Ah, the aroma of slow-cooked chicken and gravy wafting through the house. It's a scent that conjures up images of cozy evenings, family gatherings, and warm, comforting meals. And the best part? It's unbelievably easy to achieve! Today, I'm going to share my secret weapon for creating the most delicious crock pot chicken and gravy – a recipe that's so simple, even a beginner cook can master it. Get ready to ditch the stress of complicated cooking and embrace the joy of effortlessly whipping up a meal that's sure to impress everyone at the table.

Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy: A Flavorful Feast Made Easy

INGREDIENTS

For the Chicken:

• 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces


• 1 large onion, quartered


• 3-4 carrots, chopped


• 2 stalks celery, chopped


• 1 teaspoon salt


• 1 teaspoon black pepper


• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme


• 1/4 cup chicken broth

For the Gravy:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour


• 1 cup chicken broth


• 1/4 cup milk


• 1 tablespoon butter


• 1/4 teaspoon salt


• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Step 1: The Crock Pot Magic Begins

Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the onion, carrots, and celery around the chicken. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour in the 1/4 cup of chicken broth.

Step 2: Slow Cooking to Perfection

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The chicken should easily fall off the bone.

Step 3: Gravy Time!

While the chicken is cooking, get your gravy game on! In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour and 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in the milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Step 4: The Grand Finale

Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Transfer the shredded chicken back into the crock pot. Pour the gravy over the chicken, and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Serving Up Delight

Serve your Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Add a side of your favorite vegetables, and you're ready for a heartwarming, flavorful feast.

Tips & Tricks:

• For an extra flavor boost, add a bay leaf to the crock pot along with the chicken and vegetables.

• If you're not a fan of thick gravy, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or milk.

• Leftovers are a delicious treat! Simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Crock Pot Chicken & Gravy is the ultimate comfort food – perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekend meals. With its simplicity and mouthwatering results, it's no wonder this recipe is a family favorite. So go ahead, unleash your inner chef, and create a culinary masterpiece that will leave everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy!