Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy chicken and mushroom soup, slow-cooked to perfection in your crock-pot, is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It's packed with flavor, unbelievably tender chicken, and a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce – all with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, making it a staple for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced (or a mix of mushrooms for deeper flavor)
- 10 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 10 oz can condensed chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For extra flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor to the soup. If you're short on time, you can skip this step.
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Layer the Crock-Pot: Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Add the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the crock-pot.
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Incorporate Mushrooms: Layer the sliced mushrooms evenly over the onions and garlic.
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Pour in the Liquids: Pour the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and milk into the crock-pot.
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Season: Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
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Shred and Simmer: Remove the chicken from the crock-pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread for dipping – the perfect homemade cooking experience!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less of any seasoning to suit your preferences. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Thicken the soup (optional): If you prefer a thicker soup, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water before the final simmer.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for meal prepping.
Delicious Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include carrots, celery, or potatoes for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
- Use different mushrooms: Experiment with other types of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or portobello mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy alternative: Instead of milk, use heavy cream or coconut milk for an even richer and creamier soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy recipe for chicken breast and cream of mushroom soup is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish! It’s the best recipe for a quick and satisfying meal. Share your creations and tag us!