Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
When you try this Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe, you’ll quickly understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce makes it irresistible.
I love how easy it’s to prepare—just chop a few ingredients, mix everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while I tackle other tasks. The aroma that fills my home as it cooks is simply mouthwatering.
Plus, it’s versatile; I can serve it over rice, pasta, or even with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Trust me, you’ll be hooked after the first taste!
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a comforting meal with minimal fuss, the ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken have got you covered. This recipe isn’t just about the chicken; it’s about creating a luscious and flavorful sauce that hugs every bite. Think of it as a warm, cozy blanket for your taste buds.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform simple chicken thighs into a culinary masterpiece that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this creamy delight:
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 10 ounces cream of chicken and mushroom soup
- 6 ounces mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
- Italian garlic seasoning (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Extra virgin olive oil (1 tsp)
- 6 pieces boneless or skinless chicken thighs
Now, before you rush off to the grocery store, let’s chat about these ingredients. You might be wondering if you can swap out any of them for something else. Well, feel free to get creative!
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can skip them or replace them with something like spinach or bell peppers. As for the cream cheese, it adds a lovely creaminess, but if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a different cheese? Just keep in mind that the flavor profile might shift a bit, but hey, cooking is all about experimenting, right?
And if you find yourself short on Italian garlic seasoning, a mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil could work just fine. So, don’t sweat it if you don’t have everything on hand; just make it your own.
After all, the best part about cooking is that it’s all about having fun and enjoying the process!
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken
Alright, let’s plunge into how to make this delightful Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken. It’s really a breeze, and before you know it, your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian bistro.
Grab your 1/2 onion, 6 ounces of chopped mushrooms, and 2 chopped garlic cloves. Toss those into your slow cooker. It’s like creating a little flavor base for your chicken, which is super important. The more love you put into this, the better it’ll taste later.
Next up, let’s mix it all together in a separate bowl. You’ll want to grab your 8 ounces of cream cheese and 10 ounces of cream of chicken and mushroom soup—yes, it sounds like a lot, but trust me, this creamy goodness is what dreams are made of.
Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle in that Italian garlic seasoning (go wild, if you want), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, don’t be alarmed if the mixture looks a little lumpy; that’s perfectly fine. Just think of it as a rustic charm.
Once you’ve got that all mixed up, pour it over the onion, mushroom, and garlic base in the slow cooker.
Finally, take your 6 pieces of boneless or skinless chicken thighs and place them right on top of that creamy mixture. You can even nestle them right in, but it’s not a requirement.
Cover it up and set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours. Yep, that’s right—just let it do its thing. You could even head to work or binge some Netflix while it works its magic.
And when you return, prepare yourself for a meal that’s as comforting as a warm blanket on a chilly day. Don’t forget to serve it over rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, you’re going to want to plunge right in.
Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
For a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream. You can also replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
If you prefer a different flavor profile, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a splash of white wine for added depth.
Using different mushrooms, like shiitake or portobello, can enhance the dish’s umami. For a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Finally, if you want to add veggies, throw in spinach or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking for a colorful twist!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken
Wondering what to pair with your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken? I love serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes. They soak up that delicious garlic sauce perfectly!
If you’re looking for something lighter, a side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds a fresh crunch. For a heartier option, consider crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the sauce.
I also enjoy a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken. And don’t forget a glass of white wine or sparkling water to complement the meal!
These sides enhance the flavors and make for a well-rounded dining experience.
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Slow Cooker Creamy Garlic Chicken turns out perfectly, I recommend prepping your ingredients the night before.
Chop the onion, mushrooms, and garlic, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you’ll save time in the morning.
If you want a little extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in Italian seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your taste; I often add a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Enjoy this creamy delight with your favorite sides!