Smothered Chicken - Easy Crockpot Chicken Legs Recipe (2024)

Want to know the best way to cook chicken legs in the crockpot? These Smothered Chicken Legs are so easy to make, and is sure to be a hit even the kids love them! These Crockpot chicken legs are hands down one of our most popular crock pot recipes. Made with simple ingredients, the drumsticks are slow cooked all day allowing you to spend more time with your family and not in the kitchen.

A few weeks ago I spotted a Smothered Chicken Legs Recipe. After searching numerous stores for the McCormick Swiss Steak Seasoning packets needed for this slow cooker chicken I still could not find them. Instead I came up my own little seasoning blend that tasted absolutely delicious.

One of my favorite parts of this chicken recipe is that it’s made right in my crock pot. My crock pot is one of my most used kitchen appliances and makes dinner time with three kids so much easier. While I’m running the kids from practice to practice, dinner is at home cooking all by itself!

Best Way to Cook Chicken Legs in the Crockpot:

Smothered Chicken Legs has become one of our favorite ways for making crockpot chicken drumsticks. It’s super easy to make and since drumsticks go on sale quite often, it’s budget friendly. My kids loved and and didn’t even ask to add barbecue sauce to their drumsticks like they almost always do.

This smothered chicken crock pot recipe can be prepped first thing in the morning, or you can save time by measuring and mixing the seasonings the night before. The seasoning can be stored in gallon sized zip-lock bag, that way you can easy add the chicken legs or quarters into the bag to coat.

Toss all the ingredients into the crock pot and set the cook time for 7 hours. Come home to a warm cooked meal and have more time to spend with family instead of making dinner.

How Long to Cook Chicken Legs in a Crockpot:

Chicken Legs can be cooked in the crockpot, cook on high for for 3-4 hour, or low 6-8 hours. Cooking times can vary between slow cookers, some cook slower while others cook fast. Cook until the internal temp of the chicken drumsticks reach 165 degrees F.

Make it a Freezer Meal:

Turn this easy smothered chicken into a freezer meal for a stress free weeknight dinner. Simply season the chicken drumsticks with the flour mixture and place all of the ingredients into two gallon sized freezer bags.

Add the chicken in one, and the potatoes, onions, and carrots in another. Remove the air, zip close, and place in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and empty the contents into the crockpot. Cook according to directions.

Can I make this with Chicken Legs or Thighs?

This easy smothered chicken can also be made with chicken thighs, chicken breasts or chicken quarters instead of chicken legs.

Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs:

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What you’ll need to make Chicken Legs in the Crockpot:

1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
6 red potatoes cubed
1 large Vidalia onion sliced
2 cups baby carrots
4 tbsp flour
2 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp minced onion
2 tsp salt
2 tsp lemon pepper or black pepper
2 tsp paprika
3 tbsp olive oil
6-8 skinless chicken legs
Crock-pot (I use a programmable crockpot which switches to warm mode when the food is ready)

*Scroll down to print recipe.

How to Make Smothered Chicken:

Step 1: Turn the slow cooker on low heat. Place the potatoes & tomatoes (with juice) on the bottom and then layer with the onions and carrots.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the seasonings & flour. Add oil & mix well.

Step 3:

Rub the chicken legs with the seasoning mixture and then place the chicken in the crock pot.

Step 4: How long to cook chicken legs in crock pot?

Cover and cook the drumsticks or chicken thighs on low for 7 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker.

Crockpot Smothered Chicken Legs

Slow Cooker Chicken Legs - an easy chicken recipe for busy weeknights. Smothered Chicken Legs are a family favorite and are so easy to make. 5 Minutes of Prep and the slow cooker does all the work.

5 from 1 vote

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Ingredients

1 28 oz can petite diced tomatoes
6 red potatoes cubed
1 large Vidalia onion sliced
2 cups baby carrots
4 tbsp flour
2 tbsp garlic powder
3 tbsp minced onion
2 tsp salt
2 tsp lemon pepper or black pepper
2 tsp paprika
3 tbsp olive oil
6-8 chicken legs

Instructions

Turn on the crock pot/ slow cooker to low heat.
Place the potatoes & tomatoes (with juice) on the bottom and then layer with the onions and carrots.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the seasonings & flour. Add oil & mix well.
Rub the chicken legs with the seasoning mixture and add them to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 7 hours.

This smothered chicken is one of my favorite chicken drumstick recipe to make in the slow cooker. It’s easy, made with simple ingredients, and can be loaded with a variety of veggies. I’m going to make it again this week except with chicken thighs instead of legs, and add in some mushrooms.

I love using our crockpot, especially during the busy school week. It saves a lot of time dumping all of the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning and have cook all day while I’m working. When 4:00pm rolls around I don’t have to worry about getting dinner ready, it’s all ready! Just put on a plate and serve!

Add these crock pot chicken drumsticks to your dinner menu this week!

Other Ways to Make Crockpot Chicken Legs:

Omit the potatoes, and serve with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles.
Add a little cayenne pepper in with the seasoning blend to give the drumsticks a little heat.
BBQ Chicken Legs – Place chicken drumsticks in the crockpot and pour BBQ sauce over the chicken.

FAQs

How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crockpot? ›

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with plenty of salt and pepper. Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes.

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How long can you leave chicken in the crockpot on low? ›

You certainly can, the meat will simply fall to bits, which might be desirable for some recipes like “Chicken and Dumplings” which will take 8–12 hours on “Low” setting. As long as the temperature remains above 140 F you can leave your chicken in the cooker all day but try to avoid more than 12 hours…

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Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in slow cooker? ›

We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

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How do you keep chicken from falling apart in a slow cooker? ›

To prevent meat from falling apart in stews and soups, follow these tips:

**Choose the Right Cut**: Select cuts of meat that are suited for slow cooking. ...
**Brown the Meat**: Before adding the meat to the stew or soup, brown it in a hot skillet with a bit of oil.

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Mar 17, 2022

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Is 4 hours long enough to slow cook chicken? ›

A great rule of thumb is: For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours.

Learn More Now ›

Do you need liquid in a slow cooker for chicken? ›

Cover and cook. Place the cover on the slow cooker and turn it on to high for 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours. You do not need to add any liquid. Chickens today typically have some solution added, so they rarely need added liquid.

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Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

The difference between "High" and "Low" on slow cookers seems to differ with every brand and model. One thing that is consistent, though, is that food takes seven to eight hours to reach a simmer point (around 210°) on low; versus three to four hours on high.

Get More Info ›

Can you cook chicken on low for 8 hours? ›

You certainly can, the meat will simply fall to bits, which might be desirable for some recipes like “Chicken and Dumplings” which will take 8–12 hours on “Low” setting. As long as the temperature remains above 140 F you can leave your chicken in the cooker all day but try to avoid more than 12 hours…

Get More Info Here ›

Can you overcook chicken in crockpot? ›

You can overcook chicken in a slow cooker. If the chicken is cooked too long, it will become dry and tough. Check your chicken for doneness early, especially if it is one of your first times making it.

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Why is my chicken in the crockpot still tough? ›

The meat was overcooked: Slow cookers are known for their ability to tenderize meat, but if the meat is cooked for too long, it can become overcooked and tough. It's important to follow the recommended cooking time for your recipe to ensure that the meat is cooked to the correct doneness.

Is chicken breast or thigh better for slow cooker? ›

Use chicken thighs or leg meat over chicken breast

We've come to love chicken thighs over chicken breast in general because they have more flavor and don't dry out as quickly. The same holds true in the slow cooker. Whether you go boneless or bone-in is up to you, but bone-in will have more flavor.

Is it safe to cook raw chicken on low in a slow cooker? ›

Research conducted by USDA FSIS indicates it's safe to cook large cuts of meat and poultry in a slow cooker.

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Should I brown chicken before putting in slow cooker? ›

You do not need to brown meat before you place it into the slow cooker. By browning meat, you will cause the meat to intensify the flavor. That will make the meat taste so much better. By adding onions, carrots & celery, that will also help to flavor the meat taste.

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Can you leave chicken in the slow cooker too long? ›

Most appliances will automatically shut off after 20 or so hours on this setting, but you shouldn't leave food in a slow cooker for an extended length of time. The general rule of thumb is that 2-4 hours is the maximum length of time you can leave food in a slow cooker on warm.

How do you cook chicken so it falls apart? ›

Braise it. Low and slow braising will help make almost any meat fall apart tender (though dark meat is best, thighs/legs).

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Is chicken cooked after 3 hours in slow cooker? ›

Place the chicken and stock, broth, or water in a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Cook the chicken. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and registers an internal temperature of 165°F, 4 to 5 hours on the LOW setting, or 2 to 3 hours on the HIGH setting.

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How do you know when chicken is done in a slow cooker? ›

The chicken should be 165 degrees F (I remove mine 5 to 10 degrees early, since the temperature will rise as it rests). Remove the chicken to a plate or cutting board and let rest 5 to 10 minutes so the juices can reincorporate (if you plan to shred the right in your slow cooker, you can let it rest there).