Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken thighs with hearty vegetables in a rich, savory gravy. This easy slow cooker recipe ensures juicy, fall-apart chicken and perfectly cooked veggies with minimal effort, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast
This dish is a must-try for many reasons:
- Effortless preparation with minimal hands-on time
- Juicy and tender chicken thighs cooked low and slow
- A savory gravy that infuses every bite with flavor
- A perfect combination of hearty vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions
- Ideal for making ahead and meal prep convenience
- Comfort food that satisfies the whole family
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 (1-ounce) envelope au jus mix
- 1 (1-ounce) envelope chicken gravy mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the sliced carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Lay the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, au jus mix, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast
Serving this pot roast is all about complementing its hearty flavors and cozy textures. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve the chicken and vegetables with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up the savory gravy.
- Accompany with a fresh green salad or steamed green beans for a touch of color and crunch.
- For a wholesome meal, add crusty bread or warm garlic rolls to mop up the flavorful juices.
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes; try something inspired by Mediterranean Roasted Potato Chicken Thighs for a vibrant side.
- Consider serving with a honey BBQ chicken side for a contrast of sweet and savory flavors on the table.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast
Proper storage will keep your pot roast delicious for days:
- Allow the pot roast to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days for the best taste and safety.
- For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm gently on the stove or microwave to maintain juiciness without drying out.
- Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to refresh the gravy’s texture.
Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast
Enhance the flavors and texture of your pot roast with these tips:
- Sear the chicken thighs before adding to the crockpot for deeper flavor and a richer color.
- Cut vegetables evenly so they cook uniformly and finish tender at the same time.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the crockpot near the end of cooking.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can be added for aromatic notes.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist and tender; set the timer for the recommended cooking times.
- Use bone-in thighs for added flavor; boneless works best if you plan to shred the chicken.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast
Customize the dish to suit your taste and preferences by trying these variations:
- Add mushrooms to the vegetable mix for earthiness and extra texture.
- Swap chicken broth for beef broth for a deeper, richer gravy base.
- Incorporate potatoes like baby red potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
- Replace thyme and parsley with oregano or basil for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs and crisp the skin under the broiler after slow cooking for a golden finish.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but you can use chicken breasts; just reduce cooking time and monitor closely to prevent drying out. - Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Searing is optional but recommended for added flavor and better texture. - How do I thicken the pot roast gravy?
Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. - Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients the day before and refrigerate. Cook in the crockpot when ready or reheat leftovers gently.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast is a cozy, flavorful, and effortless meal perfect for comforting dinners. Its tender chicken, rich gravy, and hearty vegetables come together beautifully, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and variations.
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Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Thigh Pot Roast delivers tender, juicy chicken thighs with hearty vegetables in a rich, savory gravy – perfect for effortless family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 (1-oz) envelope au jus mix
- 1 (1-oz) envelope chicken gravy mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Place sliced carrots, celery, and onion in bottom of crockpot.
2. Lay chicken thighs on top of vegetables.
3. Whisk together chicken stock, au jus mix, gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.
4. Pour gravy mixture evenly over chicken and vegetables.
5. Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours or HIGH 4 hours until chicken is tender.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For richer flavor, sear chicken thighs before adding to crockpot.
Make a cornstarch slurry to thicken gravy during last 30 minutes.
Bone-in thighs add extra flavor but increase cooking time slightly.
Perfect for meal prep – freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Pair with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 165mg