If you are craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken cooked low and slow until juicy and flavorful, then enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s seasoned just right with a hint of garlic and onion, all served over soft, buttery egg noodles. This dish is a homey classic made easy with the slow cooker, turning dinner into a stress-free event guaranteed to delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each carefully chosen ingredient contributes to a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken breasts to the creamy cheeses and earthy seasonings, every element plays a starring role in bringing the dish together.
- 1 & 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (about 3): Tender, lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully during slow cooking.
- 1/2 onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 (.7-oz) package Italian salad dressing mix: A quick seasoning boost packed with herbs and spices.
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional): Enhances flavor complexity without overpowering—feel free to skip if you prefer.
- 2 tablespoons butter (chopped into pieces): Melts into the chicken for richness and silky texture.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese: Creates a luxuriously creamy base for the comforting sauce.
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick): Used in the sauce, it adds velvety richness.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Provides aromatic warmth and a touch of spice.
- 1/4 cup flour: The thickening agent that gives the sauce its perfect consistency.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce, balancing creaminess with a gentle dairy smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for elevating all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and spice.
- 12 ounces egg noodles (cooked to serve with): The perfect tender base to catch every bit of the delicious sauce.
- parsley (chopped, optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
- sour cream (to garnish, optional): A creamy topping that adds tang and richness, especially on leftovers.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces—this helps the chicken cook evenly and soak up all those fabulous flavors. Place the pieces in your slow cooker along with the chopped onion. Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix over the chicken and onions, then rub it in using your hands to coat everything evenly. This seasoning mix is your shortcut to layers of herbs and spices that brighten the dish.
Step 2: Add the Wine and Butter
Pour 2 tablespoons of white wine down one side of the crock pot—this prevents washing off those seasonings. If you prefer, you can skip the wine, but it does add a lovely depth of flavor. Then, scatter the chopped butter on top of the chicken. The butter will melt during cooking and infuse the meat with silky richness that makes every bite indulgent.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for about 3 hours or low for 4-5 hours. Patience is key here because slow cooking tenderizes the chicken until it’s juicy and flavorful, making the meat fall-apart tender. There’s nothing quite like that melting texture in stroganoff!
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked through, open the lid and add the cream cheese directly into the crock pot. This will create the rich, creamy base that defines stroganoff. Put the lid back on to allow the cream cheese to soften and blend with the chicken, stirring gently to keep the mixture smooth.
Step 5: Prepare the White Sauce
While the cream cheese melts, it’s time to make the signature white sauce that brings everything together. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant—that gorgeous aroma signals the flavor foundation is set. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour to form a paste, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup chicken broth. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Once thickened, season with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Cooked Chicken
Pour the white sauce into the slow cooker and gently fold it into the chicken and cream cheese mixture. If the cream cheese isn’t fully softened, replace the lid and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until everything is silky and melded together. This step ensures every bite is creamy with a velvety texture.
Step 7: Cook the Egg Noodles
While the sauce finishes melding, cook your egg noodles according to the package instructions so they’re ready to serve as the perfect bed for this creamy chicken masterpiece.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the luscious chicken stroganoff over the hot noodles, and you’re ready to dig in. This Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is a true winner that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a subtle fresh note that cuts through the richness beautifully. For an extra touch of tang and creaminess, especially if you’re enjoying leftovers, a dollop of sour cream on top is simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
While egg noodles are a classic partner, feel free to vary your sides to keep things interesting. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery polenta, or even steamed rice soak up the sauce just as well and make great alternatives that keep the meal hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the chicken stroganoff in shallow bowls, which invites those comforting aromas to fill the air as you eat. You might also layer the stroganoff over roasted vegetables for a veggie-packed twist. Individual casserole dishes with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs can add a delightful textured contrast as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making your leftovers tastier the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the stroganoff for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth can help re-loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative that adds extra juiciness and flavor to this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is it necessary to add the white wine?
No, the white wine is optional. It adds a subtle layer of complexity to the dish’s flavor, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, the dish will still be delicious without it.
Can I make this recipe in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stove-top cooking by simmering the chicken gently on low heat until tender, then following the same steps for the sauce. However, the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop more deeply with less hands-on attention.
What can I do if I don’t have Italian salad dressing mix?
If you don’t have that on hand, create a quick substitute with dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of sugar. This mixture will capture a similar herbaceous flavor.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese or milk?
While you can use lower-fat options, keep in mind that the richness of the dish may be reduced. For the best creamy texture and flavor, full-fat cream cheese and whole milk are recommended.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe is the perfect weeknight winner that brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance right to your dinner table. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you savor the tender chicken wrapped in its creamy, garlicky sauce over those buttery noodles, it will become one of your go-to comfort foods.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (240 minutes)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff is a comforting and creamy dish featuring tender chicken cooked low and slow with a rich white sauce. The recipe combines simple ingredients like chicken breasts, Italian salad dressing mix, and a homemade creamy garlic sauce, making it perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Served over egg noodles and optionally garnished with parsley and sour cream, this dish offers a luscious take on classic stroganoff flavors without the need for beef or mushrooms.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts (about 3), chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 (0.7-oz) package Italian salad dressing mix
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, chopped into pieces
Sauce
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- Parsley, chopped (optional, to garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces and place them in the slow cooker.
- Add Onion: Add the chopped half onion to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle the Italian salad dressing mix evenly over the chicken and onions, then rub the seasoning into the chicken with your hands to distribute the flavors well.
- Add Wine: Carefully drizzle 2 tablespoons of white wine on the side of the mixture, avoiding washing off the seasoning. The wine is optional but adds depth of flavor.
- Add Butter: Scatter the 2 tablespoons of chopped butter on top of the chicken mixture to enrich the dish.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for about 3 hours, or on low for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cream Cheese: Once the chicken is tender, open the lid and add the entire 8-ounce package of cream cheese to the slow cooker. Replace the lid.
- Make White Sauce: In a medium skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour to make a paste. Slowly add 1/2 cup chicken broth whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually add 1/2 cup milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Season Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to season the sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the white sauce into the slow cooker over the chicken and cream cheese. Gently stir with a wooden spoon to mix everything together without breaking up the chicken pieces. If the cream cheese has not fully softened, cover and let cook an additional 10-15 minutes to melt and blend.
- Cook Noodles: While the sauce finishes heating, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and keep warm.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken stroganoff over the cooked egg noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream if desired. It also pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or polenta for variety.
Notes
- White wine adds a nice depth of flavor but can be omitted if preferred. There is no need to replace it with anything else.
- Butter is essential for richness and should not be skipped in the recipe.
- If short on time, you can substitute the homemade white sauce with a 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup added directly to the slow cooker after cream cheese.
- Using sour cream as a garnish especially enhances leftovers when the sauce thickens or dries out a bit.
- For best results, avoid stirring too vigorously so the chicken pieces remain intact.
- This recipe can be adapted to serve with other starches such as rice or mashed potatoes depending on preference.
