Slow Cooker Au Jus Chicken Thighs with Onions Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can briefly sear the chicken thighs in a pan before placing them in the slow cooker, though this is optional. If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce a glossy, restaurant-style finish. Always adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper only after the dish is finished, as the au jus mix can be quite salty on its own.

If you find the sauce is too thin at the end of the cooking time, you can remove the chicken and onions, then set the slow cooker to the highest setting or pour the liquid into a saucepan and simmer it until it reduces to your desired consistency. This simple step intensifies the savory notes of the beef broth and seasoning. Serving the dish immediately after the resting period ensures the chicken remains at its peak tenderness and the gravy stays hot and flavorful for your guests.

Variations

• Mushroom Au Jus Chicken: Add one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms during the first phase of cooking. The earthy flavor of the mushrooms complements the beef broth and onion base perfectly, adding another layer of texture to the dish.
• Garlic Herb Chicken: Incorporate three cloves of minced garlic and a sprig of fresh thyme into the slow cooker at the beginning. This variation adds a bright, aromatic quality that lifts the deep savory notes of the au jus.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the food cools down to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or use a microwave-safe dish in short intervals.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container once they have cooled to room temperature, which should take no more than 2 hours. Placing the container directly into the refrigerator will keep the chicken safe for up to 3 days.

When storing, try to keep the chicken submerged in the gravy to prevent it from drying out. If you anticipate having leftovers, portion them into individual containers before refrigerating to make future meals easier to manage and reheat without needing to handle the entire batch at once.

You can prepare the onion and measure the ingredients ahead of time to streamline the process. The raw chicken and onions can be placed in the slow cooker insert and kept in the refrigerator for a few hours before turning the machine on.

However, do not add the liquid or seasoning until you are ready to start cooking to ensure the best texture. This method is perfect for busy mornings when you want to start the dinner preparation quickly without any last-minute chopping or measuring.

Serving ideas

This dish is exceptionally versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic comfort meal, serve the chicken thighs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles, which are excellent at absorbing the savory au jus gravy.

Alternatively, serve it alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad to add texture and freshness to the meal. The savory nature of the gravy makes it a fantastic accompaniment to simple grains like rice or quinoa, which provide a neutral base for the rich, concentrated flavors of the sauce.

When plating, spoon a generous amount of the onions and gravy over each piece of chicken to ensure the dish stays moist and flavorful. You can garnish with a touch of fresh parsley or chives if you want to add a pop of color, though the dish is delicious on its own.

For a heartier meal, consider serving a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side to ensure none of the delicious gravy goes to waste. The balance of the tender meat and the softened onions makes this a satisfying and elegant dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Au Jus Chicken Thighs with Onions

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into half-moons
• 1 packet au jus seasoning mix
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the raw boneless skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Scatter the sliced onions evenly over the chicken pieces to ensure they are distributed throughout the vessel.
2. Sprinkle the au jus seasoning mix evenly over the chicken and onions. Pour the beef broth over the entire mixture, ensuring the seasoning is well incorporated into the liquid.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before plating with the onion and gravy.

Contains: gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.