If you’re looking for a cozy, one-pot meal that’s both comforting and easy to make, Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes is exactly what you need. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — with just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. This slow cooker recipe features tender chicken cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, paired with soft, flavorful potatoes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a casual gathering.
Using a crock pot allows the flavors to blend and intensify, leaving you with juicy chicken and velvety potatoes. Plus, the hands-off nature of slow cooking means you can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days. In this article, we will walk you through the key ingredients, provide step-by-step instructions, and share some tips to help you achieve the best Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes every time.
Why Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes?
The crock pot is a fantastic tool for making meals that are both rich in flavor and easy to prepare. When you use it for dishes like Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes, the slow cooking process ensures that everything — from the chicken to the potatoes — becomes incredibly tender. Here are a few reasons why this dish is a great choice for your next meal:
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Time-saving: Once you prep the ingredients and add them to the crock pot, the slow cooker does the rest. There’s no need for constant monitoring, and the result is a meal that’s ready when you are.
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Flavorful: As the chicken simmers in the creamy mushroom sauce, it absorbs all the savory goodness from the broth, herbs, and spices. The potatoes also soak up the flavorful juices, making each bite deliciously rich.
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Minimal prep work: This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to get a hearty meal on the table with little effort. It requires just a few simple ingredients, and most of the work is done by the crock pot.
Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes
While the recipe is simple, the right ingredients are key to creating a rich, satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Both cuts work well, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy during long cooking times, making them an excellent choice. If you prefer leaner meat, opt for chicken breasts.
2. Cream of Mushroom Soup
This canned ingredient forms the base of the creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and potatoes. It’s rich and savory, making it the perfect foundation for this dish. You can use low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup if you’re looking to lighten things up.
3. Chicken Broth or Stock
To enhance the flavor of the sauce, chicken broth or stock is added. Using stock instead of water will give the sauce a deeper, more complex flavor. You can choose low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
4. Potatoes
The potatoes in this recipe absorb all the rich flavors from the chicken and mushroom sauce, making them a vital component. You can use Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Cut them into chunks to ensure they cook evenly in the slow cooker.
5. Sliced Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms add texture and a delightful earthy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, you can use canned mushrooms as a substitute.
6. Garlic
Garlic brings a subtle aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish. Fresh garlic is best, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-minced garlic will do.
7. Herbs and Seasonings
Dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper round out the seasoning. These herbs complement the creamy mushroom sauce and chicken perfectly, bringing out the dish’s rich, savory notes. Adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preferences.
8. Cornstarch
At the end of cooking, you may need to thicken the sauce. Cornstarch is the best way to achieve the creamy consistency you desire. Mix it with a little water before stirring it into the sauce to avoid lumps.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes
Making Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes is incredibly easy, and the slow cooker takes care of most of the work. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious, comforting meal ready to serve. Let’s go through the process to ensure you get the best results every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing the ingredients for your Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes. Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. If you’re using large potatoes, make sure the pieces are small enough to cook through evenly. Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic. Once these are ready, you can move on to the next step.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Spray your crock pot with a bit of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with the chopped potatoes. Then, place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes. Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Next, add the chicken broth or stock to the crock pot.
Once the base is set, sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the top. Lastly, scatter the sliced mushrooms on top. You’ll want the mushrooms to cook down and infuse the dish with a savory, earthy flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken and Potatoes
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender, and the potatoes should cook through. While you don’t need to stir during cooking, you can give it a quick stir about halfway through if you’d like to ensure even cooking.
The beauty of using a slow cooker is that the longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together. The chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors from the mushroom soup, garlic, and herbs, while the potatoes soak up the creamy broth.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is fully cooked, you’ll want to thicken the sauce for that rich, creamy consistency. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the crock pot and stir it in.
Cover the crock pot again and let it cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the chicken from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the sauce. Stir everything together, making sure the chicken is fully coated with the creamy mushroom sauce.
Now, your Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes is ready to serve! You can enjoy it as-is, or serve it with a side of green vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes
While this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results for your Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes:
1. Use Bone-in Chicken for Extra Flavor
If you prefer a richer flavor, try using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts. The bones add more depth to the sauce and keep the chicken even more tender. Just be aware that bone-in cuts will take longer to cook.
2. Adjust the Sauce Thickness
If you like your sauce thinner, you can omit the cornstarch or use less. For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry or let it cook on high for a little longer to reduce the sauce.
3. Consider Adding More Vegetables
For a heartier meal, you can add more vegetables to the crock pot. Try adding carrots, peas, or green beans to the mix. They’ll cook along with the chicken and potatoes, adding extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
4. Use Low-Sodium Soup and Broth
If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and low-sodium chicken broth. You can always add salt to taste at the end of cooking, but this helps reduce the overall sodium content in the dish.
5. Substitute with Cauliflower for a Low-Carb Version
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, swap out the potatoes for cauliflower. The cauliflower will absorb the sauce just like the potatoes and provide a similar texture without the carbs.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes
Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you want something simple or more elaborate, there are plenty of ways to complete the meal. Here are a few serving ideas:
1. Serve with Rice or Pasta
A classic choice, rice or pasta makes the perfect base for this creamy chicken and potatoes. The creamy mushroom sauce will soak into the rice or pasta, making each bite more satisfying. You can choose white rice, brown rice, or even egg noodles for a comforting side.
2. Add a Fresh Salad
To balance the richness of the dish, serve it with a fresh green salad. A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken and potatoes.
3. Roasted Vegetables
For a more filling meal, consider roasting some vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. These can be cooked in the oven while the crock pot works its magic. Roasted vegetables add texture and a slight char, complementing the creamy flavors of the main dish.
4. Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls
For carb lovers, nothing pairs better with Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes than garlic bread or crusty rolls. The bread is perfect for sopping up the leftover mushroom sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes makes fantastic leftovers, and with proper storage, you can enjoy this meal for days to come.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the chicken, potatoes, and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store everything together, as the potatoes will continue to absorb the sauce, keeping them flavorful.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat, place the leftovers in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent the sauce from drying out. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Conclusion on Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes
Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes is a simple yet hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process makes the chicken incredibly tender, while the potatoes absorb all the rich, creamy flavors from the sauce. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this meal is ideal for busy days when you still want to serve something satisfying and delicious.
By following these steps and tips, you can create the perfect Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal for guests, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Crock Pot Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Potatoes
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 cup chicken broth or stock
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1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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8 oz fresh sliced mushrooms
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1 teaspoon dried parsley
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
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Spray the crock pot with non-stick cooking spray.
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Layer the bottom of the crock pot with the potato chunks.
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Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the potatoes.
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Pour the cream of mushroom soup over the chicken and potatoes.
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Add the chicken broth, minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Scatter the sliced mushrooms over the top of the ingredients.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
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Once the chicken is done, remove it from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes.
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Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the crock pot and let it cook on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
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Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the sauce in the crock pot.
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Stir everything together and serve hot.
Notes:
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For a richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just remember that it will take a bit longer to cook.
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You can substitute the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb version.
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For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end of cooking.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
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Calories: 370 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 13g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Cholesterol: 98mg
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Sodium: 850mg
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Potassium: 890mg
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugar: 4g
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Vitamin A: 1500 IU
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Vitamin C: 10mg
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Calcium: 60mg
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Iron: 3mg
Recipe Details:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-7 hours (low)
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Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
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Method: Slow Cooker
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Cuisine: American
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Servings: 4 servings
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Calories: 370 per serving
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Yield: 4 servings
