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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s creamy, comforting, and effortlessly delicious, I’ve got you covered with this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe. It’s one of those meals that almost feels indulgent but is actually packed with fresh veggies and rich flavors that melt together beautifully over low heat. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever made dinner without your slow cooker!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Comfort Food: You just dump everything in and let the slow cooker work its magic for hours.
  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The sauce turns out velvety and luscious, making each bite so satisfying.
  • Fresh Veggie Boost: Mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach add color and nutrition to every serving.
  • Family Favorite: My family always asks me to make this again—it’s that good!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend so well, giving you a creamy chicken meal that’s both hearty and fresh. Heads up: grabbing bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is key—they stay juicy and add awesome flavor when browned first.

Flat lay of golden-brown chicken thighs with skin on, fresh whole and sliced mushrooms, vibrant red bell pepper strips, bright green fresh spinach leaves, a large chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, fresh parsley sprigs, and a small glass jug of creamy heavy cream, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms, creamy chicken and mushroom dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipes, comforting slow cooker meals, savory mushroom chicken
  • Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on for extra juiciness and flavor after browning.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
  • Olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing veggies.
  • Onion: Chopped—adds sweetness and depth.
  • Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better!
  • Mushrooms: Sliced, earthy and meaty, perfect with chicken.
  • Red bell peppers: Adds bright color and a mild sweetness.
  • Spinach: Fresh and vibrant to balance the richness.
  • Chicken broth: Builds a savory base for the sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Creates that signature creamy texture you’re after.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, bright garnish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe just as it is, but I also like switching things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to personalize it—cooking should be fun and flexible!

  • Add bacon or pancetta: I once threw in some crispy bacon bits before slow cooking, and my family went crazy for the smoky twist.
  • Swap greens: Instead of spinach, kale or Swiss chard work great for a heartier texture.
  • Use chicken breasts: If you prefer white meat, just make sure to reduce the slow cooking time slightly to keep it from drying out.
  • Make it dairy-free: Coconut milk can replace heavy cream for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I always brown the chicken skin side down first because it gets that beautiful golden crust and releases flavorful fat. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until nice and golden—don’t skip this step, it makes all the difference. Once browned, transfer the thighs to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Using the same skillet (no need to wash!), toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them over medium heat until they turn soft and fragrant—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, add sliced mushrooms, spinach, and red bell peppers. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden and the veggies soften up nicely. This step adds layers of flavor that make the whole dish pop.

Step 3: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the sautéed veggies over the chicken in the crockpot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour until everything is smooth and lump-free. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggies. Give everything a gentle stir if needed, then cover and cook on low for 5 hours. You’ll want to resist the urge to peek too often—the slow cooker does its magic best when left undisturbed!

Step 4: Finish and Serve

After 5 hours, your house will smell amazing and the chicken will be meltingly tender. Give the sauce a good stir and taste—add a little more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve it up warm, and get ready for some serious compliments.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the chicken first locks in flavor and keeps the meat juicy—trust me, skipping this step dulls the final taste.
  • Use Fresh Veggies: I learned the hard way that fresh mushrooms and peppers make a big flavor difference compared to frozen.
  • Mix Flour and Cream Well: Whisk the flour into the broth and cream until totally smooth to avoid clumps in your sauce.
  • Leave the Lid On: Resist lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking—it helps maintain the right temperature for perfectly tender results.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

The image shows two chicken drumsticks covered in a thick, creamy light brown sauce with small pieces of red and green herbs or vegetables. The drumsticks rest on a white plate with sliced mushrooms and some green parsley for garnish. The sauce has a smooth texture and slightly glossy finish, pooling around the base of the drumsticks. Behind the plate, there is a blurred background featuring a bunch of green herbs, a glass container with yellow oil, and a lemon half, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms, creamy chicken and mushroom dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipes, comforting slow cooker meals, savory mushroom chicken

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving—it brightens the rich sauce and adds a little texture. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m craving a subtle kick, but the recipe is lovely without it too.

Side Dishes

For sides, you can’t go wrong with some buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Rice or egg noodles also work beautifully and make this a full-on comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a dinner party, I served this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe over little nests of herb-infused cauliflower rice, garnished with edible flowers. It’s a simple way to make the dish feel extra-special without complicated steps!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, and reheating just brings back that creamy goodness.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I separate portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn’t separate. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps revive the creaminess if it gets a bit thick.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

    Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but I recommend cutting the breasts into larger chunks and reducing the slow cooking time slightly (around 3-4 hours on low) to prevent drying out. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful in slow cooker recipes.

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

    If the sauce isn’t thick enough after cooking, you can remove the chicken and veggies, then stir in a slurry made of 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water into the sauce and cook on high in the slow cooker for 15-20 more minutes, or until thickened.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe the night before?

    Absolutely! You can brown the chicken and sauté the veggies ahead of time, then assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Just give it a good stir before starting the slow cooker to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.

  4. Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly, but it still turns out creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe has become one of my absolute go-tos for busy weeknights and cozy weekends alike. It’s creamy without being complicated, fresh without needing constant attention, and every bite is packed with love and comfort. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab your slow cooker, gather those ingredients, and get ready for some serious home-cooked happiness!

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Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms recipe offers a comforting and easy meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked low and slow with fresh vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, and aromatic garlic and onions for a wholesome dinner that requires minimal hands-on time.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 large red bell peppers (sliced)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Sauce

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper evenly on both sides to enhance the flavor.
  2. Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown on each side until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, red bell pepper strips, and spinach to the skillet. Cook while stirring until the vegetables are tender and golden, approximately 5 minutes. Then transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker over the chicken.
  5. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour until smooth and well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
  6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 hours. This slow cooking will make the chicken tender and allow the sauce to thicken into a creamy consistency.
  7. Finish and Serve: After cooking, check the seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving and enjoy your creamy, flavorful chicken and mushroom dish.

Notes

  • This recipe is excellent for a hands-off dinner, requiring minimal preparation and allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide extra flavor and moisture but can be substituted with boneless if preferred.
  • The creamy sauce thickens beautifully with the addition of flour; ensure it is well mixed to avoid lumps.
  • Feel free to swap baby spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a variation in greens.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it ideal for meal prep.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 662 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 871 mg
  • Fat: 55 g
  • Saturated Fat: 26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 214 mg

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