Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Enjoy a hearty and comforting meal with this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables is a delightful blend of tender chicken and fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection in a creamy sauce. It's a dish that brings warmth and comfort on any day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy flavor that comforts the soul
- Tender chicken that practically falls apart
- Packed with nutritious vegetables for a balanced meal
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
A Comforting Classic
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. This dish combines tender chicken and a medley of vegetables, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce that is sure to please everyone in the family. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this recipe offers a nourishing and hearty meal without the fuss.
The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare this dish, allowing you to set it and forget it. Simply season the chicken, add the vegetables, and pour on the sauce. As it cooks, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone eagerly anticipating dinner.
Nutritious Ingredients
This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of chicken and vegetables provides a well-rounded meal rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Carrots and bell peppers add a pop of color and are great sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C, while celery contributes fiber and hydration.
By using a mix of fresh and frozen vegetables, you can ensure that you’re getting a variety of nutrients while also saving prep time. This dish makes it easy to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a great choice for health-conscious families.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best features of this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables is its suitability for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week. Reheat leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner, maintaining the rich flavors and creamy texture that make this dish so enjoyable.
To keep it fresh, store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also encourages healthier eating habits, making it easier to stick to your meal plan while enjoying a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add the Vegetables
Layer the chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, and frozen peas over the chicken.
Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, thyme, and parsley. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
For the best results, ensure that the chicken is evenly seasoned before cooking. This will enhance the flavor throughout the dish. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water towards the end of cooking. This will create a luscious coating for the chicken and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken dish over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, pair it with a side of crusty bread for a comforting meal. A simple green salad can complement the richness of the dish and add a refreshing crunch.
For those looking to boost their vegetable intake, consider adding steamed broccoli or green beans as a side. This will not only enhance the meal's nutrition but also add more color to your dinner plate.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. This dish can be frozen for up to three months; just be mindful that the texture may slightly change upon reheating.
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage to help restore its creamy consistency.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an hour.
→ What vegetables can I add?
You can add any vegetables you like, such as potatoes, green beans, or corn.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Enjoy a hearty and comforting meal with this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
Created by: Natalie Briggs
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
For the Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer the chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, and frozen peas over the chicken.
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, thyme, and parsley. Pour the mixture over the chicken and vegetables.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 860mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 32g