Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
Are you looking for a simple and cozy meal that’s easy to make? Try Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cold days or when you’re craving something that feels like home.
Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup is all about comfort. It mixes soft chicken and creamy soup, cooking slowly to make a yummy dish. It’s super easy to get ready, making it a hit with families, busy people, and anyone who wants a tasty meal without a lot of work.
Statistics show that over 80% of American households own a slow cooker, with many citing convenience and the ability to prepare healthy meals as top reasons for its use. The popularity of crockpot recipes has surged, especially among demographics looking for time-saving cooking methods that do not compromise on taste or nutritional value.
This meal is great because it’s simple and delicious. Whether you cook a lot or you’re just starting, Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup is a great choice for a meal that brings everyone to the table, ready to enjoy a slow-cooked treat.
Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup Recipe
The Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines the ease of slow cooking with the rich, creamy flavors of one of America’s favorite soups. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal with minimal prep time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or simply someone who loves the idea of coming home to a warm, ready-to-eat dinner, this recipe is for you. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein of our dish. You can also use thighs for a juicier result.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup: This serves as the base for our creamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: To thin the soup slightly and add more chicken flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream: For added creaminess.
- 1 packet of chicken gravy mix: This will thicken the sauce and enrich the flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the chicken.
- Optional additions: Chopped vegetables such as carrots, peas, or potatoes; herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. If you’re adding vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk (or heavy cream), and the gravy mix until smooth. If you’re adding herbs, mix them in now.
- Combine: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables (if using) in the crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is thoroughly cooked through and tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, you can serve it whole or shred it and mix it back into the sauce. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to make the most of the delicious, creamy sauce.
Tips for Success:
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add Flavor: Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe with your favorite herbs and spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can add depth to the flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Adding vegetables can turn this dish into a one-pot meal. Just be sure to cut them into sizes that will cook evenly in the allotted time.
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a comforting, homestyle meal, serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans. If you’re looking for something lighter, a crisp salad or steamed vegetables make great accompaniments. For a twist, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of egg noodles or rice to soak up all that creamy goodness.
FAQs on Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup
Can I use chicken from the freezer?
Yes, you can use chicken from the freezer, but there are a couple of things to remember. First, it might take about an hour longer to cook if the chicken is frozen. Also, it’s usually safer to thaw your chicken before putting it in the crockpot. This is because cooking from frozen can make it take too long to get hot, which isn’t safe. If you do use frozen chicken, check it with a thermometer to make sure it’s at least 165°F inside when it’s done.
How do I make it without dairy?
If you need to avoid dairy, you can still make this dish. Look for a cream of chicken soup that doesn’t have dairy in it (some brands make these). For the milk or cream, use a plant-based milk like almond, coconut, or soy milk. Just think about the taste of the milk you choose and how it might change the flavor of your dish.
Can I add rice or pasta to the crockpot Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup?
It’s better not to cook rice or pasta in the crockpot with this dish. They can get too soft and mushy if they cook too long. Instead, cook your rice or pasta on its own, the way the package says to. Then, put the chicken and its creamy sauce on top when you serve it. This way, your rice or pasta will be just right and not too soft. If you want everything in one pot, try adding veggies that cook well for a long time, like carrots, potatoes, or peas.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken with Cream of Chicken Soup is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking: it’s easy, convenient, and yields a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. This dish, a prime example of slow cooker chicken breast recipes with cream of chicken soup, is not only perfect for chilly nights but also for any time you crave something simple yet satisfying. With the ability to customize it to your liking, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.