If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting dishes that are packed with flavor, this slow cooker chicken stroganoff is the perfect meal for you.
This dish is an absolute game-changer with tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and all the heartiness of the classic beef stroganoff, but with a lighter twist. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the chicken to soak up all those beautiful flavors as it cooks slowly throughout the day.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this chicken stroganoff is bound to be a hit. The creamy sauce made with sour cream, garlic, and a blend of seasonings coats the chicken perfectly, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal that’s as cozy as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This creamy chicken stroganoff is a simple yet rich meal that combines comfort with convenience. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite recipe:
- Tender Chicken – Cooking the chicken in the slow cooker makes it so tender, you can shred it with a fork. It practically falls apart!
- Creamy and Rich Sauce – The combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and a mix of seasonings creates a velvety smooth sauce that’s full of flavor.
- Hands-Off Cooking – Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish stores and reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or just when you need a hearty meal without all the fuss.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This dish requires just a few simple ingredients, but the combination of chicken, cream, and seasonings creates a comforting, rich meal:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Both work well for slow cooking. Chicken thighs add extra flavor, but chicken breasts are leaner.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a rich and creamy texture to the sauce, making it velvety and delicious.
- Sour Cream – This is what gives the stroganoff its signature tanginess and creaminess.
- Chicken Broth – Provides the savory base for the sauce, helping to balance out the richness.
- Garlic and Onions – These aromatics build the foundation of flavor for the sauce.
- Mushrooms – These add depth and earthy flavor, complementing the creamy sauce.
- Egg Noodles – Serve the stroganoff over soft egg noodles for a classic, comforting touch.
These simple yet flavorful ingredients create a dish that’s easy to prepare but impressive in taste.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Making this creamy chicken stroganoff is easy and requires minimal effort. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Chicken – Place the boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Make the Sauce – In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and mushrooms. Stir until smooth.
- Slow Cook – Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serve – Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.
In just a few simple steps, you’ve got a hearty, creamy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This creamy chicken stroganoff pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some great ideas to complete your meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Egg Noodles | The soft, chewy noodles soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Creamy potatoes pair perfectly with the rich sauce for an indulgent side. |
| Steamed Vegetables | Serve with broccoli or green beans for a light, healthy contrast. |
| Garlic Bread | A crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce. |
| Side Salad | A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the stroganoff. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
This dish makes fantastic leftovers, and you can easily store it for future meals. Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken stroganoff in a saucepan over low heat, adding more chicken broth or cream if necessary.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: You can reheat leftovers in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
To make this creamy chicken stroganoff even better, follow these tips:
- Use chicken thighs for added richness and flavor. Chicken breasts work well too, but thighs tend to be juicier.
- Don’t skip the mushrooms—they bring depth and an earthy flavor to the dish.
- Serve over egg noodles for the perfect, classic pairing, but mashed potatoes or rice also make great alternatives.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more heavy cream or sour cream depending on your preference.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Can I make this dish without cream cheese?
Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy, lighter version of the sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and it makes for a great meal prep option.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or even a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Add spinach, peas, or carrots for extra veggies. Stir them in during the last hour of cooking.
This slow cooker chicken stroganoff is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a rich blend of flavors.
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and creamy sauce
- Large Skillet For searing the chicken
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir to combine and pour over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture.
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with Greek yogurt or light cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily on the stove or in the microwave.
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