Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese is a rich and creamy dish that’s made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe combines tender chicken with a velvety cream cheese sauce, seasoned to perfection for a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy every craving.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make—simply throw everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy, absorbing all the rich flavors from the cream cheese and seasonings. The result is a smooth, creamy dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Plus, the flavor profile can easily be adjusted to suit your preferences. If you love a bit of spice, you can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. If you’re a fan of garlic, you can increase the amount to intensify the flavor. This dish can easily be tailored to suit any taste!

This recipe is also ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. You can prepare a large batch and store leftovers for the next day, making it a fantastic option for busy families or anyone looking to get ahead on their weekly meals.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, you can also opt for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for added flavor. The bones will add richness to the sauce, and the meat will stay incredibly moist.

Ensure the Chicken Is Fully Cooked: Slow cookers vary in temperature, so it’s important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are great for tenderizing meat, it’s crucial to avoid overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and stringy. Aim for about 4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.

Mix It Up with Seasonings: This recipe is highly customizable in terms of seasoning. Feel free to add extra spices like paprika, onion powder, or dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary. For a richer flavor, add a splash of chicken broth.

Cream Cheese Texture: Ensure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the crockpot. Cold cream cheese will not incorporate as smoothly into the sauce, leading to a lumpy texture.

Stir the Sauce Before Serving: Once the chicken is done, stir the sauce to fully incorporate the cream cheese. This will ensure that every bite is creamy and flavorful.

Variations of Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese

There are countless ways to make this dish your own. Here are some variations to try:

1. Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese with Bacon: Add crispy bacon to the recipe for a smoky, salty twist. Crumbled bacon can be stirred into the sauce or sprinkled on top just before serving for added crunch.
2. Spicy Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese: If you love a bit of heat, add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to the crockpot. The cream cheese will help balance the spice while adding a creamy texture.
3. Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese with Spinach: For a more nutrient-packed version, add a handful of fresh spinach leaves during the last hour of cooking. The spinach will wilt down and blend seamlessly into the sauce.
4. Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan cheese to the cream cheese sauce. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating an ultra-creamy, cheesy dish.
5. Low-Carb/Keto Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese: This recipe is already low-carb and keto-friendly, but you can serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a satisfying, low-carb meal.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese

This creamy chicken dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide range of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:

1. With Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Serve the Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese over steamed white or brown rice for a classic, hearty meal. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a great substitute.
2. With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce from the chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes. The potatoes soak up the sauce, making every bite deliciously rich.
3. On a Bed of Greens: For a lighter option, serve the chicken on a bed of leafy greens, such as spinach or arugula. The freshness of the greens balances the creamy richness of the chicken.
4. In a Wrap: If you’re looking for a portable option, serve the chicken in a tortilla wrap with some fresh vegetables or cheese for a tasty lunch or dinner.
5. With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

How to Store Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese

This dish makes great leftovers, and storing it properly will ensure it stays fresh for days:

1. Store in an Airtight Container: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
2. Freezing: You can freeze this dish for future use. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
3. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken on low heat on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to cook it on the low setting for at least 7-8 hours to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature. Frozen chicken may release more liquid, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.

2. Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese? Absolutely! Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini can be added to the crockpot along with the chicken. Add them during the last 2-3 hours of cooking to avoid overcooking.

3. Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can make this dish in an Instant Pot! Set it to “Manual” for 8 minutes and perform a quick release when the cooking time is up. Be sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before mixing in the cream cheese.

4. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? If your sauce is too thin, you can either let it cook uncovered for a little longer to reduce, or you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it. Another option is to add a little extra cream cheese to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe? Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese in this recipe. Cheddar, mozzarella, and even cream cheese with herbs are great options that will add richness and flavor to the dish.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Cream Cheese is a simple, delicious, and creamy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it to your family for a weeknight dinner or preparing a batch for meal prep, this dish is sure to please. With its customizable ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, it’s a recipe that can be adjusted to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Give it a try, and let the slow cooker do all the work for you!

Try other crockpot recipes:

• Crockpot Stuffing Chicken
• Crockpot Creamy Chicken
• Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili