Crockpot smothered chicken legs are a delicious dinner made with just few simple ingredients like chicken legs, a dry gravy packet, water and seasonings.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

Crockpot, smothered chicken legs are such an easy and delicious dinner idea for a busy weeknight. The meat is fall off the bone good and truly couldn’t be easier to put together. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work. It doesn’t get any more simple than that.This is truly one of those recipes that are impossible to screw up. It requires very little effort as well as cooking skills.

As long as you’ve got the chicken legs, water, and dry gravy packet the other seasoning is gonna be adjusted to suit your taste. So feel free to experiment and use whatever types of seasoning that you’d like. This chicken is so flavorful and delicious it’s sure to earn a permanent spot on your dinner menu rotation.

Ingredients

Heres what you'll need to make this delicious chicken dinner. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions and measurements on the recipe card below.

Crock Pot- 6-8 QT crockpot with lock lid, high and low setting and digital timer.
Chicken Legs- The perfect choice for this slow cooking meal because the bone in chicken legs stay juicy and flavorful.
Water- The liquid base for the gravy.
Dry Brown Gravy Packet- The backbone of the sauce! Adds lots of flavor while also creating the classic "smothered" gravy feel. I used a Mccormick Brown Gravy Packet.
Salt- Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pepper- Adds a subtle bit of heat.
Garlic Powder- Brings a layer of garlicly flavor to the dish. I used Mccormick
Onion powder - Adds a slightly sweet depth. I used Mccormick
Paprika- Adds a mild sweetness and enhances the color.

Instructions

Heres how to make this delicious crockpot chicken. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

First, add the water to the crockpot and whisk in the gravy packet until it’s evenly combined. In a large bowl, add the chicken and seasonings and mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Now, add the chicken legs to the crockpot side by side.

NOTE: If you are sensitive to salt, keep in mind that the gravy packet may be considered enough salt for some people. Also, feel free to use a low sodium gravy packet here, also.

Then, set the crockpot to low for 6 hours. Carefully remove the chicken thighs (the meat will be falling off the bone) and transfer them to a serving plate. Let them cool slightly and enjoy!

NOTE: Low and slow is the key to getting the chicken fall off the bone tender. Cooking it on high may save time but is not recommended.

Do I Have To Use Chicken Legs?

No, you don't have to use chicken legs. Chicken thighs will work just fine or bone in chicken breast, too!

Can Vegetables Be Added To This?

Vegetables like sliced onions and bell peppers would be a fantastic addition. Just slice them up and add them to the bottom of the crockpot before placing the chicken on top.

What Can I Serve This With?

Smothered chicken is usually served over Mashed Potatoes, rice, noodles or gritz.

How Can I Thicken Up The Gravy?

If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in a small slurry of corn starch and water into the crockpot the last hour of cooking. This will thicken it up a bit.

Storage

Let the chicken cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. This can be frozen, too. Just place it into a freezer safe air tight container and it will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.