Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This crockpot chicken mushroom recipe is your answer. It's the perfect blend of savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich, creamy sauce – all cooked to perfection in the convenience of your slow cooker. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, making it one of the best recipes for effortless homemade cooking. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sear the chicken (optional but recommended): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side to brown, then transfer to your slow cooker. This step adds incredible flavor!
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, around 5-7 minutes.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet (no need to clean!), whisk together the flour and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slow Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Stir in the dried thyme. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious dish pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Mushroom:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken and vegetables to cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the size of your chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it up: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Crockpot Chicken Mushroom: Add 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained, to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Lemon Herb Crockpot Chicken Mushroom: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (such as rosemary or oregano) to the sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken Mushroom: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This crockpot chicken mushroom recipe is a simple yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this healthy and delicious dish, a testament to the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking and easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. It's a surefire way to elevate your weeknight dinners!