Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. This recipe combines tender chicken drenched in a creamy, savory sauce that can elevate any dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also delivers on flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to focus on other activities while your delicious meal simmers away.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your culinary repertoire. First and foremost, it brings comfort food to life with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. The juicy chicken melds beautifully with the creamy sauce, making it perfect for those cozy family dinners. This recipe is also extremely versatile, allowing you to serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. Plus, with the hands-off cooking method of a slow cooker, you can prepare this dish any day of the week, hassle-free.
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 get started, you’ll need to prepare the chicken with a mix of spices to add flavor. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. This seasoning blend is the key to infusing your chicken with delicious taste.
Next, drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat both sides generously with the seasoning mix you created. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Now, it’s time to brown the chicken. If your slow cooker has a sauté function, great! Turn it on. If not, use a skillet over medium heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil to your heated pan, and once warm, place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Allow the chicken to cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until it begins to brown. The goal here is to enhance the flavor through browning, not to cook it through completely. Once browned, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.
In the same pan (or still using the sauté feature of your slow cooker), add the butter. Let it melt and then incorporate the diced onions, celery, and minced garlic. Stir these ingredients together, allowing them to soften for about 3-4 minutes. This mixture will form the base of your sauce, providing depth and flavor.
Now sprinkle the flour and chicken bouillon powder over the mixture, stirring continuously for about a minute. This helps to create a thick consistency and fully blend the flavors together.
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, ensuring there are no lumps. This step adds creaminess to your sauce. Once the mixture is smooth, nestle the browed chicken breasts back into the pan or slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
Now that everything is assembled, set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. The chicken will be ready when it easily falls apart. The low and slow cooking process not only makes for tender chicken but also allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
Once your Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken is ready, it’s time to consider how to serve it. For a hearty option, place a generous portion of the chicken along with the sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice. The rice will soak up all that delicious sauce, creating a wonderful harmony of flavors.
If you prefer something creamier, mashed potatoes are an excellent choice. The rich, buttery potatoes pair perfectly with the chicken and sauce, creating a comforting plate of food that your family will rave about.
You could also make a simple side salad for freshness or serve it with steamed vegetables to add balance to your meal. The versatility of this dish means you can easily adapt your sides based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy most.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
- Choose the Right Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, but you can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and tender texture.
- Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the chicken adds depth to the flavor. Even if you’re in a hurry, take the time to do this step.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Use Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: If you want to control the salt content, opt for low-sodium chicken stock and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Add Some Veggies: Get creative by adding additional vegetables, such as carrots or mushrooms, to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
How to Store Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
If you have leftovers (which is likely), store your Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can make the dish watery.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Variation of Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
While this recipe is delicious on its own, you might want to try some variations to keep things interesting. One option is to switch up the spices. Instead of chili powder, try using smoked paprika for a unique flavor.
You could also add a splash of heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a richer sauce. If you’re looking to incorporate different components, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or even corn to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
For a twist, you could experiment with different types of protein. Using turkey or even a plant-based option can yield similarly delightful results. Always ensure to adjust the cooking time based on your protein choice for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken? Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a savory and creamy sauce, often made with vegetables and a blend of spices.
How do I serve Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken? You can serve Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken? It’s generally not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Always thaw the chicken before using it in your recipe.
How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Can I customize the spices in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste buds. You can make it spicier with more chili powder or even add herbs like thyme or rosemary for another flavor dimension.
Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with thighs for richer flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for browning the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder Adjust according to taste.
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for spice preference.
- ½ teaspoon salt Adjust based on stock used.
For the Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter For sautéing vegetables.
- 3 ribs celery, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour For thickening
- 4 cups chicken stock Use low-sodium for less salt.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, lemon pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and coat generously with the seasoning mix.
- Brown the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side, then set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions, celery, and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour and chicken bouillon over the mixture, stirring for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth.
Cooking
- Nestle the browned chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring it's submerged in the sauce.
- Set slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
Serving
- Serve the chicken and sauce over white rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
- Consider adding a side salad or steamed vegetables.
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