Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights with tender chicken cooked to perfection in a rich and velvety cream cheese sauce, pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

To create this creamy chicken delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts are the most commonly used cut for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. They both work wonderfully in the slow cooker and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder both work well in this recipe. Garlic infuses a robust, savory flavor into the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: For added flavor and to help create a luscious sauce that coats the chicken.
• Seasonings: Onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper are all you need to season the chicken. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Optional Add-ins: If you want to make this recipe even richer, consider adding a small amount of ranch seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

Making Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken couldn’t be easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this mouthwatering dish:

• Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the Crock Pot. No need to brown the chicken beforehand—this is a “set it and forget it” kind of recipe.
• Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, making sure the cream cheese is softened enough to mix easily.
• Slow Cook: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Set your Crock Pot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
• Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot, stirring the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce. This step will allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce.
• Optional Final Touch: For an extra creamy texture, stir in some additional cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream just before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Cut Matters: While chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe, they can dry out if overcooked. If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure not to cook them on high for too long. Alternatively, chicken thighs have more fat and will stay moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the richest, creamiest sauce, opt for full-fat cream cheese. Light cream cheese can work in a pinch, but it won’t give the sauce the same silky texture.
• Don’t Skip the Broth: The chicken broth helps to create a flavorful sauce. If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with water or even vegetable broth, but the flavor might not be as rich.
• Add Veggies for Extra Flavor: Want to add some vegetables to your Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken? Consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
• Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce towards the end of cooking.

Variations on Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken is incredibly versatile, and there are several ways you can tweak it to suit your preferences:

• Ranch Seasoning: Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the sauce for a tangy, herby kick. This will enhance the creaminess and add an extra layer of flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken: For a spicy twist, stir in some buffalo sauce. This version is great for those who love a little heat in their meals.
• Cheesy Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken: Add a cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella) to the sauce before serving. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even richer and more comforting.
• Lemon Garlic: For a lighter version, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of lemon zest to the sauce for a fresh, zesty flavor.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and dietary needs:

• Over Rice: Serve this creamy chicken over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• On a Bed of Greens: Serve the chicken on a bed of spinach or mixed greens for a fresh, light meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For a more indulgent meal, serve the creamy chicken over mashed potatoes.
• As a Wrap: Spoon the chicken into a tortilla and enjoy it as a wrap or taco. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or sour cream.

How to Store Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken is easy:

• Refrigerating: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
• Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the creamy texture of the sauce.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in the Crock Pot. However, be sure to add extra cooking time (around 1-2 hours) since frozen chicken will take longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to shred the chicken?

Shredding the chicken helps it absorb the creamy sauce, making each bite more flavorful. However, you can serve the chicken breasts whole if you prefer.

Can I use a slow cooker liner?

Absolutely! Slow cooker liners make cleanup a breeze and are a great option if you want to avoid scrubbing the pot.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken?

You can pair this creamy chicken with a variety of sides, such as steamed veggies, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Final Thoughts on Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken

This Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal prep. The creamy, savory sauce is a true crowd-pleaser, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes. Whether you enjoy it with rice, mashed potatoes, or in a wrap, you’re guaranteed to love the ease and taste of this dish. Happy cooking!

Try these other chicken recipes:

• Crockpot Asian Chicken
• Crockpot Chicken and Vegetables
• Crockpot Chicken Sandwiches