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Experience the comfort of creamy, tender chicken made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe connects you to the joy of home-cooked meals that nourish both body and soul, perfect for busy days or cozy nights when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss.
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Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken: Easy Comfort Food Dinner
- Total Time: 3 hours to 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Experience the comfort of creamy, tender chicken made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights when you want something satisfying with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
8 oz. white button mushrooms, halved or sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz. plain cream cheese (regular or ⅓ less fat)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Season your chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and black pepper, then place them into the slow cooker insert.
2. Warm olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms, cooking for 7-8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
3. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 additional seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Transfer the cooked onions, mushrooms, and garlic mixture over the chicken in your slow cooker.
5. Dollop the cream cheese evenly on top of the ingredients.
6. Cover and cook: choose high for 2½ to 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through.
7. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or chop them to your liking.
8. Stir the cream cheese into the slow cooker’s liquid, blending until smooth and saucy.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring so it’s coated in the creamy sauce.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover the slow cooker again, and let sit on warm or off for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
11. Serve your delicious creamy chicken hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use fresh garlic and mushrooms for best flavor.
Shred the chicken for better sauce absorption.
Allow cheese to melt fully for creamy texture.
Serve with rice, pasta, or bread.
Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (high) or 5 to 6 hours (low)
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 lbs |
| Kosher salt | ¾ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Medium onion, chopped | 1 medium |
| White button mushrooms, halved or sliced | 8 oz |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 cloves |
| Plain cream cheese (regular or ⅓ less fat) | 6 oz |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Season your chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and black pepper, then place them into the slow cooker insert.
- Warm olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and mushrooms, cooking for 7-8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 30 additional seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Transfer the cooked onions, mushrooms, and garlic mixture over the chicken in your slow cooker.
- Dollop the cream cheese evenly on top of the ingredients.
- Cover and cook: choose high for 2½ to 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred or chop them to your liking.
- Stir the cream cheese into the slow cooker’s liquid, blending until smooth and saucy.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring so it’s coated in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover the slow cooker again, and let sit on warm or off for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve your delicious creamy chicken hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken
- Use fresh garlic and mushrooms for the best flavor infusion.
- Shredding the chicken helps it absorb the creamy sauce more efficiently.
- Don’t skip the resting time for cheese melting; it adds a creamy, gooey texture that completes the dish.
- Pair this dish with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cuts of chicken work best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this slow cooker recipe because they cook evenly and shred easily, absorbing the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other mild melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone for a different but equally creamy texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) or when it is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker dish?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Add them halfway through cooking to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken is your go-to recipe for an effortlessly delicious, creamy meal that warms the heart and comforts the soul. This dish combines the tender tenderness of slow-cooked chicken with rich cream cheese and melty mozzarella, creating a perfectly balanced flavor experience. From busy weeknights to relaxed weekends, it’s a meal that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. Try this recipe today to enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that your family will love time and time again.