Crock Pot Chicken Thighs

This Crock Pot Chicken Thighs and Gravy recipe for two comes together easily with simple pantry staples, giving you a juicy and flavorful meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dinner without a lot of hands on time. The rich gravy makes every bite extra satisfying and is great for soaking up with your favorite sides.

I first tried this during a hectic week when I had little time to cook and came back to the slow cooker full of aromatic chicken and gravy. Now my partner always asks for it on chilly evenings because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

• Bonein chicken thighs: add extra flavor and stay juicy choose thighs with skin on for best results
• Salt: enhances natural chicken flavor use fine salt for even seasoning
• Garlic powder: contributes subtle savory depth look for fresh aromatic garlic powder
• Onion powder: adds gentle sweetness and complexity pick a quality brand for fuller flavor
• Paprika: brings a smoky color and mild warmth Spanish smoked paprika is a good option
• Italian seasoning: blends herbs that lift the dish use freshly ground or a trusted mix
• Black pepper: provides slight heat and sharpness freshly ground is best
• Olive oil: for searing choose a good quality extra virgin for best taste
• Unsalted chicken stock: creates the gravy base unsalted helps control salt level
• Chicken gravy mix: thickens and flavors gravy find a trusted brand for rich taste
• Butter: enriches gravy and adds silkiness unsalted or salted depending on preference
• Cornstarch: thickening agent for gravy better than flour for smooth texture
• Water: used to make cornstarch slurry to thicken gravy evenly

Instructions

Season the Chicken Thighs:

Generously sprinkle salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and black pepper on both sides of the chicken thighs. This seasoning build creates a flavorful crust and layers of taste that bring the dish alive.

Sear the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat until hot. Add olive oil and sear the chicken thighs skin side down first until golden brown, about 5 to 10 minutes total. You are not cooking them through but forming a caramelized and flavorful crust that locks in juices.

Prepare the Slow Cooker:

Place the seared chicken thighs at the bottom of a 6 quart slow cooker. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the unsalted chicken stock and chicken gravy mix until fully combined and smooth.

Combine and Cook:

Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Then top the chicken with sliced butter pieces which will melt into the gravy and add richness. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Thicken the Gravy:

Remove the chicken thighs and set aside. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water to form a slurry. While whisking constantly, pour the slurry into the slow cooker and mix it into the cooking liquid. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the thickened gravy.

Final Cook and Serve:

Set the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the gravy fully. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the luscious gravy drizzled over everything.

I love how the chicken thighs stay tender and juicy thanks to the bone in cut. The searing step adds a depth of flavor I did not expect but appreciate every time. One chilly evening, my partner and I sat enjoying this with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans while watching the snow fall outside. It was simply perfect.

Storage Tips

Cool the chicken and gravy completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator and use within three days to maintain freshness and texture. For longer storage, freeze in freezersafe containers for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep chicken moist.

Ingredient Substitutions

Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used but expect slightly less flavor and texture. Chicken breasts work but adjust cooking time carefully to avoid drying out. If you prefer, lemon pepper seasoning can replace Italian seasoning and paprika for a different flavor twist. Use gluten free gravy mix if you need a gluten free version.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and gravy pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, buttered egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. Consider adding a side of steamed green beans or a crisp salad to balance richness. Don’t hesitate to scoop extra gravy on your sides the flavor is the highlight of the meal.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the rich gravy. This easy slow cooker meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can boneless chicken thighs be used instead?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs can work but bone-in offers more depth of flavor and a juicier texture.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables make excellent sides that soak up the flavorful gravy.

→ Is searing the chicken necessary?

Searing gives a golden crust and richer taste, enhancing the overall flavor, especially with skin-on thighs.

→ How long does it take to cook?

Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently in slow cooker or oven for best results.