When winter winds chill the air, nothing warms the heart like a slow-cooked meal. Our recipe has been a family favorite for over 30 years. It fills our home with the scents of tender chicken, rich gravy, and herbs.
This dish is the essence of that brings us together. It creates memories with every bite.
Table of Contents
What is Smothered Chicken?
Smothered chicken is a beloved comfort food from Southern cuisine. It’s made with tender chicken pieces, like thighs or drumsticks, cooked in a rich, creamy gravy. This slow cooking makes the chicken tender and full of comforting flavors.
A Classic Comfort Food Dish
Smothered chicken is a true Southern comfort food. It’s loved for its simple yet satisfying taste. The mix of juicy chicken, smooth gravy, and spices is irresistible.
It’s a favorite at family gatherings and church potlucks. Its comforting taste and easy making make it a top choice for a cozy dinner at home.
“Smothered chicken is the epitome of Southern hospitality and home-cooked goodness. It’s a dish that warms the soul and brings people together around the table.”
Why Make Smothered Chicken in a Crock Pot?
Cooking crock pot smothered chicken is great for many reasons. The slow cooking makes the chicken tender and the flavors blend well. It’s easy to make, perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners.
Using a crock pot for smothered chicken is super convenient. It cooks the chicken in a flavorful sauce, making it juicy and tender. This way, you can relax while dinner cooks itself.
The crock pot also tenderizes the chicken beautifully. It uses moist heat to make the chicken soft and easy to shred. This makes the easy meals perfect for any busy night or when you need a comforting dinner.
In short, the crock pot is ideal for crock pot smothered chicken. It’s easy to use and makes delicious food with little effort. It’s great for feeding a crowd or just a tasty, family-approved dinner.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Smothered Chicken
This crock pot smothered chicken recipe is easy to make. It uses just a few ingredients that are affordable and easy to find. You can make a tasty one-pot meal for busy weeknights or family dinners. Here’s what you need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken gravy mix
- Onions, diced
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
These crock pot smothered chicken ingredients make a dish that everyone will enjoy. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sautéed veggies are perfect for a quick and satisfying one-pot meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts | 3 pieces |
| Smoked Sausage | Approximately 1 pound |
| Frozen Lima Beans | 12-ounce bag |
| Chicken Broth | Approximately 1.5 cups |
| Seasonings (Poultry Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Pepper) | As desired |
| Milk | 1.5 cups |
| Flour | 1/3 cup |
With these simple, family-friendly ingredients, you can make a delicious crock pot smothered chicken dish. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Crock pot smothered chicken
Craving a comforting, home-cooked meal? This crock pot smothered chicken recipe is perfect. It’s easy to make and great for busy nights or family gatherings. You’ll get tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy gravy.
This slow cooker meal is simple to make. Just a few ingredients and some prep work are needed. You’ll create a delicious one-pot dish that everyone will love.
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a blend of savory spices, including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and paprika.
- Place the seasoned chicken in your crock pot and surround it with sliced onions and bell peppers.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and chicken gravy mix, along with a bit of water, to create a rich, creamy gravy. Pour this mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
- Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen. After 4 hours on high or 7.5-8 hours on low, your one-pot cooking masterpiece will be ready to serve.
The result is tender, juicy chicken in a savory, velvety gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes or rice for a satisfying meal. It’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
“This crockpot smothered chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken is so tender and the gravy is absolutely delicious. It’s become a new family favorite in our house.”
This crock pot smothered chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. It’s easy to make and has comforting flavors. Enjoy this hearty dish and the delicious aroma it brings to your home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Cooking
Ready to make a tasty crock pot smothered chicken recipe for a busy weeknight? It’s easy and hands-off. Just follow a few simple steps.
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This gives the dish a flavorful start.
- Put the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Add diced onions and bell peppers on top. These veggies will blend into the chicken, making it creamy and smothered.
- In another bowl, mix cream of chicken soup and gravy mix. Pour this over the chicken and veggies in the crock pot.
- Cover the slow cooker. Let the crock pot smothered chicken cook on low for 5-6 hours. When it’s done, the chicken will be tender and the gravy thick.
Follow these easy steps for a delicious crock pot smothered chicken recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll have a comforting, hands-off meal ready for your family.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 4 hours 15 minutes |
| Yield | 4 servings |
| Serving Size | – |
| Calories | 81 |
| Sugar | 0.6g |
| Sodium | 1280.3mg |
| Fat | 4.2g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.3g |
| Fiber | 0.9g |
| Protein | 4.8g |
| Cholesterol | 11.6mg |
Serving Suggestions
The creamy crock pot smothered chicken is great with many side dishes. It makes a comforting family meal. You can serve it over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or hearty egg noodles. The flavorful gravy goes well with each.
For a complete meal, try it with roasted veggies, a green salad, or warm biscuits. This dish is flexible, so you can make it your own. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Delicious Accompaniments
- Fluffy white rice
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Hearty egg noodles
- Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, or green beans)
- Fresh green salad
- Warm, buttery biscuits
The crock pot smothered chicken goes well with many side dishes. It’s a versatile and satisfying family meal. Enjoy it as comfort food any time.
Variations and Customizations
This crock pot smothered chicken recipe is tasty on its own. But, you can make it even better by adding your own twist. Try using boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Or, toss in some mushrooms or green beans for extra flavor.
Feel free to mix up the seasoning blends to match your taste. You can even use frozen chicken if you’re short on time. Just remember, you might need to cook it a bit longer and thicken the gravy. This recipe is perfect for those who want to make easy chicken dishes and family-friendly meals.
For a more filling meal, add diced potatoes or egg noodles to the crock pot. You can also mix in chicken thighs and drumsticks for a different taste. Adding frozen peas or corn towards the end will make the dish colorful and nutritious.
| Ingredient Variation | Recommended Substitution |
|---|---|
| Chicken Thighs | Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts |
| Vegetables | Mushrooms, Green Beans |
| Seasonings | Cajun, Italian, or Mexican Blends |
| Protein | Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks |
| Sides | Potatoes, Egg Noodles, Peas, Corn |
Customizing this crock pot smothered chicken recipe is easy. You can make it into a family-friendly meal that everyone will love. The customizable recipes let you create crock pot smothered chicken variations that fit your family’s taste.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
The crock pot smothered chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze them for 3 months. The shredded chicken and gravy freeze well, making it easy to enjoy on busy weeknights.
Convenient and Versatile
This crock pot smothered chicken meal reheats well. You can serve it on its own or use it in other dishes. The chicken is tender and juicy, great over baked potatoes, in casseroles, or in sandwiches.
The versatile recipe lets you tailor it to your family’s taste. It’s a favorite for busy weeknights.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Leftovers Fridge | Leftovers Freezer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 8 hours | Up to 4 days | Up to 3 months |
This crock pot smothered chicken recipe is great for busy families. It’s delicious and easy to make. You can prep meals and store leftovers, enjoying the flavors all week.
“This crock pot smothered chicken is a lifesaver for my family. The leftovers are so versatile and make for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.”
Budget-Friendly and Family-Approved
Feeding your family can be a challenge. You want a meal that’s tasty and won’t empty your wallet. This crock pot smothered chicken recipe fits the bill perfectly. It uses affordable ingredients like chicken, onions, and canned soup and gravy mix.
The slow cooker makes it easy to get a hearty meal with little effort. Just add the ingredients, set it, and forget it. The result is a comforting dish that everyone will love.
This crock pot smothered chicken is ideal for busy weeknights. It’s both affordable and easy to make. It’s a comforting option that won’t cost a lot. It’s perfect for any family gathering or a cozy dinner at home.
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Chicken | $5.99 |
| Onions | $1.50 |
| Canned Soup | $2.29 |
| Gravy Mix | $1.99 |
| Total | $11.77 |
This crock pot smothered chicken is a great choice for a tasty, affordable meal. It’s perfect for families who want to enjoy a delicious dinner without spending a lot.
Conclusion
The crock pot smothered chicken recipe is a top comfort food for busy families. It has tender chicken and a rich, creamy gravy. This makes it a hit with everyone.
This recipe is easy to make because it uses a slow cooker. It also needs simple, affordable ingredients. This makes it perfect for quick, tasty meals that everyone will enjoy.
Looking for a slow cooker recipe, an easy chicken dish, or a family-friendly dinner? This crock pot smothered chicken is your answer. It’s comforting and can be enjoyed any night. So, get your ingredients ready and start cooking.
This crock pot smothered chicken is easy to prepare and has great leftovers. It’s also good for your wallet because it’s affordable. Try it and enjoy a hassle-free, delicious meal with your family.