Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy: A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Few dishes scream comfort like slow-cooked chicken and gravy. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken enveloped in rich, flavorful gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—allowing your slow cooker to do the hard work while you relax. Here’s how to make it step by step.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need the following:

4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can use breast meat if preferred, but thighs stay juicier)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
2 celery stalks, sliced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky depth)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing and chopping your vegetables. Slice the carrots into rounds and the celery into small pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. These vegetables will not only add flavor to the gravy but also act as a natural base for your chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces, making sure every surface is coated. This ensures the chicken absorbs maximum flavor during slow cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds an extra depth of flavor to both the chicken and the eventual gravy. Once seared, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.