Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls head over heels for the cozy, creamy flavors of comfort food, meet my Creamy Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken. It’s one of those dishes that fills your home with irresistible aromas and feels like a warm hug after a long day. I first tried something similar in a tiny diner near the Gulf Coast, and it instantly reminded me of my abuela’s slow-simmered dishes. The creamy mushroom gravy, tender chicken, and gentle spices make this recipe a weeknight favorite you’ll want on repeat. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or potatoes, it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 6 hours |
| Total Time: | 6 hours 10 minutes |
| Servings: | 4 |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Cuisine Type: | American |
| Best Season: | Fall & Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: Toss everything into your slow cooker in minutes, then let the magic happen while you go about your day.
- Family-friendly flavor: The creamy mushroom gravy is mild yet rich, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile serving options: Serve it over buttery noodles, mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice for a complete meal.
- Tender, juicy chicken: The slow cooking process guarantees melt-in-your-mouth chicken every time.
- Comfort food made simple: No fancy ingredients, just everyday pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Creamy Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken is a cozy, creamy comfort meal made with tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a luscious mushroom gravy. Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for an easy slow cooker dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium-large)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 1 clove fresh minced garlic)
- 16 ounces sliced mushrooms (2–3 cups)
- (optional garnish) fresh minced parsley
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder and arrange in the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, mix condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and minced garlic until combined. Stir in the fresh sliced mushrooms.
3. Pour the mushroom sauce over the chicken. Cover and cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW.
4. Add the sour cream at the end of cooking by whisking it with a little warm broth, then return it to the slow cooker.
5. Garnish with fresh minced parsley before serving.
Notes
Butterfly chicken breasts for faster, more even cooking.
If sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or milk.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serve with rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 379
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 976mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 142mg
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium-large)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 1 clove fresh minced garlic)
- 16 ounces sliced mushrooms (2–3 cups)
- Fresh minced parsley (optional garnish)
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken breasts | Slice them in half (butterfly style) for quicker, even cooking. |
| Mushrooms | Use baby bella or cremini mushrooms for deeper flavor. |
| Cream of mushroom soup | Low-sodium versions help you control salt levels. |
| Sour cream | Add it at the end to prevent curdling and keep the sauce silky. |
| Chicken broth | Homemade broth gives a richer flavor than store-bought. |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika adds a hint of earthy warmth. |
| Garlic | Fresh minced garlic gives more aroma than jarred. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Arrange them evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth, then add sliced mushrooms and mix well.
- Combine and cook: Pour the mushroom mixture over the chicken, making sure everything is coated. Cover and cook for 4 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW.
- Add the sour cream: Near the end of cooking, scoop out a bit of the hot broth into a small bowl. Whisk in the sour cream to warm it up, then pour it back into the slow cooker and stir gently.
- Serve and enjoy: Garnish with fresh minced parsley and serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Hungry for more? Dive into our Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake recipe.
Helpful Tips
- Slice the chicken before cooking if you want smaller portions for serving.
- If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken for 2 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken naturally.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh mushrooms: Canned mushrooms tend to get mushy, while fresh ones keep their texture.
- Balance flavors: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed.
- Add sour cream carefully: Whisking it with warm broth prevents curdling and keeps the sauce velvety.
- Don’t overcook: Check at 5½ hours on LOW to make sure the chicken stays juicy, not dry.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Garlic Herb: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a splash of white wine for depth.
- Cheesy Mushroom Chicken: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower mash instead of potatoes or noodles.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Prepare all ingredients the night before and refrigerate the crock insert so it’s ready to start in the morning. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove with a little extra broth to restore the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy mushroom chicken looks beautiful served over buttered egg noodles or fluffy rice. Sprinkle with parsley or chives for a pop of color. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side completes the meal perfectly.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling apple cider or iced tea. Garlic bread or roasted asparagus makes a great side dish to balance the rich sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals and stir to prevent separation. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra tender.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and increase cooking time by about 1 hour.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Substitute with plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Can I use canned mushrooms? You can, but the flavor and texture are best with fresh mushrooms.
Can I make this in the oven? Yes, bake covered at 350°F for about 1 hour, then stir in the sour cream.
Is it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free condensed soup to make it fully gluten-free.
What’s the best side to serve it with? Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles soak up the sauce perfectly.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size: | 1 serving |
| Calories: | 379 kcal |
| Protein: | 44 g |
| Carbohydrates: | 10 g |
| Fat: | 18 g |
| Fiber: | 1 g |
| Sugar: | 4 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Creamy Slow Cooker Mushroom Chicken is the definition of cozy comfort. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s one of those dependable dishes you’ll turn to again and again. Try it tonight and watch your family fall in love bite after bite!
