If you’re seeking a comforting, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare, Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken is a perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and a creamy sauce that’s full of flavor. Cooking in the slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
This recipe is not only simple but versatile. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables, lighten the dish, or make it richer, it’s easy to adapt. Plus, it’s excellent for meal prepping, as it reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed throughout the week. Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal that satisfies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth creates a luscious sauce.
- Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart chicken breasts.
- Customizable: Add more vegetables, make it cheesy, or lighten it up to suit your preference.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers or future meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed and patted dry)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (for the creamy base)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for added depth and moisture)
- 1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (white or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 1 small onion, finely diced (for aromatic sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (to enhance flavor)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for an earthy, aromatic note)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (for herbaceous freshness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (to balance flavors)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Thickening the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (to create a velvety sauce)
- 3 tablespoons water (to make the cornstarch slurry)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
- Layer the Vegetables: Arrange the sliced mushrooms and diced onions evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker. This layer acts as a flavor base and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the mushrooms and onions for a rich, aromatic foundation.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Season Thoroughly: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. This ensures each bite is well-flavored.
- Place in Slow Cooker: Position the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the mushroom and onion base.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Sauce
- Mix the Liquids: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until smooth. This mixture will form the creamy sauce.
- Pour Over Chicken: Evenly pour the sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Step 4: Cook the Dish
- Set the Slow Cooker:
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours for tender, juicy chicken.
- Or cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
- The chicken should be tender and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
- Prepare the Slurry: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to form a smooth slurry.
- Incorporate the Slurry: Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to help thicken the sauce. Continue cooking for the remaining time. The sauce will become rich and glossy.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Hot: Serve the chicken and sauce over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Mushroom Chicken
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) but doesn’t overcook, which could dry it out.
- Mushroom Selection: For a deeper flavor, use baby bella (cremini) mushrooms instead of white mushrooms.
- Layering is Key: Always place the mushrooms and onions on the bottom to ensure they absorb the most flavor and cook evenly.
- For a Richer Sauce: Stir in a tablespoon of butter or heavy cream at the end for added richness.
- Low Sodium Option: Choose low-sodium chicken broth and soup if you need to reduce salt levels.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheesy Version: Stir in 1 cup of shredded parmesan or mozzarella during the last 30 minutes for a richer, cheesy dish.
- Vegetable Addition: Add carrots, green beans, or peas for extra nutrition and color. Add firmer vegetables like carrots earlier, but softer vegetables like peas closer to the end.
- Lighter Option: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with low-fat milk and increase the cornstarch to achieve the same thickness.
- Herb Alternatives: Swap thyme and parsley for rosemary, basil, or oregano for a different herbal profile.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more tender, juicy meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and food safety.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Cool the chicken completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. How do I reheat the chicken?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to restore moisture if needed.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and broth, and ensure that the cornstarch is gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and quantities.)
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken recipe is a delicious and simple way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. The tender chicken combined with earthy mushrooms and a creamy, herb-infused sauce is the perfect comfort food. Whether served over potatoes, rice, or pasta, it’s a versatile dish that suits any occasion.
With easy preparation, customizable ingredients, and excellent storage options, this recipe is ideal for both quick dinners and make-ahead meals. Enjoy the rich flavors, experiment with variations, and savor every comforting bite!