Slow Cooked Chicken Gravy is a dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, making it a beloved staple in many households. As I prepare this comforting recipe, I cant help but think of the rich history behind it. Originating from various culinary traditions, gravies have been a way to elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken.
People adore Slow Cooked Chicken Gravy not just for its delightful taste and velvety texture, but also for its convenience. With minimal prep time, this dish can simmer away while you attend to other tasks, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks is simply irresistible, drawing everyone in and setting the stage for a memorable meal. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that promises to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. I like to rub the spices into the chicken to ensure they are well-coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor to the chicken.
- Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Dont worry about cooking it through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Preparing the Gravy Base
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they are translucent and fragrant. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; this adds even more flavor to the gravy.
- Add the minced garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for about 5 minutes.
- After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the heavy cream. This will give the gravy a rich and creamy texture.
Slow Cooking the Chicken
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spaced out.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. If you want a thicker gravy, you can mix the cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker at this point.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more tender the chicken will become.
Finishing Touches
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. It should be incredibly tender and easy to shred. You can use two forks to shred the chicken if you prefer a pulled chicken texture.
- If you want to thicken the gravy further, you can transfer the gravy to a saucepan and simmer it on the stove for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender to blend the gravy until smooth.
- Return the shredded chicken to the gravy in the slow cooker, stirring to combine everything well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the slow-cooked chicken gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. The creamy gravy pairs beautifully with these sides.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- For a complete meal, consider serving with steamed vegetables or a side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage and Reheating
- If you have leftovers, let the chicken gravy cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-
Conclusion:
In summary, this Slow Cooked Chicken Gravy recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their mealtime experience. The tender chicken, infused with rich flavors and served in a luscious gravy, creates a comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even alongside a warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious gravy. Feel free to get creative with variationsadd in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist, or toss in a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to brighten the flavors. You can also switch up the protein by using turkey or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Slow Cooked Chicken Gravy a try. I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Once youve made it, Id love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Lets spread the love for this comforting dish together! PrintSlow Cooked Chicken Gravy: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy slow-cooked chicken gravy features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce, making it a comforting meal perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Easy to prepare, it’s a satisfying dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary, rubbing the spices into the chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream.
- Transfer seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker and pour the gravy mixture over them. If desired, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred if desired.
- To thicken gravy, transfer to a saucepan and simmer or use an immersion blender.
- Return shredded chicken to the gravy, stir, and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles, garnished with parsley. Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with coconut aminos.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if using low-sodium broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
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