Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom Recipes

The aroma of Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom always takes me back to my college days, when my roommate and I would toss ingredients into our rickety slow cooker between classes. By dusk, our tiny apartment would smell like a rustic Italian kitchen—savory, creamy, and impossibly comforting. What makes this dish special isn’t just its simplicity (hello, five ingredients and zero fuss), but how the tender chicken melds with earthy mushrooms and velvety sauce, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to layer flavors like a pro, nail the perfect consistency, and turn this humble crockpot classic into a weeknight superstar.

What You’ll Need

To make this Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom, gather essential ingredients for creamy chicken dishes and must-have slow cooker essentials:

Proteins & Veggies

• 1.5–2 lbs boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 8 oz fresh mushrooms (cremini or white)
• 1 onion and 3 garlic cloves (for aromatic depth)

Pantry Staples

• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup (or gluten-free version)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper

Dairy & Extras

• ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• Optional: frozen peas, baby spinach, or lemon zest

Tools

• 6-quart slow cooker (non-negotiable!)
• Skillet (if pre-sautéing mushrooms/onions)
• Mixing bowl and wooden spoon

Specialty Note: Worcestershire sauce and cream cheese add tangy richness, but swap with soy sauce and nutritional yeast for dietary tweaks.

best slow cooker for creamy recipes, pantry staples for comfort food.

Recipe Overview

This Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom is a hearty blend of tender chicken thighs, creamy mushroom sauce, garlic, and aromatic herbs, slow-cooked to savory perfection. Toss in veggies like carrots, celery, or spinach for added nutrition, set the timer, and let the crockpot work its magic. Naturally gluten-free (when using gluten-free soup) and packed with protein, this dish is a weeknight lifesaver that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum comfort.

Perfect for busy schedules, the Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom transforms pantry staples into a rich, creamy meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent. Serve it over fluffy rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles for a complete set-and-forget dinner. Whether you’re meal-prepping or craving a comfort food classic, this recipe guarantees a stress-free, satisfying feast every time.

Ingredients and Instructions

Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom Recipes

Print Recipe

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Mushroom Base

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or substitute 4 chicken breasts for leaner protein)

• 8 oz fresh cremini mushrooms, sliced (swap with white mushrooms or 1 can drained mushrooms in a pinch)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of mushroom soup (use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup if needed)

• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

• ½ cup heavy cream (or substitute half-and-half for a lighter option)

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (try dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (use gluten-free if required)

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Add-Ins for Your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom

• 1 cup frozen peas (add in the last 30 minutes)

• 2 cups baby spinach (stir in before serving)

• 1 tbsp lemon zest (brightens the richness)

Substitutions & Tips

• Chicken: Swap thighs for 1.5 lbs boneless turkey or tofu for a plant-based version.

• Mushrooms: No fresh mushrooms? Use 1 oz dried porcini mushrooms (rehydrated) for an earthy boost.

• Creamy Texture: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess.

• Herbs: Rosemary or sage work well alongside thyme.

Instructions

Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Mushroom Base

1. Prep the crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Arrange the chicken: Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) in an even layer at the bottom.

3. Add veggies: Scatter 8 oz sliced mushrooms, 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp dried thyme over the chicken.

Tip: For deeper flavor, sauté mushrooms and onions in a skillet for 5 minutes before adding to the crockpot.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Whisk the sauce: In a bowl, combine 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup heavy cream, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and ½ tsp black pepper. Mix until smooth.

2. Pour over chicken: Spread the sauce evenly over the chicken and veggies, ensuring everything is coated.

Sensory cue: The garlic and thyme will smell earthy and aromatic as they meld with the sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Set the timer: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.

2. Add optional veggies: If using 1 cup frozen peas or 2 cups baby spinach, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Tip: For a dairy-free Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom, swap heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Shred the chicken: Use two forks to break the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the crockpot.

2. Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, stir in ¼ cup broth. Too thin? Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with cold water and stir into the sauce; cook 15 more minutes.

3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or lemon zest for brightness.

Serve: Ladle your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free option.

 

 

• Author: Alex Morgan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–5 hours (High) or 6–7 hours (Low)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American (Comfort Food)
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom

Serving Suggestions and Presentation

Transform your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom into a restaurant-worthy meal with these simple touches:

How to Plate a Beautiful Dish

• Elevate the base: Serve the creamy chicken and mushrooms over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy jasmine rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Garnish generously: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the rich flavors.
• Add texture: Top with crispy fried onions or toasted slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch.

Pro tip: Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the dish’s creamy sauce and tender chicken.

Perfect Pairings

Pair your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom with:

• Crusty bread: Sop up every drop of sauce with a slice of garlic sourdough or whole-grain rolls.
• Light sides: Balance the richness with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans.
• Wine pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent separation.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

This Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom strikes a balance between comfort and nutrition, offering a hearty meal that fuels your body without skimping on flavor.

Macronutrient Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 28g (supports muscle repair and satiety)
• Carbohydrates: 18g (includes 3g fiber from mushrooms and veggies)
• Fat: 22g (with options to reduce by using low-fat dairy)

Key Health Benefits

• Protein-Packed: The chicken thighs provide high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance and energy.
• Immune Support: Mushrooms are rich in selenium and B vitamins, which bolster immune function and metabolism.
• Gut-Friendly: Garlic and onions contain prebiotic fibers that promote healthy digestion.
• Bone Health: Dairy ingredients (or fortified substitutes) contribute calcium and vitamin D.

Dietary Flexibility

• Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and Worcestershire sauce.
• Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut milk and dairy-free alternatives.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based, high-protein twist.

Ideal as part of nutritious winter recipes, this dish’s slow-cooked warmth and nutrient density make it a smart choice for cold-weather meals. Plus, its adaptability fits seamlessly into high-protein meal plans or balanced comfort food diets.

Note: For a lower-sodium version, opt for low-sodium broth and soup, and adjust seasoning with herbs instead of salt.

Variations and Customizations

Your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom is endlessly adaptable—here’s how to make it your own!

Protein Swaps for Your Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom

• Turkey: Replace chicken with 1.5 lbs boneless turkey thighs for a leaner, Thanksgiving-inspired twist.
• Tofu: Use extra-firm tofu (pressed and cubed) for a vegetarian version. Marinate in soy sauce and garlic first for extra flavor.
• Beef: Swap chicken for stewing beef (cook 8-9 hours on low) for a heartier, beef-and-mushroom vibe.

easy chicken substitutes for slow cooker recipes

Flavor Twists

• Herby Brightness: Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or tarragon before serving.
• Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 diced jalapeño to the sauce.
• Umami Boost: Mix 1 tbsp soy sauce or 1 tsp fish sauce into the creamy base.

Pro tip: For a luxurious Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom, finish with 2 tbsp truffle oil or grated Parmesan.

Seasonal Adjustments

• Summer: Swap root veggies for zucchini or bell peppers, and garnish with fresh basil.
• Winter: Add parsnips or sweet potatoes for earthy sweetness.
• Holiday: Stir in ½ cup dried cranberries and ¼ cup toasted pecans for festive flair.

how to adapt slow cooker meals for seasons

Dietary Customizations

• Keto: Skip starchy add-ins and serve over cauliflower mash.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese.
• Low-Carb: Bulk up with spinach and mushrooms instead of grains.

Freezer-friendly: Double the batch and freeze portions for meal prep-friendly Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom.

FAQs: Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in the crockpot?

Low and slow wins! Cooking chicken on low heat (6-7 hours) ensures tender, fall-apart meat. High heat (4-5 hours) works for quicker meals but risks drying out lean cuts like breasts. For this Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom, stick to low heat for maximum juiciness.

Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken soup works in a pinch, but you’ll lose the earthy mushroom flavor. Compensate by adding extra sautéed mushrooms or a dash of umami seasoning. For a gluten-free version, check labels or use homemade mushroom soup.

Is cream ok in a slow cooker?

Yes, but add it late in the cooking process to avoid curdling. For this recipe, heavy cream blends seamlessly into the sauce during the last hour. Dairy-free? Coconut milk or cashew cream are stable substitutes.

Why is my chicken rubbery after crockpot?

Overcooking or using breasts instead of thighs is the culprit. Chicken thighs stay juicy even with long cook times, while breasts dry out past 4 hours on low. If using breasts, check for doneness at 3.5 hours and shred immediately.

Conclusion

The Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom is more than just a recipe—it’s a passport to cozy, fuss-free comfort. Whether you’re juggling a hectic schedule or craving a meal that feels like a warm hug, this dish delivers. With its tender chicken, velvety mushroom sauce, and forgiving nature (hello, substitutions and add-ins!), it’s a weeknight hero that adapts to your pantry, diet, and mood.

From gluten-free tweaks to vegetarian spins, this recipe proves that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Serve it over mashed potatoes for nostalgia, pair it with a crisp salad for balance, or freeze leftovers for future you. However you customize it, the result is always the same: a hearty, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table.

So dust off that slow cooker and let it do the work. Once you taste how effortlessly rich and nourishing this Crockpot Chicken Cream of Mushroom turns out, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Happy cooking—and even happier eating!