Name: Southern Style Crockpot Smothered Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6-8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 packet of Lipton onion soup mix; 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup; 1 small onion, sliced; 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning chicken, optional)

Why You’ll Love Southern Style Crockpot Smothered Chicken Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy days because you simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The chicken turns out tender and flavorful with a rich gravy that’s perfect over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Plus, it’s budget‑friendly and great for family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Green Bell Pepper – adds subtle sweetness and depth
Onion – boosts savory richness
Chicken Broth – adds flavor to the gravy
Chicken Gravy Packet – classic smothered‑chicken flavor
Cream of Mushroom Soup – makes the gravy creamy and rich
Chicken Drumsticks (skinned) – juicy and perfect for slow cooking
Salt and Pepper – essential seasoning
Garlic Powder – warm flavor
Onion Powder – reinforces the onion taste
Paprika – color and mild smoky note

Directions

Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray.
Spread the diced green bell pepper and onion evenly in the bottom of the crockpot.
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chicken gravy packet, and cream of mushroom soup until smooth, then pour the mixture over the vegetables.
Season the chicken drumsticks on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Place them on top of the vegetables and gravy.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
For thicker gravy, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a corn starch slurry.
Serve hot with plenty of gravy spooned over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~6 hours
Total time: ~6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Use bone‑in chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for extra flavor.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne for a bit of spice.
• Stir in herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Swap cream of mushroom for cream of chicken soup if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or in a pot on the stove until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it’s tender and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) if checked with a meat thermometer.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, though they may be slightly drier than drumsticks.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes — cook on HIGH for about 3–4 hours, though low yields more tender chicken.

What should I serve this with?

It’s delicious over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread.

How do I thicken the gravy?

Add a corn starch slurry (corn starch mixed with cold water) 30 minutes before the end of cooking.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes — sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery are great additions.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — assemble in the slow cooker the night before and cook in the morning.

Is this recipe spicy?

No — the base recipe is mild, but you can add spices if you like heat.

Can I use low‑sodium broth and soups?

Absolutely — low‑sodium ingredients are a good choice if you’re watching salt.

What if my gravy is too thin?

Simmer with the lid off for the last 30 minutes or add a corn starch slurry to thicken.

Conclusion

Southern Style Crockpot Smothered Chicken is a comforting, easy dinner that delivers tender chicken and flavorful gravy with very little hands‑on time. It’s perfect for weeknights and feeds a crowd, making it a go‑to recipe to keep in your rotation.

Southern Style Crockpot Smothered Chicken