Slow Cooker Sausage Gravy Smothered Chicken Thighs Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor, you can lightly sear the chicken thighs in a pan before placing them in the slow cooker, although this is optional.

If you choose to do this, ensure the chicken is only lightly browned, as the slow cooker will do the rest of the work. This extra step adds a nice layer of complexity to the final dish.

If you prefer a thinner gravy, you can stir in a small amount of chicken broth or milk right before serving to reach your desired consistency.

Be sure to heat the added liquid through before plating. This adjustment can be made based on personal preference and the specific brand of gravy used in the recipe.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Gravy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the gravy before cooking for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary along with the sage to create a more robust herbal profile that pairs exceptionally well with the chicken and creamy gravy.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of water or milk to adjust consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the chicken and gravy together in the refrigerator to keep the meat moist. When properly stored, the dish will remain fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 to 4 days.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead, as the flavors often improve after sitting in the refrigerator overnight.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate the entire unit overnight, then simply place it in the slow cooker base and start the cooking process the following day.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken thighs hot, topped with a generous amount of the sausage gravy. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. The creamy nature of the gravy makes it a very satisfying main course that stands well on its own.

Consider serving the chicken alongside steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad. The brightness of fresh vegetables provides a nice contrast to the richness of the sausage gravy.

Plating the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles is another excellent way to enjoy the extra sauce and make the meal even more filling.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sausage Gravy Smothered Chicken Thighs

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

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lb cooked breakfast sausage crumbles
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried sage
• 2 cups country gravy

Instructions

1. Place the raw boneless skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer. Scatter the cooked breakfast sausage crumbles over the chicken. Sprinkle the black pepper and dried sage evenly across the top of the sausage and chicken mixture.
2. Pour the country gravy over the chicken and sausage, ensuring it coats everything thoroughly. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set the slow cooker to cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and transfer them to a serving plate. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute. Spoon the warm sausage gravy from the slow cooker over the chicken before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

950 mg

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