Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious slow cooker chicken stroganoff recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this creamy dish promises a heartwarming experience with minimal effort. Simply set it and forget it, returning hours later to a rich, savory, and tender chicken stroganoff that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove.
Effortless & Creamy: Your New Favorite Crock Pot Chicken Stroganoff
Stroganoff has long been a staple in many households, cherished for its rich, creamy sauce and tender meat. While traditional beef stroganoff holds a special place, our slow cooker chicken stroganoff recipe offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying, alternative. It’s a dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table without the fuss, making it an ideal choice for any day of the week.
We’ve always been passionate about creating simple, delicious slow cooker meals. Our journey with stroganoff began years ago with popular recipes like Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff, Garlic Beef Stroganoff, Crock Pot Steak Stroganoff, and Crock Pot Porter Beef Stroganoff. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce a chicken version that truly captures the essence of this beloved dish, perfected for your slow cooker.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Will Become a Family Favorite
- Unbeatable Convenience: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Simply add your ingredients in the morning, and come home to a fully cooked, mouth-watering dinner.
- Rich & Satisfying Flavor: This recipe delivers a deeply savory and incredibly creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender pieces of chicken. It’s comfort food at its finest.
- Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a pantry full of exotic items. Most ingredients are common staples you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize this recipe to your family’s preferences. Add mushrooms for an earthy depth, incorporate different herbs, or adjust the creaminess to your liking.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: While it’s ideal for a busy weeknight, this chicken stroganoff is also impressive enough to serve guests or bring to a potluck.
Crafting the Perfect Creamy Sauce: Key Ingredients
The magic of any stroganoff lies in its rich and luxurious sauce. Our slow cooker chicken stroganoff achieves this with a thoughtful combination of ingredients that meld together beautifully over hours of slow cooking. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe so special:
Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken Breast: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease and quick cooking. Cubing them ensures they cook evenly and become incredibly tender, ready to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor profile.
- Margarine (or Butter): This adds a foundational richness to the sauce. While margarine is specified, unsalted butter can be used for an even deeper, more classic flavor.
- Italian Salad Dressing Mix (Dry Packet): This is our secret weapon! A packet of dry Italian dressing mix infuses the dish with a complex blend of herbs and spices, providing a savory depth that would otherwise require multiple individual seasonings. It’s an effortless way to boost flavor significantly.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the creamy base of our stroganoff sauce. It’s a convenient shortcut that delivers a consistently smooth and flavorful sauce. For a slightly different twist, you could also use cream of mushroom soup.
- Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese towards the end of the cooking process is key. It melts into the sauce, providing an irresistible tanginess and extra layer of luxurious creaminess that elevates the stroganoff from good to extraordinary. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Sour Cream: A classic stroganoff ingredient, sour cream is stirred in at the very end to provide its signature tangy finish without curdling. Its cool creaminess perfectly balances the rich flavors.
- Egg Noodles: While not cooked in the slow cooker, egg noodles are the traditional and perfect accompaniment to chicken stroganoff. Their soft, broad texture is ideal for soaking up the luscious sauce.
For the best results, we suggest using a crockpot that features a digital timer. This convenient feature allows the slow cooker to automatically switch to a “warm” setting after your meal has finished cooking. This ensures your dinner is perfectly cooked every time and stays warm until you’re ready to serve, eliminating any stress about timing.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Preparing this incredibly flavorful and satisfying chicken stroganoff is remarkably straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious meal:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cubing your boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Combine Initial Ingredients: Place the cubed chicken into your slow cooker. Add the diced margarine (or butter) and sprinkle the dry Italian salad dressing mix over the chicken. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated. This initial seasoning is crucial for building a strong flavor base.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours. This low and slow method allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy, while the flavors have ample time to meld and deepen.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: After the initial cooking time, stir in the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the cream cheese has melted into a smooth, luscious sauce. Cover again, switch the setting to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This final burst of heat ensures the sauce is perfectly thickened and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy: While your stroganoff is finishing, cook your egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. You can either stir the cooked egg noodles directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce, or serve the creamy chicken stroganoff generously spooned over individual portions of egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Stroganoff
- Mushroom Variation: To make this a delicious chicken mushroom stroganoff, simply add 8 ounces of sliced fresh mushrooms (or a drained can of mushrooms) during the last hour of cooking. They will soften and infuse the sauce with an earthy flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, chicken can still become dry if cooked for too long on high. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the most tender results.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. A pinch of salt, a grind of black pepper, or a dash more Italian seasoning can make all the difference.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents lumps and helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives before serving adds a lovely fresh element and brightens the dish.
Serving Your Delicious Chicken Stroganoff
While classic egg noodles are the perfect partner for chicken stroganoff, don’t limit yourself! Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Egg Noodles: The traditional choice, their wide, flat surface is ideal for soaking up every bit of that creamy sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice makes an excellent base, offering a different texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: For ultimate comfort, serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: A thick slice of crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Vegetable Sides: Balance the richness with a simple green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen boneless chicken breasts. However, cooking time may need to be extended by 1-2 hours on low. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will result in an even richer, more succulent stroganoff, as they tend to stay moist during slow cooking. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken stroganoff in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze chicken stroganoff?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture (without the noodles). Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.
Q: What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?
A: If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the hot stroganoff during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Essential Kitchen Tools for this Recipe
- Slow Cooker (with a digital timer recommended)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large spoon or ladle for stirring and serving
- Whisk (for smooth sauce)
More Delicious Crockpot Recipes to Explore
If you love the ease and comfort of slow cooker meals, you’re in the right place! We have a treasure trove of recipes designed to simplify your cooking and delight your taste buds. Don’t miss these other fan favorites:
Crock Pot Hoppin’ John – A hearty and flavorful dish perfect for good luck any time of year.
Easy Vegetarian Crockpot Recipes – Explore delicious plant-based options that are just as simple to make.
Crockpot Taco Meat – Your go-to for effortless taco nights, packed with flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Rice – A foolproof method for perfectly cooked rice, every time.
Crockpot Refried Beans – Homemade refried beans bursting with authentic taste.
50+ Beef Recipes – An extensive collection of beef dishes, many suitable for your slow cooker.
Discover more cream cheese recipes you will love, and explore our full range of crock pot chicken recipes for endless dinner inspiration.
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Crock Pot Chicken Stroganoff
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Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breast boneless, cubed
- 2 Tablespoon margarine diced
- 1 package Italian dressing mix
- 10 ¾ oz Cream of Chicken Soup
- 8 oz Cream Cheese cubed, softened
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- Egg Noodles Cooked, for serving
Instructions
- Add chicken, margarine, and Italian Salad dressing mix in the crock pot, mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, and sour cream. Cover, turn to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over cooked egg noodles.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 315
Recipe originally shared on April 10, 2018. Updated January 2021. Rewritten and expanded for enhanced experience and SEO in 2024.