Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Convenient: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. No need to babysit dinner.
Comforting and Hearty: Tender chicken in a rich gravy makes for a perfect, cozy meal—ideal for cold days or busy nights.
Minimal Prep: Only 10 minutes of prep time, making it an easy dish for a busy weeknight or meal prep.
Customizable: You can swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use a gluten-free version with the right ingredients.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: The slow cooker ensures the chicken is juicy and tender, while the gravy adds a deep, savory flavor.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for an easy meal on another day.

Ingredients

4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for gravy thickening)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy

Directions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Place the seasoned chicken over the onions in the slow cooker.
Add Liquids: Pour the chicken broth and the cream of chicken soup over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 6–7 hours, or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
Thicken the Gravy: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and cover it to keep warm. Stir the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) into the cooking liquid. Turn the slow cooker to High and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve: Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spooning the thickened gravy over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on Low or 3–4 hours on High
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Different Chicken Cuts: Use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for a leaner version, though bone-in will offer more flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for a spicy twist.
Extra Veggies: Add sliced carrots, celery, or peas to the slow cooker to make it a one-pot meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and gravy separately for best texture when reheating. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. However, bone-in chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful in slow cooker recipes.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and thicken the gravy with a gluten-free flour option or cornstarch.

Can I make this without the cornstarch slurry?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the cornstarch and have a thinner gravy, or you can use a roux made with gluten-free flour as a thickening agent.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, adding vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or peas during the last hour of cooking will enhance the dish and make it more hearty.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and gravy ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the slow cooker or stovetop for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy is the perfect comforting meal for a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend dinner. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing most of the work, this dish is simple to prepare yet flavorful and satisfying. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite.