1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Slow Cooker
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.
- Add the Liquid:
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Slow Cook:
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Alternatively, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Make the Gravy
- Remove and Keep Warm:
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside. Keep them warm by covering with foil.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- To the remaining liquid in the slow cooker, add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir well. Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly to thicken the gravy. If the gravy is too thin, you can repeat with additional cornstarch slurry until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a bit more chicken broth.
5. Serve
- Plate the Chicken:
- Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and spoon the gravy over the top. Allow the chicken to sit in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb some of the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates and generously pour the gravy over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, to soak up that delicious gravy.
Tips for Success
- Browning the Chicken: For an extra depth of flavor, you can brown the chicken breasts in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but recommended.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add other herbs like sage or tarragon to the seasoning mix. A splash of white wine in the gravy can also elevate the dish.
- Thickening the Gravy: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, a bit of extra broth will loosen it up.
This Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts with Gravy is a comforting and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again. Enjoy!