**Ultimate Guide to Perfect Cream of Mushroom Chicken in Crock Pot Recipe for Busy Weeknights**

Cooking a delicious meal doesn't have to be a time-consuming task, especially when you have a slow cooker at your disposal. The cream of mushroom chicken in……

Cooking a delicious meal doesn't have to be a time-consuming task, especially when you have a slow cooker at your disposal. The cream of mushroom chicken in crock pot recipe is an ideal dish for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. This recipe combines the rich, creamy taste of mushroom soup with tender chicken, creating a comforting dish that will please the entire family.

### Ingredients

To make this delightful cream of mushroom chicken in crock pot recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)

- 1 cup of chicken broth

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme

- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (optional)

- 1/2 cup of heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)

### Instructions

1. **Preparation**: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic. If you're using fresh mushrooms, slice them thinly.

2. **Layering**: In the crock pot, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This will ensure that the chicken absorbs these flavors as it cooks.

3. **Mixing**: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms if you're using them. Mix well to create a consistent sauce.

4. **Pouring**: Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot, ensuring that the chicken is well-covered with the sauce.

5. **Cooking**: Set your crock pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will allow the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.

6. **Finishing Touch**: About 30 minutes before serving, you can stir in the heavy cream if you want an extra creamy consistency. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer taste.

### Serving Suggestions

The cream of mushroom chicken in crock pot recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

- **Rice**: Serve the creamy chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce, making each bite flavorful.

- **Mashed Potatoes**: Creamy mashed potatoes are another excellent side. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the creamy chicken beautifully.

- **Pasta**: For a more filling option, serve the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta. Penne, fettuccine, or egg noodles work particularly well.

- **Vegetables**: Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a nice crunch and freshness to the dish.

### Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, the cream of mushroom chicken in crock pot recipe stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the microwave or warm it up on the stove over low heat.

### Tips and Variations

- **Add Vegetables**: You can add vegetables like carrots, peas, or potatoes directly into the crock pot to make it a one-pot meal.

- **Spices**: Feel free to experiment with different spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.

- **Cheese**: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese towards the end of the cooking time for an extra cheesy twist.

In conclusion, the cream of mushroom chicken in crock pot recipe is a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Its creamy, savory flavor makes it a hit for any dinner table, and the convenience of the crock pot means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other activities. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones and savor the deliciousness!