Are you tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that's also incredibly easy to prepare? Then look no further! This crock pot chicken breast recipe with cream cheese is your answer. Tender, juicy chicken infused with a creamy, subtly tangy sauce – it's a delicious dish the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a simple solution for quick dinner ideas without compromising on taste or healthy eating. It’s a testament to the power of homemade cooking, proving that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese!)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Creamy Sauce Magic: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, green onions, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dill, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
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Combine and Cook: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
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Slow Cook to Perfection: 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.
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Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken breasts in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the cream cheese mixture before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste. Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning mix, or even a dash of hot sauce would all be delicious additions.
Variations:
- Buffalo Chicken: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite buffalo wing sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Mexican Chicken: Substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack and add a diced jalapeño pepper and some cumin for a Mexican twist.
- Mediterranean Chicken: Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add some sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This crock pot chicken breast recipe with cream cheese is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and convenience. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals, offering a satisfying and delicious dinner option without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!