Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Smothered Chicken
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Smothered Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken slowly cooks in a rich, savory onion gravy made with creamy soup, flavorful onion soup mix, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 2½–3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: About 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, dry onion soup mix, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted.
- If desired, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Biscuits
- Toasted bread
Pair with steamed green beans, broccoli, roasted carrots, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Chicken thighs stay especially juicy during slow cooking.
- Add sliced mushrooms or frozen peas during the last hour for extra flavor and texture.
- For a little kick, stir in ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.