My Amish neighbor gave me this 3-ingredient secret for Sunday dinner. Just toss everything in and let it simmer until the meat falls off the bone in a rich, peppery gravy.

There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker meal that asks so little of you and gives back so much by suppertime. This Amish-style black pepper chicken is the kind of plain, practical dish that feels right at home on a Sunday table, with tender chicken simmered down into a rich, peppery gravy that tastes like it took far more effort than it did. It leans on simple pantry staples and honest cooking, which is just the sort of kitchen wisdom that has been passed around in rural communities for generations.

Serve this chicken over a pile of mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice so none of that dark, savory gravy goes to waste. A side of green beans, sweet corn, or glazed carrots fits beautifully, and if you have a basket of warm biscuits or homemade bread on the table, you will have a full supper that feels made for lingering over.

Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Amish Black Pepper Chicken

Servings: 6

Slow cooker Amish black pepper chicken in a black slow cooker

Ingredients

2 1/2 to 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 packet dry brown gravy mix
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup water

Chicken thighs, butter, gravy mix, and black pepper on a kitchen table

Directions

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker crock if you like easier cleanup, then arrange the chicken thighs in an even layer inside.

Raw chicken thighs arranged in a black slow cooker

2. In a small bowl, stir together the dry brown gravy mix, melted butter, black pepper, and water until combined.

Peppery gravy mixture being stirred in a small bowl

3. Pour the peppery gravy mixture over the chicken, making sure the thighs are well coated.

Gravy mixture poured over chicken thighs in the slow cooker

4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.

Cooked black pepper chicken tender in the slow cooker

5. Spoon some of the gravy over the top before serving, and if you want an extra smooth sauce, gently stir the gravy in the crock before plating.

Plated black pepper chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans

Variations & Tips

Boneless version: If you prefer boneless chicken thighs, they work just fine here. Check for doneness a little earlier, since boneless meat tends to cook faster and can dry out if left too long.

Milder pepper flavor: For a gentler dish, cut the black pepper down to 1 tablespoon. You will still get that warm, old-fashioned flavor without quite as much bite.

Thicker gravy: If you like a gravy that sits up a bit more on potatoes or noodles, remove the cooked chicken, then whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir it into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Best side dish tip: This is one of those meals made for starches that catch gravy well. Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or rice will make the most of every spoonful from the crock.