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
Prep the crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
Arrange the chicken: Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) in an even layer at the bottom.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Shred the chicken: Use two forks to break the chicken into bite-sized pieces directly in the crockpot.
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.
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.
- 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