Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dinner that practically makes itself, you are going to want to bookmark this **Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe**. I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to a meal that tastes like you’ve been simmering flavors for hours on the stove. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend afternoon, this recipe is always a winner in my kitchen — and I promise you’ll feel the same!
Why This Recipe Works
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: You can literally throw all the ingredients into the crockpot and focus on your day, while the magic happens slowly and surely.
- Tender, juicy chicken thighs: These stay moist and flavorful, unlike some leaner cuts that dry out in long cooking.
- Balanced, savory sauce: The au jus and chicken gravy mixes blend perfectly with garlic and onion powder for rich, comforting flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.
- Veggies that soak up flavor: Carrots, celery, and onion meld into the sauce, making every bite deeply satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each component in this Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe plays a special role, creating a harmonious blend of savory flavors and tender textures. Plus, you won’t have to chase down any exotic ingredients — chances are you already have most of these in your pantry.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I swear by thighs for crockpot recipes because they stay juicy and tender even after hours of slow cooking.
- Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color that brightens up the plate.
- Celery: Adds a fresh, aromatic base that rounds out the flavor.
- Onion: I prefer slicing it thick so that it softens but still adds bursts of flavor and texture.
- Chicken stock: This is your cooking liquid that infuses everything — homemade or good-quality store-bought works great.
- Au jus mix: Provides that rich, beefy depth to the sauce without needing actual beef broth.
- Chicken gravy mix: Thickens the sauce for a luscious finish and layers in even more savory goodness.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples give consistent, mellow flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked if you can—the little kick helps balance the richness.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I adore about this Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe is how flexible it is — you can easily make it your own without losing its soul. I often tweak the herbs and veggies depending on mood or what’s in the fridge, and it always turns out fantastic.
- Variation: If I want a little more earthiness, I add a handful of sliced mushrooms for that cozy umami vibe. My family loved it!
- Herb swaps: Sometimes, I sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary on top for extra aroma — it’s like a mini flavor upgrade without any fuss.
- Make it spicy: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes goes a long way if you like a subtle warmth against the rich sauce.
- Low sodium: Feel free to use a low-sodium chicken stock and reduce the gravy mixes slightly to control salt levels for health-conscious meals.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Start by adding your chicken thighs directly into the crockpot. I like to place the veggies right on top — the carrots, celery, and sliced onion — so the flavors mingle beautifully as they cook. Don’t worry about browning the chicken beforehand; the slow cooker does the job for you by sealing in all that yumminess.
Step 2: Whisk the Flavor-Packed Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together your chicken stock, au jus mix, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth. This sauce is the secret glue that ties everything together, making each bite downright irresistible. Pour it evenly over the chicken and veggies, covering them in that savory goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the crockpot and set it to low for about 6 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, high for roughly 4 hours. You want everything tender and cozy — chicken that pulls apart with a fork, veggies softened but not mushy, and a sauce that’s thickened beautifully. Resist the temptation to peek too often; slow cookers lose heat when opened, which can lengthen cooking time.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy (or just want a pop of color), sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving. It’s such a simple touch that makes the dish look like you put in a little extra effort — even if you really just let your crockpot do the heavy lifting.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe
- Choose Thighs for Moisture: Chicken thighs hold up better than breast meat in slow cooking and stay juicy all day long.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce Whisk: Whisking the dry mixes into the stock first ensures a smooth, lump-free gravy sauce.
- Veggie Sizes Matter: Cut your carrots and celery into medium slices so they soften evenly without turning to mush.
- Avoid Opening the Lid: Every time you lift the crockpot lid, heat escapes and can add 20-30 minutes to the cook time.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Honestly, I keep it simple with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Sometimes, I add a few lemon wedges on the side if I want a little tangy brightness to cut through the rich sauce. It’s those little touches that lift the dish from comforting to memorable.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. Roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad bring some lightness and texture contrast. And if you want to get cozy, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are my go-to—because bread + gravy = instant happiness!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve the pot roast right in the slow cooker to keep it warm and inviting at the table. Another fun trick I’ve tried is plating individual dishes with a small ramekin of extra sauce on the side for dipping. It makes everyone feel like they’re getting something restaurant-worthy, but without the fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and it keeps perfectly for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, so it’s one of those meals that tastes great reheated.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for later, just cool the pot roast completely and portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months, which has saved me more than once when life gets busy.
Reheating
Reheating is best done gently—either in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock to loosen the sauce or warmed slowly in a saucepan on the stove. This helps keep the chicken tender and prevents the sauce from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe?
You can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out when cooked for long periods in a crockpot. If you prefer breasts, I recommend cutting the cooking time down or adding extra moisture like broth or even a splash of cream to keep them from getting tough.
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Can I add potatoes directly to the crockpot?
Yes! Small to medium diced potatoes can be added with the other veggies, but keep in mind they will absorb a lot of the sauce. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best because they hold their shape well when slow-cooked.
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Is it necessary to whisk the au jus and gravy mixes into the chicken stock first?
Whisking them first ensures your sauce is smooth and free of lumps. If you pour the dry mixes straight onto the chicken and veggies, they might clump or settle unevenly, leading to inconsistent flavor.
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How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin after cooking?
If the sauce is thinner than you like, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce. Turn your crockpot to high and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate to me. It’s the kind of meal that makes your house smell amazing while you’re out running errands, and coming home to it is pure comfort. The beauty is in its simplicity and how adaptable it is to what you have on hand. If you’re ready for a meal that’s both fuss-free and packed with heart, do yourself a favor and give this recipe a try. You’ll thank yourself later, trust me!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy Crockpot Chicken Pot Roast featuring tender boneless chicken thighs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, and onion in a flavorful sauce made from chicken stock, au jus mix, and chicken gravy mix. Perfect for a warm, hearty meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 1 onion sliced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Add the chicken thighs, sliced carrots, celery, and onion directly into the slow cooker.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, au jus mix, chicken gravy mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.
- Serve: Dish up the chicken pot roast and serve warm as a comforting meal.
Notes
- For more flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aroma.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding salt if needed since au jus and gravy mixes can be salty.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
