Name: Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 Chicken Drumsticks Legs; 1 Brown Gravy Packet; 10 ounce Cream of Chicken Soup; 1 cup Water; 1 tablespoon Seasoned Salt; 2 teaspoons Onion Powder; 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; Black Pepper to taste; 1 Yellow Onion (Sliced); 1 Bell Pepper (Sliced)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Table of Contents: Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs

Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs

Remember those Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, filled with laughter, warmth, and the most delicious, fall-off-the-bone chicken? This Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs recipe aims to recapture that feeling.

It’s a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a little bit of home. If you’re looking for an easy way to create a hearty and flavorful meal, look no further!

This isn’t just any chicken recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken legs, bathed in a rich, savory gravy, and infused with the comforting flavors of onion, pepper, and classic seasonings. Smothered chicken is a classic for a reason, and adapting it for the slow cooker makes it even more accessible.

Forget standing over a hot stove for hours! This slow cooker chicken recipe does all the work for you, leaving you free to enjoy time with family and friends. It’s truly comfort food at its finest, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy family dinner, or just a simple meal to brighten your day, these chicken legs will become a new favorite.

This recipe is designed for ease and flavor. It utilizes pantry staples and requires very little hands-on time. The result? A deeply flavorful, incredibly tender dish that will transport you back to simpler times.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find recipes for this dish called “Slow Cooker Chicken and Gravy,” “Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings” (if you add dumplings!), or simply “Southern Smothered Chicken.” There are many variations on smothered chicken, but this recipe focuses on a classic, gravy-based approach.

Some people like to add a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also experiment with different vegetables – carrots, celery, or even potatoes would be delicious additions.

Ingredients: Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs recipe:

* 8 Chicken Drumsticks Legs
* 1 Brown Gravy Packet (approximately 1-1.25 oz)
* 10 ounce Cream of Chicken Soup
* 1 cup Water
* 1 tablespoon Seasoned Salt
* 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
* 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
* 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
* Black Pepper to taste
* 1 Yellow Onion, sliced
* 1 Bell Pepper, sliced (any color)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken legs with seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Chef’s Tip: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Chicken legs can handle a good amount of flavor.

2. Layer the Vegetables: Place the sliced yellow onion and bell pepper in the bottom of your Crockpot. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken legs on top of the onion and bell pepper. Try to avoid overcrowding the pot; you want the chicken to cook evenly.
4. Make the Gravy Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, water, and brown gravy packet until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps. Shortcut: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use slightly less water.

5. Pour Over Chicken: Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the chicken legs, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. How long do chicken legs take to cook in a slow cooker? The longer cooking time on low will result in the most tender chicken.
7. Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it is falling off the bone and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs hot, with your favorite side dishes (see suggestions below!).

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe is incredibly easy to throw together. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and the cook time ranges from 3-8 hours depending on your Crockpot’s settings. The total time, from start to finish, is around 8 hours 15 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Approximate calories per serving are around 450-550 (depending on portion size and side dishes).

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over a long period of time. The combination of cream of chicken soup and brown gravy packet creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the chicken. The sliced onions and bell peppers add sweetness and depth of flavor, while the seasonings provide a classic, comforting taste.

It’s truly easy comfort food for family dinners. One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking. For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream during the last hour of cooking.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire dish in a saucepan over medium heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out. This slow cooker chicken actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

People Also Ask: Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs

How do you make smothered chicken legs in a Crockpot?

To make Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs, you start by seasoning the chicken legs with a blend of spices like seasoned salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Then, you layer sliced onions and bell peppers in the bottom of the Crockpot, arrange the chicken on top, and pour over a mixture of cream of chicken soup, brown gravy packet, and water.

Finally, you cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s a remarkably simple process for a deeply flavorful result.

What kind of sauce is used for smothered chicken?

The sauce used for smothered chicken typically consists of a creamy, savory gravy. In this recipe, we use a combination of cream of chicken soup and a brown gravy packet to create a rich and flavorful sauce.

Some variations also incorporate chicken broth, milk, or even a touch of white wine. The goal is to create a sauce that coats the chicken beautifully and adds a delicious depth of flavor.

How long do chicken legs take to cook in a slow cooker?

Chicken legs generally take 6-8 hours to cook in a slow cooker on low, or 3-4 hours on high. However, cooking times can vary depending on your specific Crockpot model and the size of the chicken legs.

The best way to determine if the chicken is done is to check for tenderness – it should be falling off the bone. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

What side dishes go well with smothered chicken?

So many side dishes complement smothered chicken! Classic choices include mashed potatoes (to soak up all that delicious gravy!), rice, green beans, coleslaw, or cornbread. For a more substantial meal, consider adding roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli. A simple side salad also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Conclusion: Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs

I truly hope you give this Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs recipe a try. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, bringing back memories of cozy dinners and good times.

Don’t hesitate to share your creations with me! I love seeing how you all put your own spin on my recipes. Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or if you have any questions. Happy cooking!