Looking for an easy, creamy, and comforting meal? Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With just a few simple ingredients, this slow cooker recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken smothered in a rich, savory mushroom sauce. It’s effortless to prepare—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work!
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile meal option. Keep reading to discover why you’ll love this recipe, how to make it step-by-step, and expert tips for the best results.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Just set it and forget it!
✔ Rich & Creamy Flavor – The combination of cream of mushroom soup and tender chicken creates an indulgent sauce.
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable pantry ingredients.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
✔ Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with rice, egg noodles, or even roasted veggies.
1. Set It and Forget It
Using a slow cooker means you can prepare everything in the morning, set the crockpot, and come home to a fully cooked, flavorful meal. No standing over the stove or constant stirring—just let it simmer to perfection!
2. Incredibly Creamy and Flavorful
The combination of cream of mushroom soup, tender chicken, and seasonings creates a rich, savory dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. The sauce is velvety smooth and coats every bite perfectly.
3. Budget-Friendly and Minimal Ingredients
This recipe uses simple pantry staples like boneless chicken, canned cream of mushroom soup, and a few seasonings. It’s an affordable meal that doesn’t compromise on taste!
4. Family-Friendly & Kid-Approved
If you need a meal the whole family will enjoy, this one’s a winner! The creamy sauce and tender chicken are a hit with kids and adults alike. You can even tweak the seasonings to match your family’s taste.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. You can make a large batch and reheat it for quick lunches or freeze portions for future meals.
6. Versatile Pairing Options
Serve it over rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even low-carb sides like roasted veggies or cauliflower mash. The creamy mushroom sauce complements almost anything!
Ingredients Needed
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients—just a few key items to create a creamy, delicious dish.
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (for a thinner sauce, optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (for more mushroom flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth to the flavor)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smoky flavor)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Helpful Tools for Making Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken
To make this Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot recipe as easy as possible, here are some helpful kitchen tools you might need:
| Tool | Purpose | Why It’s Helpful |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Cooker (Crockpot) | Cooks the chicken slowly, keeping it tender and juicy. | A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe. |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Ensures accurate ingredient measurements. | Helps keep the flavors balanced. |
| Tongs | Used to place and remove the chicken. | Prevents breaking the tender chicken. |
| Mixing Spoon or Whisk | Stirring ingredients and thickening the sauce. | A whisk helps create a smooth sauce. |
| Cutting Board & Knife | For prepping chicken and optional veggies. | Ensures clean and even cuts. |
| Storage Containers | For saving leftovers. | Airtight containers keep food fresh longer. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot is incredibly easy! Just follow these simple steps to create a delicious, creamy, and flavorful meal with minimal effort.
1. Prepare the Chicken
- If using chicken breasts, you can leave them whole for a hearty dish or cut them into chunks for easier serving.
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme. This helps infuse flavor into the meat as it cooks.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Step 1: Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Step 2: If using fresh sliced mushrooms, add them on top of the chicken for extra texture and flavor.
- Step 3: Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
- Step 4: Add chicken broth to thin out the sauce slightly (optional but recommended).
- Step 5: If you like a richer sauce, mix in Worcestershire sauce, sour cream, or cream cheese at this stage.
3. Cook on Low or High
- Low Setting: Cook for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- High Setting: Cook for 3-4 hours, but check at 3 hours to prevent overcooking.
4. Stir and Adjust Consistency
- Once the chicken is done, give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or milk and stir well.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- If you love cheese, sprinkle grated parmesan or shredded cheddar before serving.
Tips for the Best Cream of Mushroom Chicken
Want to make this Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot recipe even better? Here are some pro tips to ensure the best flavor and texture every time!
1. Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness
While chicken breasts are lean and healthy, chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more flavorful. If you don’t mind dark meat, boneless, skinless thighs work great in this recipe.
2. Brown the Chicken for Extra Flavor (Optional but Recommended)
For a richer taste, sear the chicken in a pan with a little oil before placing it in the crockpot. This caramelizes the surface and locks in juices.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken in a slow cooker can become dry if overcooked. Stick to 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH, depending on your slow cooker’s strength.
4. Enhance the Sauce for a Gourmet Touch
Want to make the sauce more decadent? Stir in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess.
5. Add Vegetables for a Complete Meal
Turn this into a one-pot meal by adding:
- Carrots (sliced)
- Peas (frozen or fresh)
- Spinach (stir in at the end)
- Green beans
6. Make It a Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Meal
Skip starchy sides and serve this over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a keto-friendly meal.
What to Serve with Cream of Mushroom Chicken
This dish is super versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides! Here are some great options:
Classic Comfort Pairings:
✔ White or Brown Rice – The creamy sauce soaks into the rice perfectly!
✔ Mashed Potatoes – Extra creamy and delicious when paired with this dish.
✔ Egg Noodles – A classic pairing that makes this a complete meal.
✔ Buttered Pasta – Simple, yet effective.
Low-Carb & Healthy Options:
✔ Steamed Broccoli or Cauliflower – Adds freshness and balances the creamy dish.
✔ Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A great low-carb alternative to pasta.
✔ Cauliflower Rice – Soaks up the sauce like regular rice but keeps it low-carb.
Bread Pairings:
✔ Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
✔ Dinner Rolls – Soft, warm rolls go great with this dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! This recipe stores well and tastes even better the next day.
How to Store Leftovers:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Common Variations of This Recipe
This Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot recipe is already delicious, but you can easily tweak it to fit different diets and flavor preferences! Here are some fun variations:
1. Cheesy Cream of Mushroom Chicken
- Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Top with extra cheese when serving for a gooey, cheesy finish!
2. Cream of Mushroom Chicken with Rice (One-Pot Meal)
- Add 1 cup of uncooked rice and 1 extra cup of chicken broth directly into the crockpot.
- Let the rice cook with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal!
3. Keto & Low-Carb Version
- Replace the cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of mushrooms.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of pasta or rice.
4. Spicy Cream of Mushroom Chicken
- Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Stir in sriracha or hot sauce for extra heat.
5. Dairy-Free Version
- Use dairy-free cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade version with coconut milk.
- Skip the cheese and sour cream, or use dairy-free alternatives.
6. Garlic Herb Cream of Mushroom Chicken
- Add fresh minced garlic and chopped rosemary or thyme for a herb-infused dish.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
It’s not recommended. Frozen chicken takes longer to cook and may result in uneven cooking. It’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using it in this recipe.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks work well. Just increase the cooking time by 30-45 minutes to ensure they cook through.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in. Let it cook for 15 more minutes to thicken.
4. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then naturally release for 5 minutes before manually releasing the rest of the pressure.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Some great options include:
- Carrots (sliced)
- Peas
- Mushrooms (extra fresh ones)
- Spinach or kale (stir in at the end)
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything, and add an extra 30-60 minutes of cooking time if needed.
If you love easy and comforting meals like this, you might also enjoy this Taco Hamburger Helper Recipe! It’s another simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy nights.
Conclusion
This Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a stress-free weeknight dinner or a hearty meal for the whole family, this dish delivers flavor, simplicity, and versatility.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce. Plus, it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables.
The best part? This recipe is easily customizable, so you can adjust it to fit your dietary needs, whether you want a cheesy, keto-friendly, spicy, or dairy-free version.
Now that you have this fail-proof slow cooker recipe, all that’s left to do is gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and enjoy a delicious, home cooked meal with minimal effort!