Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy

Name: Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken thighs are slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-28T15:49:06.513Z

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in juicy chicken thighs that fall off the bone.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Tender and juicy chicken thighs with a rich gravy
Set it and forget it cooking method
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

      

The Benefits of Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is a fantastic method that allows flavors to develop and meld together beautifully. With this Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy recipe, you can come home to a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm embrace. The long cooking time ensures that the chicken becomes incredibly tender, making it easy to shred and combine with the rich gravy.

One of the greatest advantages of slow cooking is the convenience it offers. Simply prepare your ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic throughout the day. This hands-off approach not only saves you time but also makes it easier to juggle a busy schedule while still providing your family with a hearty meal.

Perfect Pairings

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve the chicken thighs and gravy over fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The gravy acts as a luscious sauce that enhances the flavors of your sides, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

If you're looking for a healthier option, consider serving the chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. This not only balances the richness of the dish but also adds a pop of color and nutrition to your meal, making it a well-rounded option for family dinners.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

One of the best things about this Simple Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs with Gravy recipe is that it makes excellent leftovers. After enjoying your meal, store any remaining chicken and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to have delicious, home-cooked food ready to go for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

When it comes to reheating, simply place the leftover chicken and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for a quick and easy meal. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this dish even on the busiest of days.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Chicken Thighs with Gravy

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting the cooking process for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Combine Ingredients

In the slow cooker, place the diced onion and minced garlic. Lay the seared chicken thighs on top. In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and dried thyme.

Pour the mixture over the chicken.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve

Once done, serve the chicken thighs with gravy over rice or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

For extra flavor, consider adding your favorite vegetables to the slow cooker.

About Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs are a popular choice for slow cooking due to their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This fat not only provides flavor but also helps keep the meat moist and tender during the cooking process. The skin-on, bone-in variety adds even more depth to the dish, as the bones release collagen that enriches the gravy.

Plus, chicken thighs are often more affordable than other cuts, making them a budget-friendly option for families. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just a cozy dinner for two, chicken thighs are a reliable choice that delivers delicious results every time.

Customizing Your Gravy

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. While the cream of mushroom soup adds a wonderful creaminess and flavor to the gravy, you can customize it based on your preferences. For a richer taste, try using a homemade roux or adding a splash of white wine to the broth mixture.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices as well. Rosemary, oregano, or even a hint of paprika can elevate the dish to new heights, making it uniquely yours. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors according to your taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce the cooking time slightly.

→ Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts as they can dry out.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken dish goes great with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.