Slow Cooker Chicken & Gravy is the kind of comforting dinner that never goes out of style. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a rich, savory gravy until it becomes fork-tender and incredibly flavorful. The result is a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like something you would find on a family dinner table after a long day.
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. The slow cooker does nearly all the work while the chicken stays juicy and the gravy develops deep, comforting flavor. Serve it over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a meal that feels hearty without requiring much effort. It’s a dependable recipe that works beautifully for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and everything in between.
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp poultry seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp cold water
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Season the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning.
2. Assemble the slow cooker:
Add the onion and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the chicken on top, then pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add the butter in small pieces over the chicken.
3. Slow cook until tender:
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches at least 165°F. Chicken thighs are preferred and remain juicier during slow cooking.
4. Optional: Shred the chicken:
For a more traditional chicken-and-gravy texture, transfer the chicken to a large plate and shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Otherwise, leave the chicken thighs whole for serving.
5. Thicken the gravy:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth. While stirring the liquid in the slow cooker, slowly pour in the slurry. Cover and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, or until the gravy is thick, silky, and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Finish and serve:
Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered egg noodles.
HELPFUL TIPS TO PERFECT THIS RECIPE
- Choose chicken thighs whenever possible: They stay tender, juicy, and flavorful during long slow-cooker cooking and create a richer gravy.
- Let the gravy fully thicken: Resist serving immediately after adding the cornstarch slurry. Those extra 15–20 minutes create the silky texture that makes this recipe special.
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken first: While optional, a quick 2–3 minute sear per side before slow cooking adds deeper color and richer flavor to the finished gravy.
