Prepare to be transported to comfort food heaven with the most mouthwatering, fall-apart tender Smothered Chicken that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine coming home to a crockpot filled with succulent chicken thighs bathed in a creamy, rich sauce that practically melts in your mouth. This American classic is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that promises to become your new go-to recipe for effortless, delicious dining that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Slice the onion into thin rings and mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Grease the inside of the crockpot with a light cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot to create a flavorful base for the chicken.
- Spread the minced garlic evenly over the onion layer.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken thighs and place on a serving platter.
- Optional: For a golden finish, briefly broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
- Spoon the remaining sauce and onions over the chicken before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture.
- Don't rush the cooking process—low and slow is the secret to incredibly tender chicken that falls apart with just a fork.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Always use chicken thighs for this recipe, as they remain more moist and flavorful compared to chicken breasts.
- For a golden, crispy finish, don't skip the optional broiling step—it adds a beautiful color and slight crispness to the skin.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
