Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Indulge in this rich and creamy slow cooker chicken dish, perfectly paired with a medley of fresh vegetables. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a comforting meal the whole family will love.
This creamy slow cooker chicken dish is not only easy to make but also offers a delightful combination of flavors. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender while absorbing the delicious sauce and the freshness of the vegetables.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken
- Versatile recipe with your favorite vegetables
- Perfectly cooked with minimal effort in a slow cooker
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a fantastic method for preparing meals that are both delicious and nutritious. By allowing the ingredients to simmer over a long period, flavors meld together beautifully, providing you with a rich and satisfying taste. This technique is especially beneficial for proteins like chicken, which become incredibly tender and juicy as they cook slowly in their own juices.
Another advantage of slow cooking is the convenience it offers. You can prepare all your ingredients in the morning, set your slow cooker, and go about your day. By the time you return home, you'll have a hearty meal waiting for you, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. This makes it the perfect solution for busy families or those who want to enjoy a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Pairings
This creamy slow cooker chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Consider serving it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a light and refreshing salad. The creamy sauce also complements grains like rice or quinoa, allowing you to soak up every bit of flavor.
For a more wholesome meal, you could add whole grain bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce. If you're looking for something lighter, steamed broccoli or green beans can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish. No matter what you choose, this chicken dish is sure to please everyone at the table!
Customization Options
One of the best features of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your family's preferences or to use up what you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for your favorites—zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach can all work beautifully. This makes it an excellent way to sneak in more nutrients while catering to different tastes.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate the flavor profile. While thyme adds a lovely earthy note, you might consider adding rosemary for a fragrant twist or a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of heat. Personalizing the recipe not only makes it more enjoyable but also keeps it exciting every time you make it!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to customize the vegetables to your preference.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the onion and garlic, and prepare the mixed vegetables.
Combine in Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables on top.
Add Liquids and Seasoning
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Cream
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich sauce.
Serve
Once done, shred the chicken in the slow cooker, mix well with the sauce and vegetables, and serve hot.
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and remains juicy, avoid lifting the lid of your slow cooker during cooking. Each time you open it, heat escapes, which can prolong cooking time and affect the final texture of the chicken. Trust the process and let your slow cooker do the work for you!
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes to thicken the sauce quickly.
Storage and Reheating
This creamy chicken dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. After cooking, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date for easy tracking!
When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just add them straight from the freezer.
→ Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, but the texture may vary.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Indulge in this rich and creamy slow cooker chicken dish, perfectly paired with a medley of fresh vegetables. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Created by: Elara Whitfield
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Chop the onion and garlic, and prepare the mixed vegetables.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables on top.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the heavy cream to create a rich sauce.
Once done, shred the chicken in the slow cooker, mix well with the sauce and vegetables, and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g