This 5-ingredient slow cooker chicken dinner has the kind of cozy, practical charm that feels straight out of a 1970s back-to-school supper rotation: affordable, filling, and easy to start before a busy day gets going. Using raw skinless chicken drumsticks and a handful of pantry staples, it cooks into a tender, saucy meal that tastes like the sort of family dinner that always made it to the table, even on hectic weeknights.
Serve these drumsticks over fluffy white rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes to catch all the savory sauce. A simple side of green beans, buttered corn, or a crisp iceberg salad fits the retro comfort-food feel perfectly, and warm dinner rolls make it even better for soaking up every last bit.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker 1970s Back to School Supper
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
8 raw skinless chicken drumsticks
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup cola
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Directions
1. Arrange the raw skinless chicken drumsticks in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the ketchup, cola, Worcestershire sauce, and dry onion soup mix until fully combined.
3. Pour the sauce evenly over the drumsticks, making sure all the chicken is coated.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
5. Transfer the drumsticks to plates or a serving platter, spoon the sauce over the top, and serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Sweeter Sauce: If you like that classic sweet-and-savory retro flavor, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the sauce mixture. It gives the finished dish a slightly stickier glaze and a more old-school supper-table feel.
Make It a Meal Prep Night: This is a great one to set up the night before. You can place the drumsticks in the slow cooker insert, mix the sauce separately, refrigerate both, and then combine and start cooking in the morning for an easier workday routine.
Thicker Gravy-Style Sauce: If you want more of a spoonable gravy, remove the cooked chicken and pour the sauce into a saucepan. Simmer it for a few minutes, or thicken it with a small cornstarch slurry, before serving it back over the drumsticks.
Best Side Swap: For a true back-to-school dinner vibe, serve this over egg noodles instead of rice or potatoes. The noodles soak up the tangy sauce beautifully and make the whole plate feel extra comforting.