Are you looking for easy recipes that are both delicious and healthy? Do you crave those comforting, homemade meals but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? Then this creamy chicken slow cooker recipe is perfect for you! This quick dinner idea uses simple ingredients to create a dish so flavorful and tender, it'll become a family favorite. It's the ultimate in effortless deliciousness, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
The Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk (or cream), garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Combine and Cook:
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Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
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Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Finish and Serve:
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
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Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce. If using, stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
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Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Soften the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother sauce. You can microwave it for short bursts, stirring in between, until it's soft and spreadable.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more or less of any spice to suit your preferences. A dash of paprika or cayenne pepper would add a nice kick!
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mexican Chicken: Add a packet of taco seasoning, diced green chilies, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
- Buffalo Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of your favorite buffalo wing sauce at the end of cooking. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on serving size and ingredients used. This is an estimate based on a 4-serving recipe:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This creamy chicken slow cooker recipe is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Enjoy!