Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and colorful vegetables simmer in a delicious creamy sauce, making it a wholesome meal your family will love.
This recipe is a family favorite, known for its rich flavor and comforting aroma. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without the hassle.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite
- Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
- A variety of colorful vegetables for added nutrition
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
A Wholesome Meal for Any Occasion
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables is not just a weeknight dinner; it's a versatile dish that can be served on special occasions as well. The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a comforting experience that appeals to both children and adults. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or simply looking to enjoy a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress.
The combination of chicken and vegetables ensures that this meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The colorful medley of carrots, celery, and bell peppers provides vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Plus, the addition of frozen peas adds a pop of color and sweetness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is satisfying.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives
One of the greatest advantages of using a slow cooker is the ease of preparation. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This means you can focus on other tasks or enjoy quality time with your family while your meal cooks to perfection.
Minimal cleanup is another bonus. Since everything cooks in one pot, there are fewer dishes to wash afterward. This makes Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables a great choice for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or dealing with a pile of dirty dishes.
Customizing Your Dish
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your family's tastes. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. For example, zucchini or green beans can be great additions, and they cook just as well in the slow cooker.
You can also adjust the creaminess of the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative. Conversely, for an extra indulgent experience, adding a sprinkle of cheese before serving can elevate the flavors even further, making this dish uniquely yours.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Mix and match your favorite vegetables for a personalized touch!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken.
Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with thyme and parsley.
Cook the Dish
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Serve warm.
Enjoy this dish with rice or bread for a complete meal!
Tips for Perfecting Your Slow Cooker Chicken
To ensure your chicken remains moist and tender, avoid opening the lid of the slow cooker during cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, which can prolong cooking time and result in drier chicken. Trust the process and let the slow cooker work its magic.
If possible, use organic chicken for a more flavorful dish. Organic chicken is raised without antibiotics and hormones, resulting in a cleaner taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Additionally, using fresh herbs instead of dried can enhance the flavor profile, making your dish even more aromatic and delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables can be served over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta for a hearty meal. The creamy sauce complements these bases wonderfully, soaking in and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad will balance the richness of the chicken and vegetables, providing a refreshing contrast that is especially welcome on warm days or when you’re looking for a lighter dinner option.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will meld even more as they sit, making the leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving. You can also freeze the dish for longer storage; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent the sauce from thickening too much. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This will help maintain the creamy consistency and delicious flavor that you love.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to extend the cooking time a bit.
→ What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as green beans or corn.
→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables
This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Vegetables is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and colorful vegetables simmer in a delicious creamy sauce, making it a wholesome meal your family will love.
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables
- 2 cups carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken.
Add the chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, and frozen peas to the slow cooker. Sprinkle with thyme and parsley.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and stir to combine with the vegetables and sauce. Serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g