Olivia Carter
Looking for a delicious and convenient way to cook chicken legs? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make tender and flavorful chicken legs in a slow cooker with a rich and savory gravy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without all the fuss.
Why use a slow cooker?
Using a slow cooker is a game-changer when it comes to cooking chicken legs. The slow, low-heat cooking method ensures that the chicken legs come out incredibly tender and juicy every time. Plus, it’s a hands-off cooking method that allows you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy individuals or families.
Not only does the slow cooker do all the work for you, but it also infuses the chicken legs with all the flavors from the seasonings and the gravy, resulting in a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients you will need:
To make this mouthwatering dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 chicken legs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these delicious slow cooker chicken legs with gravy!
Slow Cooker Chicken Legs Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook chicken legs, a slow cooker is the perfect kitchen appliance to use. This recipe for slow cooker chicken legs with gravy is sure to impress your family and friends. With minimal effort, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken legs coated in a flavorful gravy. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 6 chicken legs
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Place the chicken legs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped onion, garlic, chicken broth, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour the mixture over the chicken legs.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- Pour the liquid from the slow cooker into a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the gravy thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken legs to the slow cooker and pour the gravy over them. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low heat, or until the chicken legs are heated through and the flavors are well combined.
- Serve the slow cooker chicken legs with gravy hot and enjoy!
This slow cooker chicken legs recipe is perfect for a comforting home-cooked meal. The chicken legs will be fall-off-the-bone tender and the savory gravy adds an extra layer of flavor. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a side of veggies for a complete and satisfying dinner. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this recipe is a crowd-pleaser!
Choosing the Ingredients
When it comes to cooking chicken legs in the slow cooker with gravy, selecting the right ingredients is essential to create a delicious and flavorful dish. Here are a few key ingredients you’ll need:
1. Chicken Legs
Start by selecting fresh chicken legs from your local grocery store or butcher. Make sure the chicken legs are of good quality, and look for legs with the skin intact. The skin will add flavor and help keep the chicken moist during the slow cooking process.
2. Gravy Mix
To make a rich and savory gravy, you’ll need a good quality gravy mix. Look for a mix that is specifically designed for slow cooking or roasting. This will ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly during the cooking process.
You can also opt to make your own homemade gravy from scratch using ingredients like flour, butter, and chicken broth. This will give you more control over the flavors and allow you to customize the gravy to your taste.
3. Seasonings
To enhance the flavor of the chicken legs, seasonings are crucial. Common seasonings for chicken legs include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference and taste.
Additionally, you can add extra flavor by including ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or balsamic vinegar. These ingredients will add depth and complexity to the dish.
Remember, the key to a successful slow cooker chicken legs with gravy recipe is to choose high-quality ingredients that complement each other. This will result in a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Preparing the Chicken Legs
Before you begin cooking your chicken legs in the slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare them to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness. Follow these steps to get your chicken legs ready:
- Start by rinsing the chicken legs under cold water to remove any excess blood and debris. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Next, season the chicken legs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
- If you prefer crispy chicken skin, you can sear the legs in a hot skillet with a little oil until they are golden brown on all sides. This step is optional but can add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Once your chicken legs are seasoned and/or seared, place them in the slow cooker. If you seared the chicken, be sure to scrape any browned bits from the skillet and add them to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor.
- Now it’s time to prepare the gravy. You can use a pre-made gravy mix or make your own from scratch. Follow the instructions on the gravy mix packet or use your preferred homemade recipe.
By properly preparing your chicken legs before cooking them in the slow cooker, you’ll ensure that they are juicy, flavorful, and ready to be enjoyed with a rich and delicious gravy.
Making the Gravy
To make the delicious gravy for your slow cooker chicken legs, start by removing the chicken legs from the slow cooker and setting them aside. This will allow you to easily mix the ingredients and make the perfect gravy.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste. This is called a roux and will help thicken the gravy.
Next, slowly pour in chicken broth while continuously whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. You can use either store-bought chicken broth or make your own by simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and water. The homemade broth will add an extra depth of flavor to your gravy.
Add in the reserved liquid from the slow cooker to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can let it simmer for a bit longer.
Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add other seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Once the gravy is seasoned to perfection, you can either pour it directly over the chicken legs or serve it on the side for dipping. The rich and savory gravy will perfectly complement the tender and flavorful chicken legs.
Now, sit back and enjoy this mouthwatering slow cooker chicken legs with homemade gravy. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting seconds!
Adding the Chicken Legs to the Slow Cooker
Before you start cooking the chicken legs, it’s important to ensure that they are thawed if they were frozen. Place the chicken legs in the refrigerator overnight to defrost or use the defrost function on your microwave.
Once the chicken legs are thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them brown better during the cooking process.
Next, season the chicken legs with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other herbs and spices such as garlic powder, paprika, or thyme to enhance the flavor.
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken legs on all sides until they are golden. This step helps to seal in the juices and adds extra flavor to the final dish.
Transfer the browned chicken legs to the slow cooker. Make sure to place them in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows the chicken legs to cook evenly and ensures that they are fully submerged in the gravy.
Pour your favorite gravy over the chicken legs in the slow cooker. You can use store-bought gravy or make your own using chicken broth and flour. The gravy adds moisture and richness to the dish.
Once everything is in the slow cooker, cover it with a lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken legs to become tender and juicy, while the flavors of the gravy infuse the meat.
After the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the chicken legs with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
Once the chicken legs are fully cooked, you can serve them with the delicious gravy alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your choice of side dishes. Enjoy!
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking chicken legs in a slow cooker is a convenient way to achieve tender and flavorful results. The low and slow cooking method helps to break down the collagen in the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender texture.
When it comes to cooking time, it’s important to ensure that the chicken legs reach a safe internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria or pathogens.
The cooking time for chicken legs in a slow cooker can vary depending on the size of the legs and the temperature setting of your slow cooker. In general, chicken legs cooked on low heat will take about 4-6 hours to reach the desired cooked temperature.
If you prefer a faster cooking time, you can cook the chicken legs on high heat for approximately 2-3 hours. However, it’s important to note that cooking on high heat may result in slightly less tender meat compared to cooking on low heat.
It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken legs before serving. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the leg, avoiding the bone. Once the chicken legs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they are safe to eat.
By cooking chicken legs in a slow cooker at the proper temperature and cooking time, you can enjoy tender and delicious chicken legs with a rich gravy. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken legs and the heat setting of your slow cooker for the best results.
Serving the Chicken Legs with Gravy
Once the chicken legs are cooked to perfection in the slow cooker, it’s time to serve them with a rich and flavorful gravy. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal:
Step 1: Remove the Chicken Legs
Using a pair of tongs, carefully remove the chicken legs from the slow cooker and place them on a serving dish. Be sure to handle them with care, as they will be tender and fall-off-the-bone.
Step 2: Strain the Gravy
Pour the cooking liquid and vegetables from the slow cooker through a fine mesh strainer into a separate bowl. This will help remove any impurities and create a smooth gravy.
Step 3: Thicken the Gravy
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually pour in the strained cooking liquid while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper to suit your preferences. Pour the hot gravy over the chicken legs, making sure to cover them completely. Serve the chicken legs with gravy alongside your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy the juicy and tender chicken legs coated in a savory gravy. This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a comforting and delicious meal any day of the week!
Questions and answers
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken legs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken legs in this recipe. Chicken thighs will work just as well in a slow cooker and will turn out tender and delicious. Simply follow the same steps as mentioned in the recipe, but adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. Boneless chicken thighs usually cook faster than chicken legs, so you may need to reduce the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Just make sure to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer or by ensuring the chicken is no longer pink in the center before serving.
Can I cook the chicken legs without the gravy?
Yes, you can cook the chicken legs in a slow cooker without making the gravy. Simply omit the cornstarch and water slurry from the recipe as it is used to thicken the gravy. The chicken legs will still turn out moist and flavorful, even without the gravy. If you prefer a lighter dish or want to use the chicken legs in other recipes, you can cook them without the gravy. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as the absence of gravy might affect the overall moisture level of the dish. Enjoy your chicken legs as they are or use them in salads, sandwiches, or other recipes!
