Tender Slow-Cooked Chicken Breast with Creamy Gravy
Nutritional value per serving
Calories350kcal
Carbs8gram
Fat10gram
Protein38gram
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (choose fresh with no discoloration and a firm texture)4 piece
- Low sodium chicken broth (pick a good quality, low-sodium brand for best flavor)2 cup
- Onion, finely chopped (choose firm and fresh, no soft spots)1 piece
- Garlic cloves, minced (use fresh garlic for best aroma and taste)2 piece
- Butter (unsalted is best to control salt level)2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour2 tbsp
- Salt1 tsp
- Black pepper, freshly ground0.5 tsp
- Dried thyme (optional, choose high quality for best flavor)1 tsp
- Water0.5 cup
This recipe teaches you how to make tender and juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection, served with a smooth, flavorful gravy. Slow cooking locks in moisture, making even lean chicken breasts soft and delicious. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 USD / 11 EUR / 9 GBP / 900 INR, and the dish contains about 350 calories per serving. This dish suits a balanced diet, is easy level in difficulty, and takes a total of 4 hours including prep and slow cooking time. It’s perfect for beginners and makes dinner stress-free! Food safety is emphasized, with clear guidance on safe internal temperatures for poultry at 75°C (165°F).
Preparation instructions
Prepare the chicken and ingredients
1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Chop the onion finely and mince garlic cloves. Use separate cutting boards for chicken and vegetables to prevent cross-contamination.
Season the chicken
2Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried thyme evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
Sear the chicken
3Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step helps lock flavor and color but chicken will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Add ingredients to slow cooker
4Place seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
Slow cook the chicken
5Cover slow cooker with lid and cook on low heat for 3 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking to keep temperature steady. After cooking, confirm chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 75°C (165°F) using a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear and meat no longer pink inside.
Prepare the gravy
6In a small saucepan, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Add broth to the gravy and thicken
7Slowly whisk in 0.5 cup water and 0.5 cup cooking liquid from the slow cooker (strain if needed). Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Serve
8Pour creamy gravy over the chicken breasts and serve warm. Enjoy your tender slow-cooked chicken with delicious homemade gravy!
Cooking Tips
1Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature; this ensures it’s safe to eat and prevents overcooking.
2Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to keep the temperature consistent and chicken moist.
3If you prefer thicker gravy, add more flour or reduce liquid longer over heat while stirring.
4You can substitute dried thyme with dried rosemary or oregano for a different flavor profile.
5Use fresh garlic and onions for the best aroma and flavor in your gravy.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Meat thermometer
- Large skillet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~$6): Choose fresh, firm breasts without any discoloration or smell.
- [ ] Low sodium chicken broth 500ml (~$2): Pick a good quality brand with low sodium for better flavor control.
- [ ] Onion (~$0.5): Look for firm, unblemished onions.
- [ ] Garlic bulb (~$0.5): Fresh garlic cloves provide best aroma and taste.
- [ ] Unsalted butter (~$1): Controls salt levels in the dish.
- [ ] All-purpose flour (~$0.5): Check freshness and no lumps.
- [ ] Salt and black pepper (pantry staples or ~$1 total): Freshly ground pepper is best.
- [ ] Dried thyme (~$0.5, optional): Choose high quality dried herbs.
Total approximate cost: $12
Tips: Choose organic or free-range chicken if available for better taste and quality. Always check expiration dates on broth and dairy products.
FAQ
Can I cook this recipe on high heat in the slow cooker?
Yes, but cooking on high will reduce the cooking time to about 1.5 to 2 hours. However, low and slow cooking helps keep the chicken juicier and more tender.
How can I tell my chicken is fully cooked without a thermometer?
Cut into the thickest part of the chicken. It should be completely white or opaque with no pink meat. The juices should run clear. However, using a meat thermometer is the safest method.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs are great in slow cookers and will stay very moist. Adjust seasoning to your taste. Cooking time is similar.
How do I prevent cross-contamination when handling raw chicken?
Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching raw chicken. Clean all surfaces and tools with hot soapy water.