Discover the Best Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy!

Busy weeknights call for simple, fuss-free recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enter the ultimate easy crockpot meal: Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy. This delicious dish lets your slow cooker do the work, resulting in tender, juicy chicken and a rich, velvety gravy that the whole family will love.

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The Beauty of Crockpot Cooking

The beauty of crockpot cooking lies in its convenience and hands-off approach. By tossing a few ingredients into the slow cooker and letting it work its magic, you can come home to a fully cooked, flavorful meal without the hassle of constant monitoring or extensive preparation. This Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy recipe is the perfect example of how the crockpot can transform humble ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish.

Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy

To make this delectable dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

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)

How to Make 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. This layering of flavors will ensure your Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy are anything but bland.

Optional Browning Step

For an extra layer of flavor, you can opt to brown the chicken thighs before adding them to the crockpot. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes before transferring to the slow cooker.

Prepare the Crockpot

Place the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your crockpot. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top, then pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Cook the Chicken

Cover the crockpot and cook the Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy 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 (or half-and-half) until smooth. Pour this mixture into the crockpot, stirring well to combine. Add the Dijon mustard, if using, for an extra flavor boost. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.

Finish the Dish

Return the chicken thighs to the crockpot, spooning some of the creamy gravy over them. Let the dish warm through for another 5 minutes, then serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Tips and Variations

For perfectly cooked Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy, be sure not to overcook the chicken. Boneless, skinless thighs may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile, such as rosemary, thyme, or even a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.

If you prefer a lighter gravy, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Serve the Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy (1 chicken thigh and 1/4 cup of gravy) contains approximately 380 calories, 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 8g of carbohydrates. Chicken thighs are a flavorful and budget-friendly cut of meat that is high in protein and nutrients. The creamy gravy adds richness, but you can opt for a lighter version using half-and-half or low-fat milk to reduce the overall calorie and fat content.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
• Crockpot Chicken and Rice
• Easy Chicken Paprikash

FAQs

How do you cook chicken gravy in a slow cooker?

To make the creamy gravy for this Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy recipe, simply whisk together the flour and heavy cream (or half-and-half) in a small bowl, then pour the mixture into the crockpot with the chicken juices. 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 Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy recipe, the chicken thighs should be cooked on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Boneless, skinless thighs may cook a bit faster, so be sure to check on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What to serve with crockpot chicken?

The Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables. The rich, creamy gravy complements these classic side dishes perfectly, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.

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

For the Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy recipe, the chicken thighs should be cooked on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Conclusion

The Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs with Creamy Gravy is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, you can enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the hassle. The tender chicken and velvety gravy are sure to become a new family favorite. Give this easy crockpot recipe a try and let your slow cooker do the work for you!

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