While we typically think of slow cooker recipes as cold weather food, I actually use my crockpot the most in the summer months! This is because my kids want to play outside all afternoon, and by the time they are finally ready to come inside, they want dinner immediately. If I can take a few minutes with a crockpot dump meal in the morning, I am rewarded with a dinner that is so quick to serve to them when they’re at their hungriest. My crockpot recipes for two category is growing these days, as I find it harder to get dinner on the table. This chicken recipe is one I’m happy to add to the rotation.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Chicken
Most crockpot creamy chicken recipes have condensed canned soup in the recipes. I really detest that stuff because it has such an odd texture! Today, we’re using chicken bullion cubes, poultry seasoning, milk and a bit of cornstarch to make a creamy, rich sauce instead. This is definitely a dump dinner; a set-it and forget-it type of dinner. You don’t even have to have a crockpot that has a timer on it, but even better if you do. Just place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, add all ingredients except the milk and cornstarch and let cook. About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the milk and cornstarch and stir it in. By serving time, it will become tender chicken chunks or shreds with a creamy, savory sauce. One final note: yes, this recipe does not call for any salt. Between the chicken bullion and chicken broth, there is plenty of salt here. You can taste before serving just to be sure, and add some, if you like.
The Ingredients
Chicken. One pound of chicken. This can be two boneless skinless chicken breasts or one pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. If the skin is left on the chicken, the sauce becomes too greasy, so be sure to use skinless meat. You can absolutely use frozen chicken breasts here, just add 1-2 hours of additional cooking time. Chicken Bullion. Just one chicken bullion cube. If you double the recipe, you will need more cubes. Poultry Seasoning. Consists of dried sage, thyme, marjoram, parsley, and parsley. Seasoning blends will vary based on brand; buy one that you like. The one you use for my Southern Cornbread Dressing is great here. Chicken Broth. We need 1.5 cups or a single 15-ounce can of chicken broth. Low-sodium is preferred. Butter. Just a few pats of unsalted butter on top of the chicken while it bakes, because the liquid ingredients do not completely cover the chicken breasts while it cooks. Milk. Whole milk is best to make a thick, creamy sauce, but use whatever you prefer. Do not use any kind of alternative milk that has sweeteners in it. Cornstarch. This will thicken our sauce. Please remember that cornstarch must first be dissolved in a cold liquid (it’s milk for this recipe) and then added to a mixture and brought to a simmer to unlock its full thickening capacity.
The Directions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper on top of the chicken breasts. Pour the chicken broth around the sides. It might not completely cover the chicken, depending on the size of crockpot you’re using. Add the chicken bullion cube. Cut the butter into 4 pieces, and place 2 on top of each breast.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker, and set it to HIGH for 3 hours. When done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Add the milk and cornstarch to the still-hot crockpot, and whisk to combine. Add the chicken back in, place the lid back on, and cook on LOW for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will be slightly thickened and ready to serve.
Tips for making Creamy Crock Pot Chicken
It might feel weird to not add any salt to this recipe, but try it as-written first. The bullion and chicken broth contain plenty, in my book, and I would hate for you to end up with overly salty chicken. To use frozen chicken, add 1-2 hours of initial cooking time. To make this even richer, use half and half instead of milk. I typically use whatever is in my fridge!
Variations/Substitutions
Chicken - You can use chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe, it’s your choice. They have the same cooking time, as long as they are both boneless. If you only have bone-in chicken, you may use that, too! I would suggest removing the skin (because it will add too much fat to the dish). When you are shredding the chicken in step 3, simple remove the bones. You can also use frozen chicken, just add 1-2 hours of cook time. Use a thermometer to test donees (it should register 165-degrees F in the thickest part of the chicken before you remove it and shred it). Seasoning - You can really use your favorite seasoning here. I love poultry seasoning because it gives Thanksgiving vibes, but garlic and onion powder would be great, too! Smoked paprika and cumin would be great for a smoky creamy chicken variation.
What to Serve with Crockpot Creamy Chicken:
Storage Tips
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the poultry seasoning, salt and pepper on top. Pour the chicken broth around the sides. It might not completely cover the chicken. Add the chicken bullion cube. Cut the butter into 4 pieces, and place 2 on top of each breast. 3. Place the lid on the slow cooker, and set it to HIGH for 3 hours. When done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Whisk the cornstarch into the cold milk, and then stir it into the still-hot crockpot. Add the chicken back in, place the lid back on, and cook on LOW for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will be slightly thickened and ready to serve. Chicken: One pound of boneless, skinless chicken. It can be chicken breasts or chicken thighs. If you use frozen, add 1-2 hours of additional cooking time.Poultry Seasoning: A salt-free blend that consists of dried sage, thyme, marjoram, parsley, and parsley. Milk: Whole milk is best. Do not use any kind of alternative milk that has sweeteners in it.Cornstarch: Do not add the cornstarch directly to the crockpot. It must first be whisked into the cold milk.
