Discover the Best Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy

If you’re looking for a deliciously simple and comforting meal, you’ve got to try these Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy. This slow cooker dish is a breeze to prepare, yet delivers big on flavor. Tender, juicy chicken thighs simmer away in a rich, creamy gravy, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Best of all, it’s a hands-off recipe that lets your crockpot do all the work, making it the perfect busy weeknight dinner. Get ready to indulge in pure comfort food bliss!

Table of Contents

The Benefits of Using a Crockpot for Easy Meals

The crockpot is a busy home cook’s best friend. Not only does it make meal prep a breeze, but it also infuses your dishes with incredible flavor as the ingredients slowly meld together over time. With Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy, you can simply toss the chicken and seasonings into the pot, set it, and forget it. While the chicken cooks to tender perfection, you can focus on other tasks or enjoy some well-deserved downtime. When it’s time to eat, you’ll be rewarded with a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that practically makes itself.

Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy

The key to this delicious dish is the perfect blend of simple, flavorful ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning)

For the Gravy:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken thighs provide juicy, flavorful meat that practically falls off the bone, while the creamy gravy adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish. The blend of seasonings, including garlic, onion, and paprika, infuses the chicken with a mouthwatering depth of flavor. And the optional Dijon mustard in the gravy provides a subtle tanginess that balances out the creaminess.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy

Now, let’s dive into the simple steps to make this delectable Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy:

Season the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.

Optional Browning

For an extra layer of flavor, you can brown the chicken thighs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. Sear the skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

Prepare the Crockpot

Place the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top.

Add the Broth

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Make the Gravy

About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot and set them aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and heavy cream until smooth. Pour the flour and cream mixture into the crockpot, stirring well. Add the Dijon mustard, if using. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.

Finish the Dish

Return the chicken thighs to the crockpot, spoon some of the creamy gravy over them, and let them warm through for about 5 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Garnish the Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy with chopped fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Chicken Thighs

To ensure your Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right chicken thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavor and juicy texture.
• Don’t skimp on the seasoning: The blend of garlic, onion, and paprika is key to infusing the chicken with delicious flavor.
• Adjust cooking times: Crockpot times may vary depending on your specific model, so use the low and high range as a guide and adjust accordingly.
• Pair it with the right sides: Mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are all great options to soak up the creamy gravy.

Variations on Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy

While this recipe is absolutely delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch it up and make it your own:

• Use boneless chicken thighs: For a quicker cooking time, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free gravy.
• Add vegetables: Toss in some carrots, peas, or mushrooms for a heartier, one-pot meal.
• Experiment with seasonings: Try different herb and spice combinations, like Italian seasoning or a Cajun spice blend, to create unique flavor profiles.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Steak Pasta
• Baked Pork Tenderloin
• One-Pot Creamy Cajun Meatball Pasta

FAQs About Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy

How do you cook chicken gravy in a slow cooker?

To make the creamy gravy for this Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs dish, you’ll whisk together the flour and heavy cream in a small bowl to create a slurry. Then, you’ll pour this mixture into the crockpot with the chicken broth and any optional seasonings, like Dijon mustard. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

How long to cook chicken thighs in a slow cooker?

For this recipe, you’ll cook the chicken thighs in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on your specific crockpot model, so be sure to check the chicken for doneness before removing it from the pot.

What to serve with crockpot chicken?

The rich, creamy gravy in this Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include mashed potatoes, white rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious flavors. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded, comforting meal.

How long should you cook chicken in a crockpot on high?

For this Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy recipe, you’ll cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through, reaching a minimum of 165°F.

Conclusion

When it comes to effortless, flavor-packed meals, it doesn’t get much better than Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy. This slow cooker dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, velvety gravy that’s guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings. With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So why not give this delectable recipe a try? Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.

Print