There is something mighty comforting about a slow cooker supper when August gets busy and the school routine starts creeping back in. This kind of simple chicken dinner feels like the sort of practical meal home cooks leaned on in the 1970s, when pantry staples, thrift, and getting supper on the table without a fuss mattered every bit as much as flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, the chicken turns tender and savory, and the sauce cooks down into something that tastes like you worked far harder than you did.
Serve this chicken over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or plain white rice to catch every bit of the rich sauce. A side of green beans, sweet corn, or a crisp garden salad makes it feel like a full family supper, and a pan of warm rolls on the table never hurts a thing.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker 1970s August School Prep Chicken
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds raw boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 packet dry onion soup mix, about 1 ounce
1 can cream of chicken soup, 10 1/2 ounces
1 cup diced mixed vegetables, such as bell pepper, onion, and celery
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions
1. Lightly grease the slow cooker crock if desired, then spread the diced vegetables in the bottom and arrange the raw chicken thighs over them in an even layer.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, dry onion soup mix, and chicken broth until smooth, then pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
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 cooked through.
4. Gently stir the sauce around the chicken, spoon some of it over the top, and serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Variations & Tips
Make It Heartier: Add sliced mushrooms or an extra cup of diced vegetables to stretch the meal a little further. If you do, keep an eye on the sauce and let it cook uncovered for a few minutes at the end if you want it thicker.
For a Richer Sauce: Stir in a spoonful of sour cream right before serving for a creamier finish. That little extra makes the gravy especially good over noodles or mashed potatoes.
Keep the Chicken Tender: Boneless skinless thighs are forgiving, but they still do best when not overcooked. Once they are fork-tender and fully cooked, switch the slow cooker to warm if supper is still a little ways off.
Pantry Swap: If cream of chicken soup is not what you have on hand, cream of mushroom works nicely too and gives the dish an old-fashioned supper flavor that fits this recipe beautifully.