Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken is a delightful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal. It combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy sauce that envelops every bite in richness. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers a delicious and satisfying experience without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken Recipe
This Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it combines convenience with flavor. The use of a crock pot means you can set it and forget it, perfect for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal. The creamy, zesty sauce created by the combination of cream cheese and Italian dressing mix adds a burst of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows for flexibility in serving. You can pair it with rice, noodles, or even vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients about Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken
To create this delicious Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- Rice or noodles for serving
How to Make Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken Directions
Making Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken is straightforward and user-friendly, perfect for home cooks of any skill level. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the base of your crock pot. This step sets the foundation for your dish, ensuring the chicken stays moist during cooking.
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and the dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture. This sauce not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken deliciously moist. Once mixed, pour this blend over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated.
Now it’s time to let the crock pot work its magic. Cover the pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your specific crock pot, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
As you approach the final half-hour of cooking, add the 8 ounces of cream cheese directly to the crock pot. Stir it into the mixture until it melts and combines seamlessly. This addition transforms the dish into a creamy, rich sauce that enhances the flavor of the chicken.
When the cooking time is complete, it’s time to serve. You can shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks or leave the chicken breasts whole, depending on your preference. Serve the creamy chicken mixture over cooked rice or noodles to create a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken
Serving your Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken is as fun as making it. You can opt for rice or noodles as the base, both of which complement the creamy sauce perfectly. If you choose rice, opt for white rice, brown rice, or even jasmine rice for a fragrant option. For noodles, egg noodles or fettuccine work wonderfully, providing a comforting platform for the chicken and sauce.
Garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of black pepper for color and a slight kick of flavor. Adding a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad can enhance the meal, bringing in a fresh element that balances the richness of the creamy chicken.
Feel free to customize the serving size based on your family or guests. This dish also makes excellent leftovers, so don’t hesitate to prepare extra for future meals.
Expert Tips: Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken
To ensure the best results with your Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to season your chicken lightly with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor that can elevate the dish.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the liquid to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes, which will help it reduce and become richer. Conversely, if you want a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more chicken broth at the beginning of cooking.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients. You can add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or even broccoli to the crock pot at the beginning of cooking for a complete meal in one pot. Alternatively, adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce can provide a spicy kick that contrasts nicely with the creaminess.
Finally, remember to check the chicken for doneness. If you have a meat thermometer, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe for consumption.
How to Store Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken
Storing your Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken properly ensures that you can enjoy leftovers later without sacrificing flavor or quality. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’s essential to use a container that seals securely to avoid contamination and keep the dish fresh.
You can refrigerate the Chicken for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it. To freeze, portion the chicken into smaller servings and place them in freezer-safe bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Frozen, this dish can last for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat leftovers, you can reheat the chicken in a microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming it.
Variation of Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken
While the fundamental flavors of Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken are delightful on their own, you can easily adjust the recipe to cater to your tastes. For a different flavor profile, consider using other cream soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, which can add unique characteristics to the sauce.
For a zesty twist, consider adding some diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the crock pot at the start of cooking. The tomatoes will contribute acidity and depth of flavor, balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.
If you have a favorite cheese, such as shredded cheddar or mozzarella, add this in at the same time as the cream cheese for a cheesy variation of the recipe. You can also toss in some fresh spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
For a completely different spin, try using cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken as a time-saver. Just mix it in during the final 30 minutes to heat through with the cream cheese mixture.
FAQ
What is Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken?
Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken is a simple and delicious recipe that involves cooking chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made of cream cheese, chicken broth, and Zesty Italian Dressing Mix.
How long do I cook Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken?
You can cook Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to add additional cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked through.
What can I serve with Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken?
You can serve it over rice or noodles. Vegetables or a salad can also make great sides to complement the dish.
How do I store Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze in portioned bags for up to 3 months.
Cream Cheese Crock Pot Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Boneless, skinless recommended
- 1 can cream of chicken soup For creamy texture
- 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium suggested
- 1 packet dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix Can substitute with homemade spices
- 8 ounces cream cheese Softened for easier mixing
Serving Suggestions
- to taste optional Rice or noodles For serving under the chicken
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in the base of your crock pot.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and dry Zesty Italian Dressing Mix. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, add the cream cheese to the crock pot and stir until melted and combined.
Serving
- Shred the chicken or serve whole, over rice or noodles as preferred.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or black pepper if desired.
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