Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms and Fresh Herbs
If you’re looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that feels elegant yet is incredibly easy to prepare, this creamy chicken with mushrooms and fresh herbs is the perfect choice. Made in the slow cooker, this dish delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety mushroom sauce infused with garlic and aromatic herbs. It’s a satisfying meal that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even casual entertaining.
This recipe uses a flavorful broth-based sauce that still provides depth and richness without compromising on taste. The result is a smooth, creamy mushroom sauce that coats every bite of chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 to 2 pounds total)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, dried basil, thyme, sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. This herb blend builds a flavorful foundation for the creamy mushroom sauce.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 3 minutes per side, just until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Add Mushrooms and Garlic
Sprinkle the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. As they cook, the mushrooms will release their natural juices and enhance the sauce with deep, earthy flavor.
5. Deglaze the Skillet
Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add incredible flavor to the sauce. Let it simmer for about one minute, then pour the broth mixture over the chicken and mushrooms.
6. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender.
7. Make the Creamy Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken breasts and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. Stir this mixture into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Then whisk in the heavy cream until fully combined.
8. Thicken and Finish
Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a silky, creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy mushroom chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even cauliflower mash for a lower-carb option. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 4½ to 5½ hours
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving
This slow cooker creamy chicken with mushrooms is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—an easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.