Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a rich, comforting, and delicious dinner made with tender chicken breasts, fresh mushrooms, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy weekends when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The chicken slowly cooks in a flavorful garlic mushroom sauce, becoming tender and juicy while absorbing the delicious seasonings. The combination of buttery mushrooms, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a restaurant-style dish with very little effort. Serve this creamy mushroom chicken over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or egg noodles for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients For the Chicken
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3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 pounds)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
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8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
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2 tablespoons cold water
For Garnishing
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
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Extra grated Parmesan cheese
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Freshly cracked black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly over the chicken to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for approximately 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Prepare the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Mushroom Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir to release the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the dried thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of a lightly greased slow cooker. Pour the mushroom and garlic mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover with the lid and cook on:
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LOW: Approximately 3–4 hours
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HIGH: Approximately 2–3 hours
Cooking times depend on the thickness of the chicken and the slow cooker. Check that the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Make the Sauce Creamy
About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the hot cooking liquid. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently around the chicken.
Cover and continue cooking on HIGH until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and heated through.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the creamy garlic mushroom sauce generously over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Notes
Use fresh mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms work beautifully. Fresh mushrooms provide better texture and flavor than canned mushrooms.
Avoid overcooking: Chicken breasts can become dry if cooked too long. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Sear for extra flavor: Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds a beautiful golden color and improves the overall taste.
Make the sauce thicker: Add a little extra cornstarch slurry if needed, allowing enough time for the sauce to thicken.
For a lighter version: Replace some heavy cream with half-and-half, although the sauce may be thinner.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They remain juicy during slow cooking and add extra richness to the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Heavy Cream?
Yes. You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese. However, the texture and thickness of the sauce may change.
Can I Add Vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach, broccoli, or green beans make excellent additions. Add spinach during the final 15–20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
What Goes Best With Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken?
This recipe tastes amazing with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, steamed rice, roasted asparagus, or crusty bread.
Servings and Nutrition
Servings: 4–6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on LOW
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings):
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Calories: 390 kcal
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Protein: 35 g
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Carbohydrates: 8 g
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Fat: 25 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 2 g
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Sodium: 580 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the specific ingredients and serving sizes used.
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken is a delicious, family-friendly comfort meal packed with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a rich Parmesan garlic sauce. Perfect for an easy dinner everyone will enjoy! https://recipestheir.com/slow-cooker-ground-beef-and…/
