Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the seared chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
- Saute the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
- Make the gravy base: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly golden brown. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Pour the onion and broth mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Add the dried thyme and rosemary, and give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Make the gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Finish the gravy: Stir in the heavy cream and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the gravy is thickened and creamy.
- Serve: Once the gravy is thickened to your liking, ladle the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the slow cooker chicken and gravy hot, and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the gravy base before adding the chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices, such as paprika, thyme, or parsley, to the gravy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion: This slow cooker chicken and gravy recipe is a must-try for any comfort food lover. With its tender chicken, flavorful gravy, and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your crockpot and give this delicious dish a try today!