Slow cooker chicken breast recipes with cream of chicken soup

Are you searching for a hassle-free way to prepare a comforting meal that satisfies the whole family? Slow cooker chicken breast recipes with cream of chicken soup might be the perfect solution.

For cooking slow cooker chicken breast recipes with cream of chicken soup, simply mix the soup with broth, add chicken and veggies, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Serve with rice or pasta and garnish with herbs or cheese. This easy, versatile dish can be adapted for any diet and is perfect for busy days. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat to 165°F before enjoying again.

Recent statistics highlight the popularity of slow cooker meals. Over 60% of families prefer using slow cookers due to their straightforward, set-and-forget nature. This method is particularly prevalent in the United States, where about 83% of households report owning a slow cooker.

With the right recipe, you can transform simple ingredients into a delicious dish that’s both nourishing and comforting.

Table of Contents

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes With Cream of Chicken Soup Ingredients List

A. Chicken Breasts

Quantity: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
Preparation: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If they are very thick, you might consider slicing them horizontally to ensure even cooking.

B. Cream of Chicken Soup

Quantity: 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) of cream of chicken soup or equivalent homemade
Preparation: If using canned, no preparation is needed. For homemade, ensure it’s slightly thickened to match the consistency of canned soup.

C. Additional Ingredients

Vegetables: 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 cup of diced celery, 1 medium onion finely chopped
Spices and Herbs: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste, 2 teaspoons of dried parsley or 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

D. Optional Ingredients for Customization

Mushrooms: 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, added with the vegetables for an earthy flavor.
Cheese: 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese, to be added towards the end of cooking for a cheesy twist.
Others: Consider adding 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess, or a splash of white wine for added depth. These should be added in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling and to maintain the integrity of the flavors.

This comprehensive list ensures you have all the necessary components for a delicious slow cooker chicken breast recipe with cream of chicken soup, along with options for customization to suit your taste preferences.

Preparation Before Cooking

A. Cleaning and Preparing Chicken Breasts

Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Trim any excess fat and, if necessary, slice them horizontally to ensure even thickness.

B. Mixing Cream of Chicken Soup with Water or Broth

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 can of water or broth (approximately 1.5 cups).
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of liquid based on your preference for sauce thickness.

C. Preparation of Additional Ingredients

Wash and peel the carrots, then dice them into small pieces.
Clean and chop the celery and onion into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Measure out the spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper) and chop the parsley if using fresh.

Slow Cooker Chicken Breast Recipes With Cream of Chicken Soup Ingredients List Cooking Instructions

A. Step-by-Step Guide to Layering Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the prepared chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Scatter the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion) over the chicken.
Pour the mixed cream of chicken soup over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the chicken is well covered.
Sprinkle the measured spices and herbs evenly over the top.

B. Recommended Cooking Times and Settings

For a softer, more tender chicken: Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become very tender and flavors to meld together.
For a quicker meal: Cook on high for 3-4 hours. This is suitable when time is limited, but the chicken will still be delicious and tender.

C. Tips for Ensuring Chicken is Cooked Thoroughly

Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature, which should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Halfway through the cooking time, stir the contents gently to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. If the chicken is not yet tender or fully cooked, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes until the desired tenderness is achieved.
Avoid opening the lid frequently during the cooking process, as this can significantly extend the cooking time by allowing heat to escape.

Serving Suggestions

A. Ideas for Side Dishes

Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice pairs well, soaking up the creamy sauce.
Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or a mixed vegetable medley complement the dish’s richness.
Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or penne, for a hearty meal.

B. Recommendations for Garnishes

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds color and freshness.
Grated Cheese: A light dusting of Parmesan or cheddar cheese before serving adds a savory touch.

C. Serving Sizes and Presentation Tips

Aim for a serving size of one chicken breast per person, accompanied by a generous scoop of the creamy sauce and side dishes.
Present the dish in a shallow bowl or plate to showcase the creamy sauce and garnishes, enhancing the visual appeal.

Variations of the Recipe

A. Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or a homemade version with gluten-free flour to thicken.

B. Variations for Different Flavors

Spices and Vegetables: Experiment with adding different spices (e.g., Italian seasoning, curry powder) or vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, spinach) to suit your taste.
Creaminess: For a richer sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

C. How to Adapt the Recipe for Other Meats

Turkey or Pork: Substitute chicken breasts with turkey breasts or pork chops, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is tender and cooked through.

Storage and Leftovers

A. Guidelines for Storing Leftovers

Cool the leftovers to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking, then store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

B. Safety Tips for Reheating

Reheat leftovers thoroughly until steaming hot throughout, reaching at least 165°F (74°C). Use a stove, microwave, or oven, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

C. Suggestions for Repurposing Leftovers into New Meals

Chicken Sandwiches: Shred the leftover chicken and serve on toasted bread with lettuce and tomatoes.
Creamy Chicken Pasta: Chop the chicken and mix with cooked pasta, adding a bit of milk or broth to thin the sauce if necessary.
Chicken Pot Pie Filling: Use the leftovers as a filling for a homemade or pre-made pie crust, baking until the crust is golden brown.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making slow cooker chicken breast recipes with cream of chicken soup in a slow cooker is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy and tasty meal. It’s perfect for busy people or anyone who wants a comforting food without a lot of work. This recipe is very flexible, so you can change it up to fit what you like or what you have in your kitchen. You can also make it fit special diets, like gluten-free.

You can serve it with lots of different sides, like rice, veggies, or pasta, and add your favorite toppings to make it even better. Plus, if you have leftovers, there are lots of smart ways to use them up, so nothing goes to waste.

This chicken dish is not just easy to make but also shows how slow cooking can make simple ingredients taste amazing. It’s a meal that will make everyone happy and show that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to have a delicious dinner.