There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker supper that asks so little and gives back so much, and this 3-ingredient chicken is just that kind of meal. It is the sort of practical, thrifty dish country cooks have always known how to make, turning a family pack of drumsticks and a couple pantry staples into a tender, flavorful dinner with hardly any fuss. On a busy market week, when the garden is full and the day gets away from you, this recipe lets supper take care of itself.
This chicken is especially good with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or plain white rice to catch every bit of the savory juices. I also like to set it alongside green beans, sweet corn, or a simple cucumber and onion salad for a meal that feels straight out of a Midwestern summer kitchen. If you have a loaf of bread handy, that never hurts either.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Poor Man's Farmers Market Week Chicken
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
2 1/2 to 3 pounds raw chicken drumsticks
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10 1/2 ounces
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil if desired for easier cleanup, then arrange the raw chicken drumsticks in an even layer across the bottom.
2. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken, then spoon the cream of mushroom soup over the top and spread it gently so the drumsticks are mostly covered.
3. 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 reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Carefully turn the drumsticks in the sauce before serving, then spoon the sauce over the top and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Variations & Tips
Add garden vegetables: If you want to stretch the meal, tuck in a few thick-cut carrots or small potatoes around the chicken at the start. They will soak up the good flavor as the chicken cooks and make supper even more filling.
Use a different cream soup: Cream of chicken or cream of celery both work nicely here if that is what you have in the cupboard. The recipe is forgiving, which is one reason it has such staying power in busy family kitchens.
Brown for more color: If you have a few extra minutes, you can brown the drumsticks in a skillet before putting them in the slow cooker. It is not necessary, but it does give the chicken a deeper color and a little extra roasted flavor.
Mind the salt: Onion soup mix and canned soup both bring plenty of seasoning, so taste the sauce before adding any extra salt. A little black pepper at the table is often all it needs.
Make cleanup easier: A slow cooker liner can be a real blessing on a long day. If you use one, the sauce still cooks up just fine, and washing up afterward is simple as can be.