Alabama-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Grits
Comforting slow-cooked chicken thighs simmered with smoky spices served over creamy Southern-style grits. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 435 minutes pairs (about 3 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs, smoked paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 3 lbs) bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup instant grits
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Rub this spice mix evenly over 6 bone-in chicken thighs.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken thighs into a slow cooker and pour 2 cups chicken broth over them. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3: About 20 minutes before serving, bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 cup instant grits, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Remove the grits from heat and stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Step 5: Serve the pulled chicken thighs over a bed of creamy grits, spooning some cooking juices on top for extra flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Alabama-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Grits take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Alabama-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Grits?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Alabama-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Grits?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Alabama-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Grits for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Alabama-Style Slow Cooker Chicken and Grits?
Southern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
