Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Just a handful of ingredients go into the slow cooker, and after a few hours, you’ll have tender chicken coated in a luscious cream cheese sauce. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to serve in many different ways. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, making it ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a no-fuss dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Cream cheese, softened

• Ranch seasoning mix or Italian seasoning mix

• Chicken broth

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Sprinkle ranch or Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

3. Pour in the chicken broth.

4. Place the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.

6. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together to create a creamy sauce.

7. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with vegetables.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

Variations

• Add chopped spinach, peas, or broccoli at the end of cooking for extra veggies.

• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.

• Stir in cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker for a one-pot meal.

• Add shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesier sauce.

• Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the cream cheese sauce may separate slightly upon thawing; stir well to bring it back together.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use thawed chicken for food safety and even cooking.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?

No, you can place it straight into the slow cooker—it will melt as it cooks.

Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?

Yes, Italian seasoning or your favorite blend of herbs and spices works just as well.

Can I add vegetables directly into the slow cooker?

Yes, heartier vegetables like carrots or potatoes can be added at the beginning. Softer vegetables like spinach or peas should be added at the end.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Two forks work well, but you can also use a hand mixer on low speed for quick shredding.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook it ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat or Neufchâtel cheese can be used, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.

What should I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra ingredients.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

If the sauce is too thick after shredding the chicken, add a little chicken broth or milk and stir until smooth.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting meal that’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. Perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends, this dish delivers tender chicken in a rich, flavorful sauce that can be served in many ways. With its versatility and simplicity, it’s sure to become a family favorite in your recipe rotation.

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