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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced These main ingredients create the heart of your slow cooker creamy chicken. The chicken breasts give a nice texture. The broth and cream make the dish rich and smooth. The onion and garlic add great flavor. - 1 cup baby spinach - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Adding baby spinach gives a pop of color and nutrients. Fresh parsley on top brightens the dish and adds freshness. You can skip these if you want a simpler meal. - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings enhance the chicken's flavor. Thyme and rosemary bring warmth, while paprika adds a slight kick. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup baby spinach - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it looks clear. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. You want to smell that nice garlic aroma. Next, take the chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary on both sides. Make sure every part of the chicken is coated. Now, place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic over the chicken. This adds a great flavor. Then, pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over everything. Make sure the chicken is covered well. Set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and fully cooked when done. About 30 minutes before you are ready to eat, stir in the baby spinach. Cover the slow cooker again to let the spinach wilt. Once everything is cooked, remove the chicken. You can shred it using two forks or serve it whole. If you shred it, mix the chicken back into the creamy sauce. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. This adds a nice touch and bright flavor. Enjoy your creamy chicken meal! To get the creamiest sauce, start with heavy cream. If you want a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead. Make sure to pour the cream gently over the chicken and broth. This helps it mix well. The slow cooker will blend the flavors over time. Stirring in baby spinach at the end adds a nice touch. It thickens the sauce and adds nutrition. When it's time to shred the chicken, let it cool for a few minutes. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. This makes it easier to handle. Shredding the chicken while it’s still warm helps it soak up the sauce. If you prefer, you can also serve it whole and spoon the sauce over it. Either way, the flavor will be delicious. Timing is key for this dish. If you set the slow cooker on low, cook for 6-7 hours. If you're short on time, the high setting cooks it in 3-4 hours. Check the chicken for tenderness before serving. Adding spinach about 30 minutes before you finish cooking keeps it fresh and vibrant. This timing ensures a tasty and satisfying meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary can elevate the flavor profile of your dish. If available, consider using them instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant taste. Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker adds depth to the flavor and creates a lovely crust that enhances the overall dish. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of cream or use a combination of cream and broth to control the richness. Serve with Sides: This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread, making it a complete meal. Add a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition. {{image_2}} You can make this dish dairy-free easily. Just swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. It adds a lovely, rich flavor. The dish stays creamy and delicious. You won’t miss the dairy at all. Use the same amount of coconut cream as heavy cream. Your taste buds will dance with joy! If you want a change from chicken, try turkey or pork. Both work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Turkey may require a bit more time. Pork tenderloin cooks faster, so check it sooner. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian option. Make sure to season it well! Boost the flavor by adding more herbs or spices. Try fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy taste. Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. These small tweaks can elevate your creamy chicken to new heights! Store any leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, just remember to check for any off smells or changes in color. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date to track how long it’s been in there. To reheat, place the chicken in a pot over low heat. Stir it gently as it warms up. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. This ensures the chicken cooks through safely and stays tender. However, I prefer thawed chicken for better flavor absorption. It really absorbs the herbs and spices well. To thicken the sauce, you can mix cornstarch with water. Use about one tablespoon of cornstarch and two tablespoons of water. Stir this mix into the sauce and cook for an additional 10 minutes. You can also let the sauce cook longer with the lid off. This allows moisture to evaporate, thickening it naturally. Creamy chicken pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed rice - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Garlic bread - Green salad These sides balance the meal and add flavor. Enjoy! This blog post covered the key ingredients for your dish, preparation steps, and cooking methods. You learned tips to make a creamy sauce, shred chicken, and timing for best results. We explored tasty variations and provided storage tips. Reheating methods keep your meal delightful. With this knowledge, you can tackle any recipe with confidence and skill. Enjoy cooking, and remember that with practice, you will improve each time!

Slow Cooker Creamy Herb Chicken

A delicious and creamy chicken dish cooked slowly with herbs and spinach.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary on both sides.
  • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
  • Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the chicken, covering it well.
  • Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the baby spinach and cover again to let it wilt.
  • Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks, if desired. Mix the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce or serve the chicken whole with sauce spooned over it.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Notes

Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Keyword chicken, creamy, herbs, slow cooker