Slow Cooked Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

There is nothing quite like the feeling of walking into your home after a long day. You unlock the door and a wave of savory warmth hits you instantly. It smells like you have been slaving over the stove for hours. But really you just spent ten minutes prepping in the morning. That is the magic of this slow cooked chicken in creamy mushroom sauce.

I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a rainy Tuesday and my schedule was packed. I needed something that would practically cook itself. When I finally sat down to eat the chicken was so tender it fell apart with just a fork. The sauce was rich and earthy. It tasted like a meal from a high end bistro. Since then it has become a staple in my kitchen for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Set It and Forget It: Just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
• Budget Friendly: It turns simple pantry staples into a luxurious meal.
• Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters love the mild and creamy flavor profile.
• Versatile: It goes perfectly with pasta rice or mashed potatoes.

The Secret Ingredients for an Unforgettable Slow Cooked Chicken

To get that deep flavor we need to talk about ingredients. This recipe is simple but choosing the right items makes a huge difference. Here is what you will need to make this dish sing.

• Chicken Thighs: I always recommend using boneless skinless chicken thighs for the slow cooker. They stay juicy and tender during the long cooking process. You can use breasts if you prefer but keep an eye on the time so they do not dry out.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms or baby bellas are my top choice here. They have a deeper earthier flavor than white button mushrooms. You want to slice them thick so they hold their shape.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its velvety texture. If you want a lighter option you can use half and half but the sauce will be thinner.
• Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic is a must. For herbs I love using dried thyme and rosemary. They release their oils slowly over the cooking time.
• Chicken Broth: Use a low sodium broth so you can control the salt level yourself.

Bringing Your Slow Cooked Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce to Life

Let’s get cooking! This process is designed to be as stress free as possible. Follow these steps and you will have a perfect dinner waiting for you.

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended) Heat a splash of oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them for just two minutes on each side until golden. This step adds a layer of caramelized flavor that is truly worth the extra pan. If you are in a rush you can skip this and put the raw chicken directly into the slow cooker.

2. Layer the Flavors Place your chicken into the bottom of the slow cooker. Now pile those beautiful sliced mushrooms right on top. Sprinkle your minced garlic dried thyme and rosemary over everything.

3. Add the Liquid Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Do not add the cream yet! We want to cook the chicken and mushrooms first. Adding dairy too early can cause it to separate.

4. The Slow Cook Cover your pot and set it to cook. You can go perfectly low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. You will know it is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Make it Creamy About 30 minutes before serving uncover the pot. Stir in the heavy cream. If you like a thicker sauce mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir that in too. Let it cook on high for the final 30 minutes. The sauce will become luscious and thick just like you see in the photos.

A Few Pro-Tips for a Perfect Result

Here are a few tricks I have learned over the years to make sure this dish comes out perfect every single time.

1. Don’t Peek: Every time you lift the lid you lose heat and moisture. Trust the process and keep it closed until the end.
2. Brown the Mushrooms: If you have time sear the mushrooms in the same pan after the chicken. It brings out a nutty flavor that is incredible.
3. Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in some fresh parsley right before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness.
4. Acid Balance: If the sauce tastes too heavy add a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar. It wakes up all the flavors.
5. Shred vs Whole: You can serve the thighs whole or shred the meat directly in the pot for a pulled chicken texture.
6. Avoid Watery Sauce: Mushrooms release a lot of water. If your sauce is too thin leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to let it reduce.
7. Safety First: Always use a meat thermometer to check your chicken. According to the USDA Food Safety Guide, poultry must be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F.

Slow Cooked Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce Variations to Try

Cooking is all about making the recipe your own. I love experimenting with this base recipe. Here are a few great twists you can try tonight.

If you have guests who cannot eat gluten making this recipe safe for them is easy. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten free. For thickening use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour. It works perfectly and no one will taste the difference.

For my vegetarian friends you can actually adapt this quite easily. Swap the chicken for hearty portobello mushrooms or firm tofu cubes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cooking time will be much shorter so check it after two hours on high. For a vegan version swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk. It adds a lovely sweetness that pairs well with the mushrooms.

If you like a little heat in your food try the spicy variation. Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño in with the garlic. The heat balances out the creamy sauce beautifully. It gives the dish a little kick that warms you up on cold nights.

How to Store & Reheat Your Slow Cooked Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

This dish makes fantastic leftovers. In fact I think it might taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

To Store: Let the chicken cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To Reheat: Gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium low heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge. Avoid boiling it vigorously or the cream might separate.

Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooked Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

The sauce is the star of the show here so you want sides that can soak up every drop. My personal favorite is serving this over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. It pairs perfectly with our Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The potatoes act like a cloud for that savory gravy.

If you want something lighter try serving it over egg noodles or zucchini noodles. A crisp green vegetable is also a great idea to balance the meal. Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans work wonders. You could try our Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus for a bright contrast to the creamy mushroom sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Slow Cooked Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection in a savory, garlic-infused mushroom sauce. This dump-and-go dinner is effortless, creamy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6 Quart)
• Skillet (Optional)
• Chef's knife

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 10 oz Cremini mushrooms (sliced thick)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 cup Chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 tsp Dried thyme
• 1 tsp Dried rosemary
• 0.5 tsp Salt (plus more to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.75 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil (if searing)

Instructions

 

• Prep: Slice the mushrooms and mince the garlic.
• Sear (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 minutes per side until golden.
• Layer: Place chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
• Pour: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Do not stir yet.
• Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
• Finish: 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it in. Cook on HIGH for the final 30 minutes uncovered.
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes or pasta.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, deglaze your searing pan with a splash of white wine and pour those drippings into the slow cooker along with the broth.

Keyword crockpot chicken, mushroom sauce, slow cooked chicken in creamy mushroom sauce

Conclusion

This slow cooked chicken in creamy mushroom sauce is more than just a recipe. It is a solution for busy days when you still want a wholesome home cooked meal. The tender meat and the velvety sauce create a comfort food experience that your family will ask for again and again.

Ready for your next kitchen adventure? Explore more delicious recipes here at SpoonnSpice!