3 Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes Using Only Cream Soup
In the quest for simple, yet delightful meals, the magical combination of a crockpot and cream soup offers an abundance of culinary possibilities. Here, we will explore three easy and scrumptious crockpot chicken recipes that require minimal ingredients and prep time, allowing you to enjoy more time away from the kitchen. These recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week, utilizing the rich and creamy base of various cream soups to elevate the humble chicken to new heights.
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Delight
One of the easiest and most comforting dishes you can make in your crockpot is the Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Delight. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of milk or cream
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp dried thyme
- Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme if using.
- Add the chicken to the crockpot.
- Top with onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
- Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the ingredients.
- Stir in the milk or cream to thin the soup slightly.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
💡 Note: For a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch with the milk or cream before adding it to the crockpot.
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
For pasta lovers, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy and satisfying option. Here’s the recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 pound cooked fettuccine pasta
- Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place chicken in the crockpot.
- Add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, add the broccoli and cook until tender.
- Just before serving, mix in the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve over cooked fettuccine pasta.
Spicy Cheesy Chicken
If you crave some spice in your life, this Spicy Cheesy Chicken recipe will tickle your taste buds:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream or milk
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Instructions:
- Season the chicken with salt and chili powder.
- Layer the chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the cream of celery soup over the chicken.
- Pour in the cream or milk.
- Add the chopped jalapeño.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.
🌶 Note: Adjust the level of heat by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeño or use less chili powder for a milder taste.
Each of these recipes showcases the versatility of using cream soup as the base for your crockpot chicken dishes. Not only do they provide a rich, comforting flavor, but they also require minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is tender and the flavors are well-blended, making your meal both delicious and effortless. Whether you're cooking for your family, or planning your meal prep for the week, these crockpot chicken recipes are a surefire way to ensure a hearty, homemade meal is always within reach.
By making use of the slow cooker, these recipes offer time efficiency and convenience without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The cream soups help keep the chicken moist and act as a foundation for a variety of flavors, from savory mushrooms to spicy jalapeños. Plus, they're excellent for accommodating dietary preferences since you can easily substitute dairy alternatives or choose low-sodium soups.
These dishes also demonstrate the flexibility of meal planning with a crockpot. You can adjust the ingredients to suit the number of servings needed or to cater to different dietary restrictions, like adding more vegetables for a heartier meal or using gluten-free pasta in the Alfredo recipe. They're also great for those busy days when spending time on meal prep is not an option, yet you still want to come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal.
Can I use frozen chicken for these crockpot recipes?
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Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to increase the cooking time by about 50% to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What other vegetables can I add to these recipes?
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You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach. Just consider their cooking times to avoid overcooking.
How can I make these recipes healthier?
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Use low-fat cream soup options, reduce the amount of cream or cheese, and incorporate more vegetables for added nutrition.