Are you dreaming of a delicious, hassle-free dinner that practically cooks itself? Look no further than Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight! This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of taste and aroma, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. If you enjoy crock-pot cooking, check out our guide for [Slow Cooker Beef Stew]. Discover how to create this Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight and let your slow cooker work its magic!

Ingredients:

To create this Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight, you’ll need a selection of simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need with specific measurements: For tips on ensuring food safety when cooking chicken in your slow cooker check Food Safety When Slow Cooking Chicken.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 pounds (about 4-6 medium breasts). Chicken is the star of our dish, and these will allow for volume.
Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Creates the creamy base of the sauce. You must make sure that cream cheese is fresh, and smooth to touch.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75-ounce) can. Adds flavor and thickens the sauce. The cream allows for a smoother texture on our Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.
Italian Dressing Mix: 1 (1-ounce) packet. Adds a burst of Italian-inspired flavor. This taste adds to the incredible sensation of the Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavors. The Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight has garlic powder as one of the most prominent flavoring tools.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds depth and complexity.
Dried Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. Provides aromatic flavor.
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the overall flavor.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a touch of warmth.
Optional: Cooked Rice or Pasta: For serving. Serve your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight over rice or pasta for the best experience.
Optional: Fresh Parsley: For garnish. Decorate to add value and enhance experience to your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:

Now, let’s transform these ingredients into a taste of heaven. Follow these simple, easy-to-understand instructions for Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure each chicken is laid flat.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Each taste enhances your experience of the Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each breast is fully coated. Distribute it well for the perfect outcome of your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.

Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Keep the lid closed and allow your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight to work its magic.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is pulled and shredded. This will allow the great flavoring to go through the entirety of your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight over cooked rice or pasta, if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley, if using.

Pro Tips:

Here are some expert tips to help you achieve culinary perfection with your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight:

Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer in the slow cooker. Overcrowding can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Each chicken is to be layered accordingly to ensure high quality results with your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.
Use Low-Sodium Ingredients: To control the sodium level, use low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Sodium in high amounts can take away the amazing taste of the Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.
Don’t Lift the Lid Too Often: Lifting the lid of the slow cooker releases heat and can prolong the cooking time. Try to avoid lifting the lid unless necessary. Leave the lid closed and allow your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight to work its magic.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken. Be sure that the sauce does not alter or get in the way of the taste of the Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.

Storage and Reheating:

If you happen to have leftover Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight, here’s how to store it properly:

Cool Completely: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it.
Airtight Container: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrigeration is best for preserving your chicken.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. Ensure that it is cooked evenly to maintain the best taste and volume of your Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight.

It is also possible to freeze it for future enjoyment!

Variations:

This Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to add your own personal touch. Here are a few variations to try:

Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the chicken.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken: Stir in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Add sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor.
Cheesy Chicken: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight is delicious on its own, but it can be enhanced with the right side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Cooked Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are classic pairings. With a great fluffy rice, the Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight can taste amazing.
Pasta: Serve over egg noodles, fettuccine, or penne pasta.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying option.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Addressing Your Chicken Concerns:

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker?

A: While it’s generally recommended to thaw chicken breasts before slow cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent any potential food safety issues, it is possible to cook frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker. However, you must add at least 2-3 hours to the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) throughout. It’s important to note that cooking frozen chicken can sometimes result in a slightly drier texture.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They tend to be more forgiving and remain more moist during slow cooking. The cooking time will remain the same.

Q: How can I make this Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight dairy-free?

A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, such as a cashew-based or soy-based cream cheese. You’ll also need to use a dairy-free condensed cream of chicken soup substitute, which can often be found at natural food stores or online.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix? What can I substitute?

A: If you don’t have Italian dressing mix on hand, you can create your own blend by combining the following dried herbs:

1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and use this mixture in place of the store-bought Italian dressing mix.

Q: My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?

A: If your sauce is too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding a little chicken broth, milk, or even water. Add the liquid a tablespoon at a time, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Q: My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it up?

A: If your sauce is too thin, there are several ways to thicken it:

Remove the lid: During the last hour of cooking, remove the lid of the slow cooker to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.
Cornstarch slurry: Whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cream cheese: Add an extra 2-4 ounces of softened cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish? If so, what kind and when should I add them?

A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight! Here are a few suggestions:

Root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions): Add these at the beginning of cooking, as they take longer to cook.
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms during the last 2 hours of cooking.
Broccoli or zucchini: Add these more delicate vegetables during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just until wilted.

Q: Is it safe to leave the slow cooker unattended for 6-8 hours?

A: Yes, slow cookers are generally designed to be left unattended for extended periods of time. However, it’s always a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that your slow cooker is in good working order.

Q: Can I double or triple this recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a large enough slow cooker to accommodate all of the ingredients. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly, depending on the size of your slow cooker.

Q: Can I use a different type of cream soup, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cream soup to customize the flavor of this dish. Cream of mushroom and cream of celery are both good options. Just be aware that the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with this Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight?

A: Here are a few additional side dish suggestions to complement this dish:

Garlic bread
Dinner rolls
Steamed green beans
Buttered corn
Quinoa
Couscous

The Verdict:

Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, and a comforting dish that warms the soul. With its creamy texture, flavorful sauce, and effortless preparation, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Prepare yourself, because from here on out, you’ll want to make Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight!

Heavenly Slow Cooker Chicken Delight

Print Recipe

A creamy, flavorful slow cooker chicken dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal!

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 (1-ounce) packet Italian dressing mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
Optional: Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, Italian dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker and mix with the sauce.
Serve over cooked rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, add a little chicken broth or milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crockpot chicken, easy dinner, creamy chicken