NOMNOMPALEO Slow Cooker Roast Chicken and Gravy
Try this NOMNOMPALEO Slow Cooker Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe.
Try this NOMNOMPALEO Slow Cooker Roast Chicken and Gravy recipe.
- kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper
- 4-5 pound organic kosher chicken (i prefer the taste of the
- 2 tablespoons of ghee
- 2 onions, chopped medium (or 2 cups of your favorite
- 6 cloves of garlic peeled
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste (you can use up to a tablespoon to ad
- 1/4 up chicken stock
- 1/4 cup white wine (replace with 1/4 cup extra chicken sto
- sunny paris seasoning (or your favorite seasoning)
- Carbohydrate 6.12092625 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0985575 g
- Fiber 0.447562482833862 g
- Protein 1.17354375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0185925 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (19g)
- Sodium 154.3317 mg
- Sugar 5.67336376716614 g
- Trans Fat 0.0275475 g
- Calories 27 calories
Step-by-step
- Gather and chop up your veggies
- Melt the ghee in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic (I threw in some scallions, too)
- Add the tomato paste
- The aromatics should be softened and lightly browned after 8-10 minutes. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste
- Then, deglaze the pan with the wine and/or chicken stock, and transfer everything to your slow cooker.
- Dry off the bird and season it well – inside and out – with salt, pepper, and your favorite poultry seasoning.
- Place the chicken breast side down in the slow cooker, put on the cover, and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- When the chicken’s finished cooking take it out of the slow cooker and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- De-fat the braising sauce…check for seasoning, and blend it with an immersion blender to make a delicious gravy
My Simple Weeknight Slow Cooker Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, soccer practice, and the ever-present mountain of laundry, a quick and satisfying meal is a lifeline. That's where my trusty slow cooker steps in. It's become my secret weapon for transforming humble ingredients into flavorful feasts with minimal effort. This slow cooker roast chicken and gravy recipe is a perfect example – it's elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a Tuesday night.
The Beauty of Slow Cooking
I love slow cookers for their simplicity and versatility. You simply toss in your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it! The long, low cooking time tenderizes the chicken beautifully, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful meat. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the sautéed vegetables and herbs, creating a rich, savory gravy that's simply divine. It's a one-pot wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. This recipe is incredibly adaptable too – feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. I often add a touch of rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of complexity.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe lies in the initial sautéing of the vegetables. This step builds a deep, complex flavor foundation for the entire dish. The caramelized onions and garlic add a sweetness and richness that perfectly complements the savory chicken. The addition of tomato paste adds a subtle depth and helps thicken the gravy naturally. The deglazing with wine (or extra chicken stock for a non-alcoholic option) captures all those delicious browned bits from the pan, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker roast chicken and gravy is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic served over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a bed of fluffy rice. I often pair it with a simple side salad to balance out the richness of the chicken and gravy. The leftovers are equally delicious, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy days. I sometimes shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches or salads for a quick lunch.
A Few Tips for Success
Choose a quality chicken: Opt for a free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor and texture. A 4-5 pound chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space in your slow cooker for the chicken and vegetables. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
Adjust cooking time as needed: Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken. Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe 165°F before serving.
Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique version of this dish.
Embrace the simplicity: Slow cooking is all about embracing simplicity and letting the flavors meld together. Don't be afraid to relax and let your slow cooker do the work.
This slow cooker roast chicken and gravy recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple cooking. It’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and flavor to my table, and I hope it does the same for yours. Enjoy!
