Are you craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort? Look no further! This crockpot chicken breast recipe with cream of chicken soup is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy, healthy, and delivers a wonderfully tender and juicy chicken every single time. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in yours too! It's one of those easy recipes that's perfect for busy weeknights, a quick dinner idea that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream for extra richness)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional additions: 1 cup frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. If using larger breasts, you can cut them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
- Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The creaminess of the soup is key to the tender chicken.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Slow Cook: 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. The low and slow cooking method guarantees incredibly tender and juicy chicken.
- 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 coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Optional additions: Stir in frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking on low or 15 minutes on high. Stir in shredded cheese during the last 5 minutes for a cheesy twist.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. This delicious dish is a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and sauce to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Adding a pinch of paprika or onion powder can elevate the taste.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with fresh herbs like rosemary and oregano.
- Creamy Tomato Chicken: Substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of tomato soup for the cream of chicken soup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on serving size and additions)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This crockpot chicken breast recipe with cream of chicken soup is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can be both delicious and effortless. It's a perfect choice for healthy meals and a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!