Description
This Cozy Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender, shredded chicken bathed in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It’s so easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
2 lb chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 lb baby carrots
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
salt (to taste)
1 cup milk
3 cups cooked rice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Add the chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, baby carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, oregano, and salt to your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If using thawed chicken, you may add 1/2 cup of water.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
Stir in the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and cooked rice until well combined and the cheese is melted.
Serve warm.
Notes
Don’t overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooked chicken can become dry, even in a sauce. Check for tenderness at the lower end of the cooking time.
Soften cream cheese: For the smoothest sauce, let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before you’re ready to add it. It should be soft enough to easily stir into the soup mixture.
Adjusting consistency: If the sauce seems a little too thick after the cheese has melted, you can stir in a splash or two of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Shredding made easy: Shredding the chicken directly in the slow cooker can be a bit messy. For cleaner results, remove the chicken to a separate bowl or a sturdy cutting board before shredding.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to stay even more moist and tender during slow cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can sometimes take a bit longer than breasts to become completely tender.
How long do I store leftovers?
Leftovers of Cozy Cheesy Slow Cooker Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish freezes reasonably well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. The creaminess of the sauce might change slightly upon thawing and reheating.
My sauce seems a little thin. What can I do?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after the cheese has melted, you can remove the lid and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce and cook until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American