Emma Wilson
Preparing chicken with cream of mushroom in a crockpot is a simple and flavorful way to create a comforting meal with minimal effort. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and a blend of spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. By using a crockpot, the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days or cozy dinners. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Chicken breasts/thighs, cream of mushroom soup, mushrooms (optional) |
| Cooking Method | Slow cooking in a crockpot |
| Cooking Time | 4-6 hours on low, 2-3 hours on high |
| Serving Size | Typically serves 4-6 people |
| Additional Ingredients | Onion, garlic, milk/water, seasonings (e.g., thyme, paprika, salt, pepper) |
| Preparation Steps | 1. Place chicken in crockpot. 2. Mix soup with milk/water and pour over chicken. 3. Add mushrooms, onions, and seasonings. 4. Cook until chicken is tender. |
| Optional Additions | Vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes), cheese, or sour cream for topping |
| Texture | Tender chicken in a creamy, mushroom-infused sauce |
| Flavor Profile | Savory, creamy, with earthy mushroom notes |
| Dietary Considerations | Can be made low-carb by omitting milk/water or using cauliflower rice |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days |
| Reheating Instructions | Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water/milk if needed |
| Pairings | Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables |
| Difficulty Level | Easy, beginner-friendly |
| Equipment Needed | Crockpot, measuring cups/spoons, knife, cutting board |
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What You'll Learn
- Prep Ingredients: Gather chicken, cream of mushroom soup, veggies, spices, and crockpot essentials
- Layer Crockpot: Place chicken at bottom, add veggies, pour soup mixture evenly
- Set Cook Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water, stir in, cook 15-20 minutes to thicken
- Serve & Garnish: Plate with rice or pasta, garnish with parsley or herbs
Prep Ingredients: Gather chicken, cream of mushroom soup, veggies, spices, and crockpot essentials
The foundation of any successful crockpot meal lies in the quality and preparation of its ingredients. For chicken with cream of mushroom, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference for texture and flavor. Breasts offer leaner meat, while thighs provide richer, juicier results. Aim for 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken to feed 4–6 people, ensuring enough protein to satisfy without overcrowding the crockpot.
Next, cream of mushroom soup acts as the star ingredient, providing both flavor and texture. Opt for two 10.5-ounce cans for a standard recipe, or use one can and supplement with homemade mushroom sauce for a fresher twist. If using condensed soup, dilute it with ½ cup of water or chicken broth to achieve the right consistency. For a healthier alternative, substitute with a blend of sautéed mushrooms, flour, and broth, thickened to mimic the soup’s creamy base.
Vegetables add depth and balance to the dish. Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with potatoes, green beans, or even bell peppers. Chop vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for 2–3 cups of veggies total, layering them beneath the chicken to prevent sogginess. Pro tip: lightly coat vegetables in olive oil and season with salt and pepper before adding to enhance their natural flavors.
Spices are the unsung heroes of this dish, transforming it from bland to brilliant. Thyme, rosemary, paprika, and black pepper complement the earthy mushroom and chicken flavors. For a bolder profile, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh) per pound of chicken, adjusting to taste. Remember, crockpot cooking intensifies flavors, so start conservatively and season more at the end if needed.
Finally, crockpot essentials ensure a seamless cooking experience. Use a 6-quart crockpot for this recipe to accommodate all ingredients comfortably. Line the pot with a liner or lightly grease it to simplify cleanup. Always place chicken on top of the vegetables and soup mixture to prevent it from becoming waterlogged. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, checking for doneness when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. With these prep steps mastered, you’re set to create a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort.
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Layer Crockpot: Place chicken at bottom, add veggies, pour soup mixture evenly
Layering your crockpot is a simple yet effective technique to ensure your chicken with cream of mushroom turns out flavorful and tender. Start by placing the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot. This allows the chicken to cook in its own juices and absorb the flavors from the ingredients above. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. For a family of four, 4-6 chicken pieces (about 2 pounds) should suffice.
Next, add your vegetables. Carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms are classic choices that complement the cream of mushroom soup. Chop them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. A handful of each vegetable (roughly 1 cup per type) will add texture and nutrition without overwhelming the dish. Pro tip: Sauté the onions and mushrooms lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor, though this step is optional if you’re short on time.
Finally, pour the soup mixture evenly over the layers. Combine one can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup with ½ cup of chicken broth or water to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper to taste for added depth. Pour this mixture slowly, ensuring it covers the chicken and vegetables. This step locks in moisture and creates a rich, creamy sauce as the dish cooks.
This layering method maximizes flavor distribution and prevents the chicken from drying out. The vegetables act as a buffer, allowing the chicken to cook gently while absorbing the soup’s savory notes. For best results, cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. This approach is foolproof, even for beginners, and guarantees a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort.
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Set Cook Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
Choosing the right cook time for your crockpot chicken with cream of mushroom is crucial for achieving tender, flavorful results. Slow cooking on low for 6-8 hours allows the chicken to gently simmer, breaking down connective tissues and infusing the dish with rich, savory flavors. This method is ideal for busy days when you can set it and forget it, returning to a perfectly cooked meal. However, if time is of the essence, opting for the high setting for 3-4 hours still yields delicious results, though the chicken may be slightly less tender.
The science behind these cook times lies in the slow cooker’s ability to maintain a consistent, low temperature. On the low setting, the internal temperature hovers around 190°F (88°C), which is perfect for slowly tenderizing tougher cuts of chicken, like thighs or drumsticks. The high setting, reaching about 300°F (149°C), speeds up the process but requires more attention to avoid overcooking. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the high setting is often sufficient to cook through without drying out, while bone-in pieces benefit from the longer, slower approach.
Practical considerations also play a role in your decision. If you’re leaving the house for the day, the low setting is safer and more energy-efficient. It minimizes the risk of overcooking and ensures the dish stays warm until you’re ready to eat. Conversely, the high setting is perfect for last-minute meals or when you’re short on time. Pairing it with a quick prep—like searing the chicken beforehand—can enhance flavor and texture, compensating for the shorter cook time.
A common mistake is assuming that longer always means better. While 6-8 hours on low is ideal for most recipes, exceeding this range can lead to mushy chicken or a broken sauce. Similarly, pushing the high setting beyond 4 hours can dry out leaner cuts. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), regardless of the setting. This ensures both safety and optimal texture.
In conclusion, the choice between low and high settings depends on your schedule, the cut of chicken, and your desired texture. Both methods produce a comforting, creamy dish, but understanding their nuances allows you to tailor the recipe to your needs. Whether you’re planning ahead or cooking on the fly, mastering these cook times ensures your crockpot chicken with cream of mushroom turns out perfectly every time.
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Thicken Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water, stir in, cook 15-20 minutes to thicken
Achieving the perfect consistency for your cream of mushroom chicken in the crockpot often hinges on one crucial step: thickening the sauce. While slow cooking naturally reduces liquids, sometimes the sauce remains thinner than desired. This is where cornstarch comes in as a reliable thickening agent. Mixing cornstarch with water creates a slurry that, when stirred into the sauce, activates during cooking to achieve a smoother, more cohesive texture.
The process is straightforward but requires precision. Start by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This ratio is ideal for thickening about 1 cup of liquid, so adjust accordingly based on your recipe’s volume. Pour the slurry into the crockpot during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, stirring it in gently to avoid clumping. The residual heat from the slow cooker will activate the cornstarch, gradually thickening the sauce without altering the dish’s flavor.
One common mistake is adding the cornstarch slurry too early or failing to cook it long enough. Cornstarch needs heat to fully activate, so adding it too soon can result in a gummy texture or uneven thickening. Conversely, cooking it for less than 15 minutes may leave the sauce thin and underwhelming. Patience is key—allow the sauce to simmer undisturbed for the full 15-20 minutes to ensure the cornstarch works its magic.
For those who prefer a richer texture, consider using a roux instead of cornstarch. However, cornstarch is a more convenient option for crockpot recipes, as it doesn’t require stovetop preparation. It’s also gluten-free, making it suitable for dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that cornstarch-thickened sauces may lose some thickness when reheated, so reheat gently and add a bit more slurry if needed.
In essence, thickening your cream of mushroom chicken sauce with cornstarch is a simple yet transformative step. It elevates the dish from a runny stew to a hearty, restaurant-quality meal. With the right technique and timing, you’ll achieve a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and mushrooms, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
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Serve & Garnish: Plate with rice or pasta, garnish with parsley or herbs
The final touch to any dish is its presentation, and serving chicken with cream of mushroom from a crockpot is no exception. The rich, savory sauce pairs beautifully with a neutral base like rice or pasta, allowing the flavors to shine without competition. Opt for long-grain rice or al dente pasta to maintain texture contrast against the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, consider whole wheat pasta or brown rice, which add a nutty undertone and extra fiber.
Garnishing is where creativity meets practicality. Fresh parsley or herbs like thyme and chives not only elevate the dish visually but also introduce a bright, aromatic note that cuts through the richness. Chop herbs finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into each bite. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of paprika can add a subtle kick, though moderation is key to avoid overpowering the dish.
For a polished presentation, use a shallow bowl or plate to allow the sauce to pool around the rice or pasta, creating an inviting appearance. Arrange the chicken pieces thoughtfully, ensuring each serving has a balance of protein and sauce. If serving pasta, twirl it into a neat nest or gently toss it with a fork to coat it evenly in the sauce. A small dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on the side can offer guests an optional extra layer of flavor.
Consider the occasion when choosing your serving style. For a casual family dinner, a rustic, homey presentation works well—think wooden boards or ceramic dishes. For a more formal setting, opt for sleek, minimalist plates and precise herb placement. Regardless of style, ensure the dish is served warm, as the cream of mushroom sauce tends to thicken upon cooling, altering the texture.
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish. A single sprig of fresh herb or a light drizzle of olive oil can transform the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Keep garnishes simple yet intentional, letting the crockpot’s slow-cooked flavors remain the star while adding just enough finesse to impress.
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Frequently asked questions
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cream of mushroom soup, sliced mushrooms (optional), diced onions, garlic, chicken broth, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Yes, you can use fresh sliced mushrooms. Sauté them lightly before adding to the crockpot for better flavor and texture.
It’s a good idea to add a bit of chicken broth (about 1/2 cup) to prevent the dish from becoming too thick and to ensure even cooking.
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken may increase the risk of uneven cooking and food safety issues.
