With minimal ingredients and effort required, this 3-ingredient creamy mushroom crockpot chicken delivers a creamy chicken meal that’s full of rich mushroom flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—tender chicken, a creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms come together effortlessly in a crockpot.
This type of recipe eliminates the need for complicated shopping lists and multiple steps, making it perfect for those who want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The fewer ingredients you need, the quicker it is to get the dish into the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day.
Ingredients
Chicken (Breasts or Thighs) – You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The choice of cut is flexible depending on your preference, though thighs tend to retain moisture better in the slow cooker.
Cream of Mushroom Soup – This ingredient is the base of the creamy sauce.
Canned or Fresh Mushrooms – You can use canned mushrooms or fresh ones, depending on what you have available.
Optional Additions
While the 3 core ingredients make a perfectly delicious dish, you can easily enhance the flavor by adding a few extra ingredients:
- Garlic
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
- Cheese: A bit of shredded parmesan cheese can be stirred into the sauce for an flavor boost.
- Onions: Sautéed onions or onion powder can add sweetness and complexity to the dish.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Creamy Mushroom Crockpot Chicken
Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. You can season them with salt, pepper, or any spices of your choice, but the main flavor will come from the sauce.
Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup: Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly spread. The soup will melt and coat the chicken, creating the base of the creamy sauce.
Add the Mushrooms: Whether you’re using fresh or canned mushrooms, add them on top of the soup. If you’re using fresh mushrooms, you can slice them before adding them to the crockpot.
How Long to Cook Chicken in a Crockpot for Perfectly Tender Meat
Cooking times in the crockpot can vary depending on the size of the chicken and your slow cooker model. Typically, chicken should cook for:
- On low heat: 6 to 7 hours.
- On high heat: 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become perfectly tender and easy to shred once it’s done. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Tips for Achieving a Creamy and Flavorful Sauce
To ensure your sauce is both creamy and flavorful, consider the following tips:
Mix the Soup and Mushrooms Well: Stir the cream of mushroom soup and mushrooms together before cooking to prevent any lumps and ensure an even distribution of flavor.
Add Liquid for Extra Creaminess: If you want the sauce to be even creamier, you can mix in a little bit of milk, cream, or chicken broth.
Avoid Overcooking: While crockpot cooking is forgiving, it’s important to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can dry it out. Set the timer to the appropriate cooking time based on your slow cooker and the size of the chicken.
Stir Occasionally: If you’re able to, stir the sauce halfway through cooking to ensure that the mushrooms are well distributed, and the sauce is smooth and evenly blended.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
How to Keep Chicken Moist and Tender in the Crockpot
One of the keys to perfectly cooked chicken in the crockpot is ensuring it stays moist and tender. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Use Enough Liquid: The cream of mushroom soup provides moisture, but you can also add a splash of chicken broth or cream to make sure the chicken stays hydrated and tender throughout the cooking process.
Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked, so it’s essential to monitor the cooking time. Thighs are more forgiving since they have a higher fat content, which helps retain moisture.
Layering Technique: Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot and cover it with the mushroom soup and mushrooms. This helps keep the chicken moist by allowing the soup to create a sealed, steamy environment around the meat.
Shredding After Cooking: If you prefer shredded chicken, cook the chicken until it’s tender enough to shred easily with a fork. Shredding it will also help incorporate the sauce into the chicken, making it even more flavorful.
Using the Right Type of Chicken (Breast vs Thighs)
Chicken Breasts: While chicken breasts are a popular choice for crockpot recipes, they can sometimes dry out if overcooked. If using breasts, be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully, and consider adding extra liquid to maintain moisture.
Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and naturally juicier, making them an excellent option for crockpot cooking. They’ll stay tender and flavorful, even with longer cooking times. If you’re looking for a juicier result, thighs are your best bet.
How to Adjust Cooking Times Based on Your Crockpot
Each crockpot heats differently, so you may need to adjust cooking times depending on the model and size of your chicken:
Crockpot Temperature: If your crockpot cooks faster than average, check the chicken a bit earlier than the recommended time. On the other hand, if it cooks slower, you may need to let it cook a bit longer to reach the perfect tenderness.
Smaller Crockpots: A smaller crockpot may cook food faster, so keep a close eye on your chicken to prevent it from becoming overcooked. Larger crockpots tend to distribute heat more evenly, so you might need the full recommended time.
Check Internal Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C) for safety and tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Creamy Mushroom Crockpot Chicken
This creamy mushroom chicken is flavorful, so it pairs well with a variety of side dishes to complete the meal. Consider these options:
Rice: A bed of fluffy rice is a classic choice, allowing the creamy sauce to soak into the rice. White rice, brown rice, or even wild rice work well.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and delicious side that complements the rich mushroom sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, green beans, or brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful contrast to the creamy chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, steamed broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini can balance out the richness of the chicken dish.
Bread: Warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for dipping into the creamy mushroom sauce.
How to Make It a Complete Meal (with rice, potatoes, or vegetables)
To create a well-rounded meal, you can combine the creamy mushroom chicken with:
A Starch: Choose from rice, potatoes (mashed, roasted, or baked), or even noodles for a carb component.
A Green Vegetable: Adding a green vegetable like sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or a fresh side salad can balance out the richness of the dish.
A Refreshing Salad: A light salad with greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken.
Customizing Your Recipe
You can absolutely customize the recipe by adding other vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Here are some great options:
Onions: You can use yellow, white, or even red onions for added color.
Carrots: Diced carrots are a perfect addition for a slight sweetness and a pop of color. Carrots will soften as they cook in the crockpot, blending nicely with the creamy sauce.
Spinach: Fresh spinach can be added toward the end of cooking, allowing it to wilt and blend into the creamy sauce.
Mushrooms: If you’re a fan of mushrooms, consider adding additional varieties (such as cremini or button mushrooms) .
Other Veggies: You could also try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra texture and flavor. Be mindful of how long each vegetable takes to cook, so you add them at the right time to avoid overcooking.
Making It Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free: What Substitutes Work?
If you need to make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free, here are some easy swaps:
Dairy-Free:
Replace the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version, such as one made with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream base (like cashew cream).
Use dairy-free butter or oil in place of regular butter for sautéing or greasing the crockpot.
For added creaminess, consider coconut cream or non-dairy sour cream to maintain that rich, velvety texture.
Gluten-Free:
Ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is labeled gluten-free, as some canned soups may contain wheat flour as a thickener.
If you use bread crumbs as a topping or in any other part of the recipe, substitute them with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
When thickening the sauce, you can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as a gluten-free alternative to flour-based thickeners.
Can You Use Other Cream-Based Soups Instead of Mushroom Soup?
Yes, if you want to change up the flavor or don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand, you can substitute it with other cream-based soups. Here are a few options:
Cream of Chicken Soup: A popular alternative that works well in many crockpot chicken recipes.
Cream of Celery Soup: A milder, more neutral flavor, perfect if you want a less pronounced taste than mushrooms.
Cream of Broccoli Soup: A nice option if you’re looking for something with a bit more vegetable flavor. This can add an interesting twist to your recipe.
Cream of Asparagus Soup: For a more refined flavor, try cream of asparagus soup. It can give a gourmet feel to the dish while still keeping it creamy.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store Leftovers Safely
Storing leftovers properly ensures that your creamy mushroom chicken stays fresh for later meals:
Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the dish to cool to room temperature to avoid moisture buildup in the container.
Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftovers into airtight containers to prevent air exposure and preserve the dish’s flavor.
Refrigerate: Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they’re tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
Label and Date: If you plan on storing leftovers for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to label the containers with the date they were stored.
Reheating
Reheating your creamy chicken recipe properly ensures it tastes just as good the second time:
Microwave: Place the leftover chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe container, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Be sure not to overheat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Stovetop: For more even reheating, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, adding a little extra cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated evenly. Adding a bit of cream or broth will help keep the chicken moist.
Slow Cooker: If you want to keep the dish warm for a longer period, reheat it in the crockpot on low heat for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Freezing Tips for This Recipe
This recipe can be frozen for future meals:
Freeze in Portions: For easier reheating, divide the chicken and sauce into smaller portions before freezing.
Use Freezer Bags or Containers: Store in airtight freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to remove excess air to preserve the quality of the dish.
Freeze for Up to 3 Months: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness.
Reheat from Frozen: To reheat, you can either thaw the dish overnight in the fridge or cook it from frozen in the oven or stovetop. Add a bit of extra cream or broth while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
Faqs
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. The crockpot will cook the chicken thoroughly as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). However, keep in mind that using frozen chicken may slightly increase the cooking time, so be sure to allow an extra 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts or thighs. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Some people prefer to thaw the chicken before cooking, but cooking from frozen is an option if you’re short on time or forgot to defrost the meat.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker?
If you find that the sauce is too thin, there are a few ways to thicken it:
Cornstarch Slurry: Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water (about 1 tablespoon of each) to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese is an excellent way to thicken the sauce and make it richer and creamier. Stir in a few ounces toward the end of cooking for a velvety finish.
Flour or Arrowroot Powder: Similar to cornstarch, you can add a small amount of flour or arrowroot powder mixed with water and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook for the last 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.
Reduce the Sauce: If you prefer a more natural method, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken.
Can I Cook This Recipe on High or Low Heat?
Yes, you can cook this recipe on either high or low heat in your crockpot. The main difference is the cooking time:
High Heat: Cooking on high heat will take about 3-4 hours. It’s faster but might not produce the same level of tenderness as the low heat method.
Low Heat: Cooking on low heat takes about 6-7 hours, but it allows the chicken to become more tender and results in a richer, more flavorful sauce. This method is recommended if you have the time to let the crockpot work its magic.
We’d love to hear from you! After trying this recipe, leave a comment below sharing your thoughts and any variations you made. Did you add extra vegetables or try a different type of soup? Share your personal twist on this creamy mushroom chicken so others can get inspired too!
More Recipes
3-Ingredient Creamy Mushroom Crockpot Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs, depending on your preference)
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup canned or fresh mushrooms if using fresh, slice them before adding
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. You can season them with salt, pepper, or any spices of your choice, but the main flavor will come from the sauce.
- Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup: Pour the can of cream of mushroom soup over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly spread. The soup will melt and coat the chicken, creating the base of the creamy sauce.
- Add the Mushrooms: Whether you’re using fresh or canned mushrooms, add them on top of the soup. If you're using fresh mushrooms, you can slice them before adding them to the crockpot.
How Long to Cook Chicken in a Crockpot for Perfectly Tender Meat
- Cooking times in the crockpot can vary depending on the size of the chicken and your slow cooker model. Typically, chicken should cook for:
- On low heat: 6 to 7 hours.
- On high heat: 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become perfectly tender and easy to shred once it’s done. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C).