Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy mushroom sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is an easy, hands-off dinner that requires minimal preparation, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom dish has everything you need in one comforting bowl. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the cream of mushroom soup, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few basic ingredients, and you don’t have to worry about constantly stirring or checking on it. Simply set the crockpot, let it work its magic, and come back to a warm, hearty meal. Plus, the versatility of this recipe makes it easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry or fridge, making it an ideal option for those who like to cook with what’s on hand.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom

Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often used in this dish for ease, using bone-in chicken thighs can enhance the flavor and keep the meat more moist and tender. The bones release natural juices into the sauce, adding more depth to the overall taste.

Sear the Chicken First: For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This step helps to lock in juices and gives the chicken a nice golden-brown color. However, if you’re short on time, skipping this step will still yield a delicious result.

Add Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: While cream of mushroom soup is flavorful on its own, adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can elevate the dish. Fresh herbs add brightness and balance out the richness of the soup.

Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of flour or cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of the cooking process. Stir it into the crockpot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes to thicken the sauce.

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking chicken in the slow cooker can lead to dry meat. Make sure to check the internal temperature towards the end of the cooking time. Chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Variations of Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom

While the classic version of this recipe is comforting in its own right, there are many ways to personalize it to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: For a more rounded meal, consider adding vegetables like carrots, peas, or green beans. These can be added directly to the crockpot at the start, allowing them to cook along with the chicken and absorb all the flavorful sauce.
• Use Different Soups: Although cream of mushroom is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other canned soups, such as cream of chicken, cream of celery, or even a combination of them. Each variation will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
• Make It Spicy: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a can of diced green chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish an unexpected kick.
• Add Cheese: For a richer, more indulgent dish, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking. This will give the sauce a creamy, cheesy finish that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom

This dish is versatile in terms of what you can serve it with. Here are a few classic options:

• Over Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce, making each bite flavorful and filling.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Another comforting choice is to serve the chicken and mushroom sauce over mashed potatoes. The smooth potatoes complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Pasta: If you’re in the mood for pasta, try serving the chicken over egg noodles, penne, or fettuccine. The sauce will cling to the noodles, making for a satisfying meal.
• With Crusty Bread: For a simpler option, serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. This works well for a more casual, family-style meal.

How to Store Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case with this dish), storing them properly will ensure that they stay fresh and delicious for future meals:

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken and mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a bit of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well, so feel free to make a big batch and save some for later. Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker? Yes, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot. However, it’s important to note that cooking times may be longer, and the chicken may release more liquid. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be fully cooked.

2. Can I substitute fresh mushrooms for canned cream of mushroom soup? Yes, you can use fresh mushrooms for a more authentic flavor. Sauté the mushrooms in a pan with some butter or oil before adding them to the slow cooker, then mix with heavy cream or a combination of cream and broth to create your own mushroom sauce.

3. How do I know when the chicken is done? The best way to know if the chicken is done is by checking its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. You can also check by slicing the chicken and ensuring it’s no longer pink inside.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier than breasts, which can be prone to drying out. You can use either boneless or bone-in thighs, though bone-in thighs may require a longer cooking time.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom is an excellent dish to make ahead. Prepare everything the night before, and store the uncooked ingredients in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply set your crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. You can also freeze the dish before cooking for an even longer storage option.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken and Cream of Mushroom is a simple yet delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family. With just a few ingredients, this slow-cooked dish becomes a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, it’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to suit your tastes. Make it your own with added vegetables, herbs, or cheese, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Try other crockpot recipes:

• Crockpot Stuffing Chicken
• Crockpot Pineapple Chicken
• Crockpot Creamy Chicken