives the meat a more appealing texture.
Use fresh herbs: They brighten and elevate the overall dish, especially thyme or parsley.
Don’t skip the finishing gravy step: Thickening the sauce at the end guarantees that signature creamy texture.
Low and slow is key: Cooking on low preserves tenderness and fully develops the gravy’s flavor.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Slow cooking can mellow spices, so taste and add salt or pepper as needed before serving.

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top adds a vibrant pop of color and aroma that makes the dish feel even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This chicken and gravy pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even simple steamed rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in rustic bowls with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or plate it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced yet indulgent meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next meal even tastier.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the gravy from sticking or separating, and add a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or drumsticks can be used, but cooking times may vary slightly to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly and remains tender.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken beforehand?

No, but browning adds extra flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get a delicious meal.

How do I thicken the gravy without flour?

You can use cornstarch mixed with cold water as a thickener, adding it during the last half hour of cooking to achieve that perfect consistency.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use oil or dairy-free margarine instead of butter for a similar creamy texture.

What sides complement this chicken and gravy best?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or buttered noodles are classic companions that soak up the savory gravy beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe offers a flavorful, tender meal that’s perfect for any night you want to relax and enjoy a comforting dinner. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and full of that home-cooked warmth you’ll love sharing with anyone sitting at your table. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret the cozy deliciousness!

Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe

Print Recipe

This Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy Recipe delivers a comforting, hearty dinner with minimal effort. Slow-cooked boneless, skinless chicken thighs bathe in a rich, flavorful gravy made from simple ingredients, resulting in tender, juicy meat paired perfectly with a smooth, velvety sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or family meals, it’s easy to prepare, versatile, and satisfying.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
2 tablespoons butter
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped, optional

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs to keep the dish light but flavorful.
Sear the Chicken (Optional): In a hot skillet, melt butter and quickly brown the chicken thighs on each side until golden. This step locks in moisture and adds depth to the gravy.
Layer Ingredients in Crock Pot: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onions and minced garlic on top. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the ingredients to keep everything moist during cooking.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours to meld flavors and ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.
Make the Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, mix flour (or cornstarch) with heavy cream (or half-and-half) until smooth. Stir this mixture into the crock pot liquid. Cook uncovered to thicken the gravy to a creamy consistency.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs to taste. Stir gently to combine. Serve warm over your preferred side dishes.

Notes

Brown the chicken first for enhanced flavor and appealing texture.
Use fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley to brighten the dish.
Thicken the gravy at the end for a creamy texture.
Cook on low heat to preserve tenderness and deepen gravy flavor.
Adjust seasoning at the end as slow cooking can mellow flavors.
For gluten-free, replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
To make dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and butter with oil or dairy-free margarine.
Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Swap chicken thighs for breasts to make the recipe leaner.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: crock pot chicken, chicken and gravy, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, gluten-free chicken recipe, creamy chicken gravy