Creamy Crockpot Chicken is a go-to recipe that is creamy, savory, and rich essentially everything you want in a comfort dish. With minimal prep and a crockpot doing all the hard work, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, giving you hours of free time while the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Family-Friendly: This creamy chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser, from picky kids to adults who love a hearty meal.
- Versatile: With a few tweaks, you can customize this recipe to fit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Creamy Crockpot Chicken, gather these simple pantry staples:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless varieties work best.
- Cream Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory, flavorful base.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic kick.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth.
- Herbs: Dried thyme, oregano, and a touch of rosemary for seasoning.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella, melted into the sauce for extra indulgence.
- Heavy Cream: Optional but adds a luxurious, silky texture.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Crockpot Chicken
- Avoid Overcooking: While crockpots are forgiving, overcooked chicken can become dry. Stick to the suggested cooking times.
- Shred with Ease: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, making it easier to mix with the creamy sauce.
- Thicker Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it in. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to experiment based on your taste preferences or dietary needs:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Low-Carb: Skip the pasta or rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Add Veggies: Throw in mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Chicken
- Classic Comfort: Serve over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Light Option: For a healthier twist, pair it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Sandwich Style: Spoon the shredded chicken onto toasted buns for a delectable sandwich.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Creamy Crockpot Chicken freezes well. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a pot over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to revive the creamy texture.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, but ensure you increase the cooking time slightly. However, for food safety, it’s better to use thawed chicken.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just start the crockpot the next day.
3. What other cheeses work well in this recipe?
Besides cheddar and mozzarella, you can use Parmesan, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
4. How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Adding a touch of heavy cream or even sour cream will elevate the creaminess factor.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken
Creamy Crockpot Chicken is a go-to recipe that is creamy, savory, and rich essentially everything you want in a comfort dish. With minimal prep and a crockpot doing all the hard work, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 2 packets chicken gravy mix (0.87 oz each)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Prep the Base: Pour chicken broth (or water) into your crockpot. Whisk in the gravy mix, cream of chicken soup, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and velvety.
- Season & Add Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Nestle the seasoned chicken into the gravy mixture, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise to speed up cooking.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and let the crockpot work its magic on low for 6 hours. When done, the chicken should be tender and shred easily with a fork. If it’s still firm, give it a bit more time until it’s ready to fall apart effortlessly.
- Shred & Creamify: Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot or remove it and dice. Stir in the sour cream for that extra creamy finish.
- Serve It Up: This dish is heavenly over rice or egg noodles. For a pop of color, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 199Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 69mgSodium 983mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 21g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Crockpot Chicken is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a hearty, easy, and delicious meal. The crockpot transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful, creamy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
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