Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with a rich, flavorful sauce made from cream cheese, condensed soup, and a mix of seasonings. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hands-off meal that the whole family will love. Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Add Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Onion: Sprinkle the finely diced onion over the chicken.
3. Add Soup and Broth: Pour the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the chicken and onions.
4. Add Italian Dressing Mix: Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix evenly over the top.
5. Add Cream Cheese: Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and place them on top of the other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
2. Mix the Sauce: Stir the sauce in the slow cooker until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well to coat the chicken with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Cream Cheese Chicken hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Cream Cheese Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Flavored Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary along with the Italian dressing mix for an herbaceous flavor.
• Cheesy Chicken: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese to the sauce before serving for an extra cheesy version.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version, ensure the cream of chicken soup is low in carbs or make your own using keto-approved ingredients. Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional rice or pasta.

Low Carb Version

For a lower-carb option, use a low-carb condensed soup and serve the chicken over steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender chicken and a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. Enjoy making and savoring this creamy chicken dish with your family and friends. Happy cooking!