Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy

Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy: A Comforting Delight

  Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy is a comfort food classic that embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. This dish features tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich and velvety gravy, all slowly simmered to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you crave a hearty, comforting meal without the fuss. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating this soul-soothing dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Gravy:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Season and Sear the Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried sage, and dried parsley to create a seasoning mix.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning mix.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker.

Prepare the Gravy: 5. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

6. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the roux turns a light golden color.
7. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth gravy.
8. Pour the gravy over the seared chicken in the slow cooker.

Slow Cook to Perfection: 9. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

10. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream to the gravy, allowing it to meld with the flavors.

Serve and Garnish: 11. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, season the gravy with additional salt and black pepper to taste.

12. Serve the Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
13. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Enjoy the Comfort: 14. Dive into this comforting dish, savoring the tender chicken and velvety gravy that fill your senses with warmth and satisfaction.

Cook’s Notes:

• For a richer flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
• Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more or less flour to your roux.
• Customize the seasoning blend to your preference by including herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for an equally delicious meal the next day.

 Slow-Cooked Chicken & Gravy is a testament to the comforting power of home-cooked meals. With tender chicken bathed in a rich and velvety gravy, it’s a dish that warms your heart and soul with every bite. So, savor the simplicity and the soul-soothing qualities of this classic recipe, and let it transport you to a place where comfort and culinary delight converge in a symphony of flavors.