Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: A Comforting Classic with a Nostalgic Twist Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is a comforting dish that brings warm memories and rich flavors to your table. With tender slow-cooked chicken and thick, savory gravy, it’s a simple meal that feels like a hug from the inside.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or liquid smoke
• For the dough: 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ¾ cup cold water or milk
• Optional: Cornstarch mixed with water for thickening

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme or oregano. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
2. Step 2: Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken stock and sprinkle the flour evenly over the top. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke if using, then stir gently to combine slightly without disturbing the chicken too much.
3. Step 3: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and juices run clear. The slow heat will develop a rich gravy as the flour thickens the broth.
4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, prepare the dough: whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Pour in cold water or milk and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Turn onto a floured board and gently knead until soft and slightly elastic.
5. Step 5: Roll the dough into a rough square and cut into rounds or squares. When the chicken is nearly done, arrange the dough pieces on top, cover, and cook for another 30 minutes until the dumplings or biscuits puff and soak up the gravy.
6. Step 6: Once finished, carefully lift the chicken and dough from the slow cooker. Arrange on a platter and ladle warm gravy over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat and richer gravy.
• Add seasonal vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or peas during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor.
• If the gravy is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in to thicken.
• For a smoky touch, add a small amount of liquid smoke or smoked paprika—but don’t overdo it.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the delicious gravy.

Storage

Allow leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or return to the slow cooker on low until heated through. Add a splash of stock or water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving if possible for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to thaw frozen chicken before slow cooking?

Yes, thawing chicken first is safest and ensures even cooking without rubbery edges.

Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Thighs have more fat and darker meat, which makes the dish juicier and gives the gravy more depth of flavor.

How thick should my gravy be?

Your gravy should be pourable, thick enough to coat the chicken and bread but not so thick that it clumps. Adjust thickness with flour or cornstarch slurry if needed.

Crockpot Chicken and Gravy: A Comforting Classic with a Nostalgic Twist Recipe

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This Crockpot Chicken and Gravy recipe brings the timeless comfort of slow-cooked chicken with rich and savory gravy, evoking nostalgic memories of rustic wood fire cooking with less fuss. Tender chicken breasts or thighs are seared for a savory crust, then slow-cooked in a flavorful broth infused with garlic, onion, and herbs until meltingly tender. The thick, luscious gravy clings perfectly to homemade dumplings or biscuits, creating a warm and hearty dish that embodies simple, soulful home cooking.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Gravy

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups chicken stock or broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Dumplings or Mini Biscuits

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold water or cold milk
• Additional flour for dusting

For Gravy Thickening (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (cornstarch slurry)

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour in cold water or milk and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. Turn the shaggy dough onto a floured surface, gently knead with your palms, folding and turning it a quarter each time until it becomes soft and tender. Flatten into a rough square and cut into rounds or squares depending on your preference.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the skillet, leaving them undisturbed until a golden crust forms and they lift easily from the pan (about 3-4 minutes). Flip and cook the other side until it develops a slight char (another 3-4 minutes). This step locks in juices and adds depth to the gravy.
3. Load the Crockpot: Place seared chicken pieces into the slow cooker. Pour in chicken stock or broth. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme or oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika or liquid smoke if using. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of flour evenly over the top to aid in gravy thickening during cooking.
4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook in the crockpot on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is tender and juices run clear. The slow gentle heat will break down the proteins and release natural gelatin for a rich gravy.
5. Add Dumplings or Biscuits: About 30 minutes before serving, gently place the dough pieces on top of the chicken and gravy in the crockpot. Cover and allow them to steam and rise, absorbing the flavorful gravy.
6. Thicken the Gravy if Needed: If gravy is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
7. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the chicken, dumplings, and gravy to a large shallow dish or cast iron pan. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. Serve warm with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the rich gravy.
8. Store Leftovers: Cool leftover chicken and gravy, then store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the crockpot on low, or baked covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of stock if needed to loosen.

Notes

• Always thaw frozen chicken before slow cooking for even cooking and tenderness.
• Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier, darker meat and richer gravy.
• Adjust gravy thickness with flour or cornstarch slurry to get the perfect pourable but coating sauce consistency.
• Add a small amount of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor reminiscent of wood fire cooking.
• Dough for dumplings or biscuits should be handled gently; do not overwork to keep it tender and soft.
• Seasonal variations: add pumpkin puree and cinnamon with roasted squash in fall; diced carrots, celery, and bay leaf in winter; peas or asparagus tips in spring; fresh tomatoes or basil in summer.
• Reheat leftovers slowly without microwaving for best texture and flavor results.

Keywords: crockpot chicken, slow cooker chicken gravy, comfort food, homemade dumplings, slow cooked chicken, easy chicken recipe, savory chicken dinner