Easy Slow Cooker Recipes Chicken

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So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be honest, who has time for complicated cooking these days? Especially after a long day when the couch is calling your name louder than a siren. Enter the glorious slow cooker. This bad boy is your new best friend. It basically does all the heavy lifting while you’re out conquering the world (or just binge-watching your favorite show). This particular chicken recipe is a lifesaver because it’s ridiculously easy and always turns out delicious. Seriously, it’s so simple, even I didn’t mess it up, and that’s saying something.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 – 2 lbs Chicken Thighs (bone-in or boneless, skin-on or off – whatever you have!): Thighs are forgiving and stay moist. If you’re feeling fancy, breasts work too, but watch them closely so they don’t dry out.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup (or Chicken/Celery): This is the magic binder. Don’t question it, just embrace it.
• 1 packet (1 oz) Dry Onion Soup Mix: Your flavor booster, disguised as a packet of goodness.
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth (or water): Just a splash to get things moving.
• Optional: A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder: Because who doesn’t love extra flavor?
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish: If you want to pretend you’re a gourmet chef.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Grab your slow cooker. Give it a little pat for good luck.
2. Toss your chicken pieces into the slow cooker. No need to get fancy, just dump ’em in.
3. Open the cream of mushroom soup and pour it over the chicken. It’s like a warm, creamy hug for your poultry.
4. Unleash the dry onion soup mix. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken and soup. Mmm, aromatic.
5. Pour in the chicken broth (or water). This helps everything meld together.
6. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle in that garlic/onion powder. Just do it.
7. Put the lid on. Make sure it’s snug. We don’t want any flavor escaping.
8. Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer, the more tender (usually!).
9. When it’s done, the chicken should be super tender and fall apart easily. Shred it with forks, or just serve it whole. Easy peasy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Giving your ingredients some breathing room helps everything cook evenly. Don’t stuff it like a Thanksgiving turkey!
• Forgetting the Liquid: While some ingredients release liquid, adding that broth ensures you don’t end up with a dry, sad mess.
• Opening the Lid Constantly: Every time you peek, you lose precious heat and cooking time. Resist the urge! Your chicken will be fine.
• Underestimating Cooking Time: Sometimes it takes a little longer. It’s better to be a bit overcooked than undercooked and tough.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or maybe you just don’t have what the recipe *specifically* calls for. No judgment here!

• Cream of Chicken or Cream of Celery Soup: These are perfectly acceptable substitutes for mushroom. Pick your poison!
• Water instead of Broth: It won’t add as much depth, but it’ll get the job done.
• Chicken Breasts instead of Thighs: Just be mindful of the cooking time. Breasts cook faster and can dry out if you leave them in too long. Think 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 on high.
• Herbs and Spices: Don’t be afraid to add your own flair! A dash of paprika, some dried Italian herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can transform this dish.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? We’ve got (mostly) straightforward answers!

• Can I use this for meal prep? Oh, absolutely! This chicken is fantastic for shredding and using in sandwiches, salads, tacos, or just eating straight from the container. Your future self will thank you.
• What if I don’t have a dry onion soup mix? Bummer! But don’t fret. You can mix 1/4 cup dried minced onion, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. It’s not quite the same, but it’s close enough!
• Can I add veggies? You bet! Toss in some chopped carrots, potatoes, or onions during the last hour or two of cooking. They’ll soak up all that delicious flavor.
• Is it supposed to be so saucy? Yep! The soup and broth create a luscious sauce. If you prefer it less saucy, you can always drain some off before serving.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers. It should keep for a couple of months.
• Is this healthy? Well, it’s comforting and delicious, which is a win for your soul! If you’re watching sodium, you can look for “lower sodium” versions of the soup and onion mix.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! An effortlessly delicious chicken dish that’s practically begging to be made. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights or when you just want to channel your inner culinary genius without breaking a sweat. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!

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