Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful gravy, then you’ll be happy to know that yes, you can cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker! Slow cooking is a convenient and fuss-free method that allows you to achieve perfectly cooked chicken that is fall-apart tender, and the added bonus of cooking it in a savory gravy takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Using a slow cooker to cook chicken in gravy is a great way to infuse the meat with the flavors of the gravy, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re making a classic chicken and gravy recipe or experimenting with different herbs and spices, the slow cooker ensures that the chicken absorbs all the wonderful flavors, resulting in a dish that is full of taste and depth.
One of the advantages of cooking chicken in gravy in a slow cooker is that it allows you to effortlessly multitask. Once you’ve prepared the ingredients and set the slow cooker, you can go about your day without having to worry about constantly monitoring the cooking process. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals or those who want to spend less time in the kitchen.
So, whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, consider cooking chicken in gravy in a slow cooker. The result will be a tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of slow-cooked chicken in gravy!
How to Cook Chicken in Gravy in a Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to cook chicken in gravy, using a slow cooker is a great option. The slow cooker allows the chicken to cook slowly and become tender while absorbing the rich flavors of the gravy. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet of dry onion soup mix
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry onion soup mix, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, water, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with the gravy.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, you can serve it with the gravy poured over the top. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Note: If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a separate bowl. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the gravy.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work for you, and you’ll be rewarded with tender and flavorful chicken in a rich gravy. Give it a try and enjoy!
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking chicken in gravy in a slow cooker, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts for this recipe. You’ll need about 1.5 pounds of chicken.
2. Gravy Mix: Use a dry gravy mix, such as chicken gravy mix, to make the gravy. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the gravy mix.
3. Water: You’ll need some water to mix with the gravy mix. The amount will depend on the instructions on the package.
4. Vegetables (optional): If you want to add some vegetables to your dish, you can include carrots, onions, and celery. Chop them into small pieces to cook evenly with the chicken.
5. Seasonings: To enhance the flavor of your chicken and gravy, you can use seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
6. Slow Cooker Liner (optional): Using a slow cooker liner can make the cleaning process easier. It’s not necessary, but it can save you some time and effort.
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Prepare the Chicken
Before you begin cooking the chicken in gravy in a slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly and retains its flavor. Follow these steps to prepare the chicken:
1. Clean the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess water.
2. Season the Chicken
Next, season the chicken with your preferred seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other herbs and spices you enjoy. Massage the seasonings evenly onto the chicken, making sure to cover all sides.
3. Brown the Chicken (Optional)
For extra flavor, you can choose to brown the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and brown it on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but can add depth to the overall flavor.
4. Trim Excess Fat (Optional)
If desired, trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. This can help reduce the amount of grease in the gravy.
Once you have prepared the chicken, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking it in a slow cooker with gravy.
Make the Gravy
To make the gravy for your chicken in a slow cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Here are the steps to make the gravy:
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Cook the flour and butter mixture, known as a roux, for about 2 minutes until it begins to lightly brown.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Continue cooking and stirring the gravy until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Season the gravy with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Once the gravy has thickened, pour it over the cooked chicken in the slow cooker.
- Give the chicken and gravy a gentle stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken and gravy on low for an additional 30 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Your homemade gravy is now ready to be enjoyed with the delicious slow-cooked chicken. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or your preferred side dish for a comforting and hearty meal.
Cook the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
To make delicious chicken in gravy using a slow cooker, follow these simple steps:
Step 1:
Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with your preferred spices. You can use a combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme for a flavorful taste.
Step 2:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, brown the chicken on both sides for a few minutes until it develops a golden color.
Step 3:
Meanwhile, prepare the gravy by whisking together chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and flour in a bowl until smooth.
Step 4:
Transfer the browned chicken into the slow cooker and pour the gravy mixture over it. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in the gravy.
Step 5:
Cook the chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking method will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld together.
Step 6:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and transfer the gravy into a saucepan. Cook the gravy over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 7:
Return the cooked chicken to the gravy and let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Using a slow cooker to cook chicken in gravy is a convenient and hands-off method, allowing you to enjoy a tasty and tender meal without much effort. Experiment with different spice combinations to personalize the dish to your liking.
FAQ
Can I cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker. It’s a delicious and convenient way to prepare chicken, as the slow cooker helps to infuse the chicken with the flavors of the gravy.
What ingredients do I need to cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker?
To cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker, you will need chicken pieces (such as bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks), gravy mix or homemade gravy, and any additional seasonings or vegetables you would like to add to the dish.
How long should I cook chicken in gravy in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for chicken in gravy in a slow cooker can vary depending on the specific recipe and the size of the chicken pieces. In general, it’s recommended to cook it on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Can I make chicken in gravy in a slow cooker without using a gravy mix?
Yes, you can make chicken in gravy in a slow cooker without using a gravy mix. If you don’t have a gravy mix, you can make your own homemade gravy using ingredients like chicken broth, flour, butter, and seasonings. Simply whisk together the ingredients, pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker, and cook as usual.
