Slow Cooked Chicken with Savory Gravy: A Comforting Meal Made Easy

Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. You can also add a little extra garlic powder for more flavor if you like.

Sear the Chicken (Optional):
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the dish. Once seared, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Add the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

Slow Cook the Chicken:
Pour the onion, garlic, and broth mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Make the Gravy:
About 30 minutes before the chicken is ready, make the gravy. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk or heavy cream, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Cook, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Pour the gravy over the chicken or serve it on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. For an extra touch, serve the chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.

Serving and Storage Tips: