This is one of those cozy, no-fuss dinners that fills your kitchen with the best smell and tastes like you spent all day making it—when really, your crockpot did all the work.
Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Gravy is pure comfort food.
Juicy, fall-apart chicken thighs, rich, savory gravy, and all the flavors soak together while it cooks low and slow. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty but don’t want to think too hard about dinner. I grew up eating something just like this—my mom used to make it with mashed potatoes, and the smell alone would bring everyone to the kitchen.
- You can use pantry staples—no fancy stuff here
- The gravy makes itself right in the pot
- It’s a “set it and forget it” type of meal
- Makes the house smell incredible while it cooks
- Tastes even better the next day
Makes: 6 servings
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 4 hours, 10 minutes (on low)
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (0.87 oz) chicken gravy mix
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tips
- Brown the chicken first – It adds great flavor to the final dish.
- Use low-sodium broth – The gravy mix has salt, so this keeps it from getting too salty.
- Don’t skip the onion – It melts into the gravy and gives tons of depth.
- Want thicker gravy? – Add a bit more cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Add veggies if you want – Carrots or mushrooms go great in this.
Tools Needed
- Black oval crockpot
- Large skillet or sauté pan (optional, for browning)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Substitutions and Variations
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor (just remove the bones before serving)
- Swap in cream of chicken soup instead of the broth and gravy mix for a creamier version
- Add sliced mushrooms or baby carrots right into the crockpot
- Use turkey thighs if you have them—works the same way
Make Ahead Tips
- Dice the onion and garlic and store in the fridge a day ahead
- Mix the seasonings and keep them in a small container to save time
- You can brown the chicken the night before and store it covered in the fridge
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Rub 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken (optional but tasty)
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken thighs for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown (they don’t need to be cooked through). Then place them in the crockpot.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Sprinkle 1 diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 4: Add Broth and Gravy Mix
Pour in 1 ½ cups chicken broth and sprinkle in 1 packet of chicken gravy mix over the top. Gently stir to combine, but don’t disturb the chicken too much.
Step 5: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through.
Step 6: Thicken the Gravy
Once cooked, whisk together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Stir it into the crockpot. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes, until the gravy thickens.
Step 7: Shred Chicken and Serve
Gently shred the chicken with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir to mix with the thickened gravy. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth
- Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months
- Great for meal prep over rice or mashed potatoes
Macros Information (per serving – 6 servings total)
Note: All macros are estimated and may vary slightly depending on brands used.
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Chicken thighs are naturally higher in fat than breasts, which helps them stay moist during long, slow cooking. The gravy mix contains thickeners and seasonings that combine with the broth to create a rich, flavorful sauce as it cooks. The cornstarch slurry at the end ensures a silky, clingy gravy that’s just thick enough to coat every bite.
Common Mistakes
- Using too much salt – The gravy mix already has salt, so stick to the listed amount
- Skipping the sear – It’s optional, but it adds tons of flavor
- Not stirring in the slurry well – If not mixed, the gravy won’t thicken properly
- Overcooking – Even in a crockpot, too long can dry out the meat
What to Serve With
- Mashed potatoes (classic pairing)
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
- Egg noodles or buttered pasta
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- Buttery dinner rolls
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but they may dry out more easily. Keep an eye on cooking time.
Can I make this without the gravy packet?
You can! Use 2 tablespoons of flour and add your own seasoning, but the packet makes it quick and tasty.
Can I cook this on the stovetop or oven?
It’s designed for crockpot, but you could simmer it gently on the stove with a lid, stirring often.
Does it freeze well?
Yes! Freeze the shredded chicken and gravy in portions for easy reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Thighs and Gravy recipe is like a big cozy hug in a bowl. It’s simple, satisfying, and just hits the spot every time. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, it’s one of those go-to meals that never disappoints. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment and let me know how it went or if you have any questions!