Southern Style Crockpot Smothered Chicken are drumsticks slow cooked over peppers and onions and a savory gravy made with simple ingredients.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This crockpot smothered chicken is one of those set-it-and-forget-it dinners that feels like you cooked all day—even though you didn’t. Everything goes right into the slow cooker, and six hours later you’ve got juicy chicken and a thick, comforting gravy that tastes like pure home cooking. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days.

The peppers and onions melt into the sauce as the chicken cooks low and slow, building flavor without any extra steps. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles to soak up every bit of that gravy. This is old-school comfort food done the easiest way possible.

Ingredients

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

Green Bell Pepper – Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the gravy as it cooks down
Onion – Creates a flavorful base and boosts savory richness
Chicken Broth – Thins the sauce just enough while adding body and flavor
Chicken Gravy Packet – Thickens the sauce and brings classic smothered-chicken flavor
Cream of Mushroom Soup – Makes the gravy creamy, rich, and cohesive
Chicken Drumsticks (skinned) – Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for slow cooking
Salt & Pepper – Essential seasoning that brings everything together
Garlic Powder – Adds warmth without overpowering
Onion Powder – Reinforces the onion flavor throughout the dish
Paprika – Adds color and a mild smoky note

How To Make It

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

First, lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray. Add the chopped bell pepper and onion to the bottom of the crockpot and spread them out evenly. In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chicken gravy packet, and cream of mushroom soup until smooth. Pour the gravy mixture evenly over the vegetables.

NOTE: If you are sensitive to salt, use low sodium broth, Cream Of Mushroom Soup and Gravy Packet

Then, season the chicken drumsticks on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks on top of the vegetables and gravy.

PRO TIP: It’s an extra step, but sear the drumsticks before adding them to the crockpot for extra flavor.

seasoned chicken over vegetables and gravy in crockpot

Now, cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Serve hot with plenty of gravy spooned over the top.

PRO TIP: For a thicker gravy, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or add a corn starch slurry.

finishes southern style chicken in crockpot

Can I Use Chicken Thighs or Breasts Instead Of Drumsticks?

Yes, absolutely! Bone in thighs work best as a substitute. Chicken breasts can be used but they may be slightly drier.

Can I Cook This On A High Setting?

Yes, you can. Cook on HIGH for about 3–4 hours, but low is recommended for the most tender chicken.

What Should I Serve This With?

This chicken would be great over a nice big bowl of Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread.

How Can I Thicken The Sauce?

A corn starch slurry can be added to the crockpot 30 minutes before the cooking time is done. That will help thicken the gravy for sure.

Storage

Let the chicken cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three months. This recipe freezes well, too. Just place it into a freezer safe air tight container and it will last for up to three months.