This dish features juicy chicken thighs cooked slowly in a rich and creamy gravy. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes!
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Plus, the smell wafting through the house is just irresistible! 🍗❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star here! They become super tender and flavorful. If you prefer, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts can work, but they might not be as juicy.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the gravy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is best for flavor, but store-bought works great too. If you want to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium broth.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan gives that extra flavor boost. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Herbs: Thyme or rosemary complements the dish beautifully. Feel free to use fresh herbs or whatever you have on hand!
How Do I Get the Gravy to Be Thick and Creamy?
Thickening the gravy is a key step. After cooking the chicken, here’s how to make it perfect:
- In a small bowl, combine heavy cream and flour until smooth. This ensures there are no lumps when you add it to the gravy.
- Stir the cream mixture into the crockpot with the cooking juices, mixing well to incorporate everything.
- Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring now and then. This will allow the gravy to thicken up nicely.
Don’t rush this step; letting it cook a bit longer makes a big difference in texture!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs With Creamy Gravy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Gravy:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Flavor:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high) for cooking. You’ll want to set aside an additional 30 minutes at the end to thicken the gravy. In total, about 6.5 hours if on low, or 3.5 hours on high!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step enhances the flavor beautifully!
2. Browning the Chicken (Optional):
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and brown for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and brown the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes. (This step adds great flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a hurry!)
3. Preparing the Crockpot:
In the bottom of the crockpot, place the chopped onions and minced garlic. Then, lay the browned chicken thighs on top.
4. Adding the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth around the thighs, ensuring they are well-covered. If you’re using thyme or rosemary, sprinkle them on top now.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Preparing the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, take the chicken thighs out of the crockpot and set them aside, keeping them warm.
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth—this will help prevent lumps in your gravy.
7. Thicken the Gravy:
Pour the cream mixture into the crockpot juices and stir well. If you like, add the Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens up nicely.
8. Serving:
Return the chicken thighs to the crockpot, spooning some gravy over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot with fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, or warm crusty bread to soak up that creamy gravy. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Happy cooking! 🍽️
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Thighs With Creamy Gravy
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work! Just reduce the cooking time slightly to around 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high, as boneless meat cooks faster.
Is There a Dairy-Free Alternative for the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative like almond or cashew cream. Just make sure to stir it in well to combine.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the gravy from getting too thick.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and gravy! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
