Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Enjoy tender and flavorful chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy with minimal effort.

Eden Clarke

Created by

Eden Clarke

Last updated on 2025-12-30T00:01:15.110Z

This recipe for Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender as they cook slowly, absorbing the flavors of the gravy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless preparation with a delicious outcome
  • Tender chicken that falls off the bone
  • Rich, flavorful gravy that pairs perfectly with rice or mashed potatoes

Perfect for Any Meal

These Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy are a versatile dish that can easily fit into any meal plan. Whether you're preparing a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is perfect. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meal cooks to perfection.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its adaptability. You can serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, making it a comforting option that appeals to everyone. Plus, the rich gravy ensures that each bite is bursting with flavor, making for an unforgettable meal.

A Time-Saver in the Kitchen

One of the standout features of this recipe is its effortless preparation. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal active cooking time, you can prepare a hearty meal that leaves your kitchen smelling amazing. Simply season the chicken, add it to the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. This is especially beneficial for busy individuals or families who want to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Using a slow cooker not only saves time but also enhances the flavors of the dish. The chicken thighs become incredibly tender as they cook low and slow, allowing the spices and broth to infuse deeply into the meat. This results in a dish that is not only easy to make but also deliciously satisfying.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure that your chicken thighs come out perfectly every time, consider using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This cut of meat is not only more flavorful but also remains moist during the slow cooking process. If you're looking to reduce fat, you can always remove the skin before serving, but cooking with the skin on adds richness to the gravy.

For added depth of flavor, you can include vegetables such as carrots, onions, or celery in the slow cooker with the chicken. These ingredients will not only enhance the taste but also create a more complete meal. Just chop them up and layer them under the chicken before adding the broth.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet of gravy mix

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.

Add to Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.

Mix the Gravy

In a small bowl, mix the gravy mix with a little water to create a smooth paste. Pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Serve

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve with the gravy over rice or mashed potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy, the options are endless. Pair this dish with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious gravy. For a healthier twist, consider serving it over steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the gravy.

Don’t forget about the sides! A crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up any leftover gravy. You could also add a side of green beans or sautéed spinach to add color and nutrition to your plate.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores beautifully! Allow the chicken and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to label the container with the date for reference.

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to get it back to the desired consistency.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the cooking time to about 4 hours on low.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

→ Is the gravy gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free gravy mix, then yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free.

Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy

Enjoy tender and flavorful chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a rich, savory gravy with minimal effort.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 10 minutes

Created by: Eden Clarke

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken Thighs

  1. 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  2. 1 teaspoon salt
  3. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1 cup chicken broth
  7. 1 packet of gravy mix

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.

Step 02

Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix the gravy mix with a little water to create a smooth paste. Pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 05

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and serve with the gravy over rice or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 25g