If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying dish, you have to try this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe! This divine meal combines tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that simmers low and slow to develop deep, harmonious flavors. It’s just the type of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, fuss-free dinner that tastes like it took hours to make. You’re going to love how effortlessly the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity and straightforwardness of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the rich and creamy texture, as well as adding layers of flavor and a touch of color that make this dish truly irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Evenly pounded for uniform cooking and tender results.
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant depth that elevates the savory profile.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced): Bring earthiness and a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup: The base of the creamy sauce, lending smoothness and richness.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall chicken flavor without overpowering.
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix: A secret little boost of herbs and spices that create a perfect savory balance.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a mild heat and brightens the flavors at the end.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for silky, decadent creaminess.
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature): Stirred in at the finish to add tanginess and a velvety texture.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): Sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of color and mild herbiness.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker and Chicken
Start by giving your slow cooker a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. Next, lay the chicken breasts evenly across the slow cooker surface. Pounding them to an even thickness beforehand ensures each piece cooks perfectly and stays juicy throughout those slow hours.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and chicken broth. Whisk everything together until completely smooth, making sure there are no lumps. This simple mixture is the heart of your sauce and will infuse the chicken with wonderful flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Assemble Your Ingredients
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker. Next, layer the sliced cremini mushrooms on top. This layering helps the mushrooms meld with the sauce and chicken flavors, releasing their savory juices all through the cooking process.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with the lid, then cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking allows the chicken to become tender and soak up all the creamy mushroom goodness. It’s truly the hands-off magic that makes this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe a weeknight champion.
Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Finish
When cooking is complete, gently stir the sour cream into the sauce right in the slow cooker. This adds a luscious tang and richness that rounds out the flavor perfectly. Finish by seasoning with fresh ground black pepper to your taste and sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like for a bright, fresh touch.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for this dish, adding a pop of green and a subtle herbal note. For extra flair, a few shavings of Parmesan or a small drizzle of truffle oil can turn your creamy chicken into a sophisticated meal that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken shines when paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or creamy polenta. These sides soak up the rich sauce beautifully, making each bite indulgently satisfying. For balance, consider adding steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to bring freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the chicken over a bed of wild rice or quinoa mixed with toasted pine nuts and herbs. You can also plate it in individual ramekins topped with mushrooms and a light dusting of paprika for a colorful, restaurant-quality look right at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so reheated portions often taste just as good if not better the next day.
Freezing
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the creamy consistency if it thickened too much during refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully in this creamy slow cooker recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt to keep the creaminess while accommodating dairy restrictions. Just note that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach are great additions that complement the mushrooms and chicken well. Just add sturdier veggies like onions at the start and delicate greens closer to the end of cooking.
How thick should I pound the chicken breasts?
A thickness of about ½ inch works best. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy without drying out during the slow cooking process.
Can I make this recipe on the stove instead of the slow cooker?
While slow cooking develops the best flavor and tenderness, you can simmer the ingredients gently on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe is a fantastic way to bring comfort and elegance to your everyday meals. With minimal prep and maximal flavor, it’s a dish that feels special yet effortless—exactly what busy home cooks need. Don’t wait to add this to your recipe rotation; trust me, it will quickly become a treasured favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Mushrooms Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker on low) or 3 to 4 hours (slow cooker on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Mushrooms recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked slowly in a creamy mushroom and Italian dressing sauce. Perfect for busy days, it combines the rich flavors of cream of chicken soup, fresh garlic, and mushrooms with a velvety sour cream finish. Ready in just a few simple steps, it’s an ideal meal that delivers home-cooked goodness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms (sliced)
- Black pepper (freshly ground to taste)
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped for color)
Sauce
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 packet Italian dressing mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
Instructions
- Prep: Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the pounded chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, and low-sodium chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Assemble: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Then, top with the sliced cremini mushrooms to distribute flavor evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish: Before serving, stir in the room temperature sour cream to the sauce. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use room temperature sour cream to prevent curdling when stirring it into the hot sauce.
- Substitute cremini mushrooms with button mushrooms if unavailable.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain texture.
