Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken is a simple, comforting dish made with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts are shredded and coated in a rich blend of cream of chicken soup and melted cream cheese, creating a hearty sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or feeding a hungry family with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a one-pot wonder—just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest. It’s creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. The chicken becomes perfectly tender and absorbs all the rich flavors from the creamy sauce and seasonings. It’s also kid-friendly, budget-conscious, and great for leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
21 oz cream of chicken soup (two 10.5 oz cans)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz cream cheese, cubed

Directions

1. Lightly spray the bottom of a slow cooker with non-stick spray.

2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.

3. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

5. Top the mixture with cubed cream cheese.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.

7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.

8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well until everything is creamy and fully combined.

9. Serve hot over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 393 kcal per serving

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Include diced carrots, peas, or baby spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.

• Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even richer flavor and extra tenderness.

• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium soup for a lighter option.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped green chili for mild heat.

• Herb Blend Swap: Replace Italian seasoning with dried thyme, parsley, or a poultry seasoning mix.

• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the cream cheese base, which may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw it fully before slow cooking for even cooking and food safety.

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?

Yes, you can cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, but LOW is recommended for the most tender results.

Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese works well, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?

You can use a homemade version or substitute with a thickened chicken broth and cream blend.

What should I serve this with?

It’s perfect over steamed rice, egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even inside sandwich rolls.

Will the cream cheese curdle in the slow cooker?

No, as long as it’s cubed and added at the beginning, it will melt smoothly into the sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with canned chickpeas or tofu and use cream of mushroom soup instead.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let the dish sit uncovered for a few minutes on warm, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate when reheated.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a large slow cooker. You may need to increase cook time slightly.

Conclusion

Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken is a rich, satisfying meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. With tender shredded chicken and a luxuriously creamy sauce, it’s the kind of comforting, fuss-free dinner that will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation. Serve it over your favorite base and dig in.

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