Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken is a comforting and delicious dish that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty meal. You’ll love how the slow cooker does all the work for you, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with rich flavors. Whether you’re coming home from a long day at work or preparing a weekend family dinner, this recipe makes mealtime effortless and satisfying.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and caters to a variety of taste preferences. You get tender, juicy chicken breasts steeped in a flavorful sauce full of the comforting tastes of garlic, onion, and aromatic spices. The combination of chili powder and lemon pepper brings brightness and warmth that works perfectly together. Furthermore, the slow cooking method ensures that your chicken becomes effortlessly tender and packed with flavor, allowing you to enjoy the meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s an easy clean-up! You simply follow the steps, and your slow cooker does the rest, leaving you more time to spend with your loved ones.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 celery ribs, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- White rice or mashed potatoes (to serve, optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken Directions
To start this comforting dish, gather all your ingredients and get ready for a simple yet rewarding cooking process. First, in a small bowl, mix together your spices: 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of lemon pepper, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This is your seasoning mix, which you will use to flavor the chicken.
Now, drizzle some olive oil over your 2 lbs. of boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat them evenly with your prepared seasoning mix. This will ensure that every bite is flavorful. To enhance flavor depth, brown the chicken in a skillet or by using the sauté function on your slow cooker. Cook each side for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until they achieve a lovely golden color, then set them aside.
In the same pan or slow cooker, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the diced onions and celery, along with the minced garlic. Cook this vegetable mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything has softened and the kitchen is filled with delightful aromas. Next, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of flour and 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder over the sauteed vegetables. Stir this mixture for about a minute to incorporate the flour and ensure the bouillon powder is well-distributed.
Gradually pour in 4 cups of chicken stock while continuously whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This stock will create a lovely sauce that will envelop your chicken. After that, return the browned chicken breasts back to the pan or slow cooker. Ensure they’re submerged in the savory sauce so they can absorb all the flavors.
Cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process makes the chicken exceptionally tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken can easily be shredded with a fork. Once cooked, it’s time to serve!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
When serving Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken, it’s important to create a balanced and satisfying meal. A great accompaniment for this dish is white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The fluffy rice or buttery potatoes will soak up all the delicious sauce, providing a perfect balance to the tender chicken.
To plate the dish, spoon a generous portion of the chicken and its accompanying sauce over your chosen base of rice or mashed potatoes. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an appealing presentation and a touch of freshness. Serve it hot, and watch how your family enjoys every last bite!
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
- For maximum flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in the seasoning mix for a few hours before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- If you want to add some vegetables, consider including carrots or green beans. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference for optimal flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled to feed a larger crowd, just ensure your slow cooker is big enough to hold all the ingredients!
How to Store Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is often the case since this dish is so filling), storing them properly will ensure they remain delicious. Allow the Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken to cool to room temperature, then transfer it into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator where it can last for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing your leftovers. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
There are many ways to customize your Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken to suit your tastes! Here are a few variations you can try:
- Creamy Variation: For a creamier sauce, add a cup of heavy cream or sour cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will make the sauce rich and indulgent.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a tsp of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. This will give your chicken an extra punch that many spicy food lovers will enjoy.
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to give your chicken a unique flavor. Add them to the bottom of the slow cooker alongside the chicken for a fresh taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even corn to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and throw them in.
- BBQ Twist: Instead of making a traditional smothered chicken, use BBQ sauce in place of the chicken stock. This will give you a completely different but equally delicious variation.
FAQ
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken?
You can serve this dish with white rice, mashed potatoes, or even over pasta. The sauce pairs wonderfully with these options, making them perfect companions for the chicken.
How long should I cook Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken?
You should cook it on high for about 4 hours or low for about 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great substitute as they are also incredibly flavorful and tend to stay moist during cooking.
Is it possible to cook the chicken without browning it first?
Yes, while browning adds flavor, you can skip that step. Simply place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, just add everything to your slow cooker and let it cook throughout the day.
With this detailed guide to your Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken, you’re ready to cook a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love! Enjoy the flavors and comfort that this easy dish brings to your table.
Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 tablespoons butter for sautéing
- 3 tablespoons flour to thicken the sauce
- 4 cups chicken stock for the sauce
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 to taste salt
- 1 to taste pepper
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix together the spices: chili powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken breasts and coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
- Brown the chicken in a skillet or sauté function of the slow cooker for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden.
- In the same pan or slow cooker, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle flour and bouillon powder over the vegetables and stir for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth and free of lumps.
- Return the browned chicken breasts to the pan or slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
Cooking
- Cook on high for about 4 hours or low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Serving
- Serve the chicken with white rice or mashed potatoes, spooning sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
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