Juicy Crock Pot Smothered Chicken Recipe for Cozy Meals

Comfort flows through every bite of this heavenly crock pot smothered chicken that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender, juicy chicken nestles in a rich, creamy sauce that begs to be savored.

Slow cooking works magic, infusing each morsel with deep, robust flavors.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this effortless, mouthwatering dish.

Layers of herbs and spices create a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve this soul-warming meal alongside fluffy rice or crisp vegetables for a complete dinner that warms hearts and fills bellies.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible chicken creation that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Smothered Chicken in the Crock Pot Is So Comforting

• Dredge chicken quickly in seasoned flour, then toss everything into the slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious kitchen time.
• Packed with hearty kale, protein-rich chicken, and a creamy sauce, this one-pot wonder delivers a balanced meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Slow cooker technique ensures tender, juicy chicken every single time, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want guaranteed delicious results.
• Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a hungry group without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences and schedules.

What You’ll Need for This Rich Chicken Dish

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that forms the main component of the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a crispy coating and thickens the sauce.
• Seasoning: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

• Onions, Mushrooms: Provide additional flavor and texture to the dish.
• Kale: Adds nutritional value and a fresh green element to the recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and adds rich flavor to the chicken.
• Milk, Cornstarch: Combine to make a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken.

How to Make Smothered Chicken in Your Slow Cooker

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Coating

Create a flavorful flour mixture by blending seasoned flour.

Carefully coat each chicken thigh, ensuring an even layer that will help thicken the final sauce.

Gently shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.

• All-purpose flour
• Seasoning blend
• Chicken thighs

Step 2: Create Slow Cooker Base

Arrange the flour-coated chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Spread a generous layer of sliced onions and mushrooms over the chicken.

Carefully pour chicken broth to create a moist cooking environment.

• Sliced onions
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chicken broth
• Fresh kale

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 3 hours.

For boneless thighs, start checking doneness around the 2-hour mark.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk milk and cornstarch until completely smooth.

Briefly heat the mixture in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to help it thicken.

Pour the sauce into the slow cooker, stirring until it becomes silky and well-combined.

• Milk
• Cornstarch

Step 5: Finish and Coat Chicken

Gently return the cooked chicken to the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.

Allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb maximum flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate the chicken and generously spoon the creamy sauce and kale over the top.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious meal straight from the crock pot!

Tips for Creamy Gravy and Fall-Apart Chicken

• Dredge chicken thighs thoroughly in seasoned flour to create a delicious protective layer that helps thicken the sauce and adds extra flavor.
• Check boneless chicken thighs earlier in cooking process to prevent overcooking, ensuring tender and juicy meat every time.
• Microwave milk and cornstarch mixture briefly before adding to crock pot, which helps create a smoother, faster-thickening sauce without lumps.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165ºF, guaranteeing perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat protein.
• Let chicken rest in warm sauce for a few minutes after cooking to allow maximum flavor penetration and moisture retention.

How to Store Smothered Chicken and Reheat It Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth, cover with a lid, and stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Tasty Sides That Go With This Chicken Dinner

• Flavor Amplifiers: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, balancing richness with bright acidity.
• Wine-Pairing Perfection: Chardonnay works wonderfully, complementing the chicken's tender texture and creamy sauce with its buttery undertones.
• Herbal Harmony: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs scattered on top add earthy aromatics that elevate the dish's deep, comforting flavors.
• Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or rustic French bread becomes the ideal vehicle for soaking up the luxurious, creamy sauce, making every bite more delightful.

Different Flavors to Try in Your Next Batch

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or cornstarch for dredging chicken. Use gluten-free chicken broth to ensure full dietary compliance.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of traditional dairy for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip flour dredging and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Replace kale with low-carb spinach or Swiss chard for added nutrients.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit. Use vegetable broth and plant-based milk for complete meat-free transformation. Select extra firm tofu and press out moisture before cooking for best texture.

FAQs

• Why should I dredge the chicken in flour before cooking?

Dredging the chicken in seasoned flour helps create a flavorful coating and thickens the sauce naturally during slow cooking. It adds extra texture and helps the seasonings stick to the meat.

• Can I use a different type of greens instead of kale?

Absolutely! Spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens work great as substitutes. Just add them in the same way you would kale, layering them on top of the other ingredients in the slow cooker.

• Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more quickly in a slow cooker. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during long cooking times. If using breasts, reduce cooking time and check for doneness earlier.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

To add heat, mix some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour mixture when dredging the chicken. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth or sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top before serving.

Crock Pot Smothered Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, comforting crock pot smothered chicken delivers southern-style warmth straight to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken thighs (4–6 bone in or boneless thighs)

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced
• 4 stalks kale, sliced into thin ribbons (approximately 2 cups)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Lawry’s or your favorite seasoning
• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
• 1 tablespoon corn starch

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a seasoned flour coating by blending selected spices into the flour mixture. Thoroughly dredge each chicken thigh, ensuring an even, light dusting while shaking off excess powder to create a perfect base for sauce thickening.
2. Arrange floured chicken pieces across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a uniform layer. Distribute sliced onions and mushrooms evenly over the chicken, then gently pour chicken broth to cover the base of the cooking vessel.
3. Carefully spread fresh kale leaves atop the ingredients, creating a protective green layer. Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3 hours, monitoring doneness by checking the internal chicken temperature reaches 165ºF.
4. Create a smooth thickening agent by whisking milk and cornstarch until completely integrated. Briefly heat the mixture in the microwave for 30-45 seconds to accelerate sauce development, then incorporate into the slow cooker, stirring until achieving a silky, consistent texture.
5. Gently reintroduce chicken pieces into the creamy sauce, rotating to ensure complete coating. Allow the meat to rest momentarily, absorbing the rich, flavorful liquid and enhancing overall dish complexity.
6. Plate the chicken, generously spooning additional sauce and tender kale leaves over the top. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and sauce consistency.

Notes

• Pat chicken dry before flouring to ensure a crisp, even coating that helps sauce adhere perfectly.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
• Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free thickening option that works equally well in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg