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Close-up of juicy pan-seared chicken pieces with herbs and onions in a skillet, part of The Only Chicken Recipes Recipe You’ll Need (2025).

The Only Chicken Recipes Recipe You’ll Need (2025)

A flavorful and tender slow cooker chicken recipe with a rich gravy, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Broiling 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds dark meat chicken pieces drumsticks or a mix of drums and wings
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for seasoning
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp complete seasoning
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • 2 tbsp Italian dressing
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp adobo seasoning
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste for slow cooker
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or worcheshire sauce
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme
  • 4 tbsp butter
For the Gravy
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups strained gravy from slow cooker

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Baking pan
  • Skillet
  • Large bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, season the chicken with olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, complete seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, adobo seasoning, and Italian dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Top with garlic paste, hoisin sauce, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, scallions, 1 diced onion, sliced green bell pepper and butter.
  3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours. Do not add any liquid; the chicken will release its own juices.
  4. After 4 hours, carefully remove the chicken and transfer it to a baking pan.
  5. Strain the cooking liquid and set aside.
  6. In a skillet, add olive oil and sauté onions until soft, about 2 minutes.
  7. Add flour, mix well, and then slowly pour in the reserved liquid from the slow cooker.
  8. Mix well and bring to a simmer, about 5 minutes.
  9. Pour the gravy over the chicken in the baking pan. Broil on high for 5 minutes to caramelize the top.
  10. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

This recipe is designed for busy home cooks. The slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in tender chicken.

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