Description
Growing up in a Southern kitchen, I learned that comfort food is more than just taste—it’s about tradition and bringing people together. This slow-cooked smothered chicken recipe does just that. With tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken legs and a rich, seasoned gravy, this dish delivers Southern comfort in every bite. Plus, it requires minimal prep time, making it a perfect meal for busy families!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 5–6 chicken drumsticks (fresh or thawed)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Gravy:
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet chicken gravy mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken legs.
Step 2: Prepare the Gravy Mixture
- In a medium bowl, whisk together brown gravy mix, chicken gravy mix, and water until smooth.
- Stir in the cream of chicken soup until fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Place the seasoned chicken legs in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour the gravy mixture over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
- Cover and cook on:
- Low for 6-8 hours (best for fall-off-the-bone tenderness)
- High for 3-4 hours (for quicker results)
- Optional: Stir in sour cream during the last 30 minutes for extra creamy gravy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once done, remove chicken legs carefully and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or biscuits to soak up the delicious gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy is too thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm up leftovers in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the gravy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 331 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken legs, smothered chicken, slow cooker recipes, Southern comfort food